Cone, as in Done (May 30): Leave it to the Mets to see a player retire -- and have him replaced by guy even older. That was the news today when 40-year-old worn-out warrior David Cone 16 called it a career and was replaced on the roster by 42-year-old rehabbed reliever John Franco 45. Good luck to David, who joins Mo Vaughn among pretty good players who seem to have spent their last days of their careers with the '03 Mets.

Injury Update du Jour (May 26): The Mets finally got around to disable-listing gimpy outfielder Timo Perez 6 and re-calling grumpy infielder Rey Sanchez 10. Meantime, David Cone 16 has re-joined the team, taking the place of lefty reliever Jaime Cerda 43, who was returned to Norfolk for the second time this year.

Welcome Back, Burnitz (May 23) The Mets arrived in Atlanta today with a healthy Jeromy Burnitz 20 in tow -- and centerfield. 'Nitz missed more than four weeks with a broken hand. To make room, the Mets sent Jeff Duncan 61 back to the minors. Meantime, Jay Bell 44 joined the wounded list and lefty reliever Pedro Feliciano 55 was recalled.

Mets get high (May 18): With Jason Middlebrook 27 again returned to Norfolk, the Mets prior to today's game called up AA outfielder Jeff Duncan -- and issued him the lofty No. 61! Should Duncan see action he will be the first Met to wear that number ever. (Pending confirmation of one report showing Mario Ramirez wore it 1980 and Jesse Orosco in 1979).

Disaster (May 17): Mike Piazza has a new position -- reclined. He was carried off the field along with what little remained of realistic hopes for a good summer last night in San Francisco, leaving the Mets with little recorse but to re-call Jason Phillips 23 for a fourth time this year, and crossing their fingers. This isn't good. Another, albeit less important, starting player went on the disabled list two days before when Rey Sanchez 10 was disabled and Marco Scutaro 26 called up for the first time this year.

Strange Up, Phillips Down, Strickland hurt, Cerda back (May 11): The Mets on Saturday began packing for their upcoming visit to Denver by calling up pitcher Pat Strange 38 and demoting yo-yo/catcher Jason Phillips 23. Strange was up briefly this season but did not play. Here's his chance. On Sunday, the Mets put reliever Scott Strickland on the disabled list with a grioin thingy, and recalled AAA reliever Jaime Cerda 43.

No Mo Mo (May 7): His knee destroyed under the weight of his wallet, Mo Vaughn 42 went onto the disabled list Sunday. To take his place the Mets again called up Jason Phillips 23.