Despite Gary Carter's assurances that he's only a phone call away, the Mets dialed Binghamton instead Friday to call up their newest guy, Nick Evans, who's expected to be in uniform today when the Mets continue their series in Colorado.

Evans will replace Marlon Anderson, who while fast approaching the day where the team would have to make a hard decision on him one way or another, pulled a hamstring and hit the disabled list instead.

Evans, we hear, is a right-handed power hitter who can play first, third and fake it in the outfield. He may be in the lineup this afternoon against Jeff Francis.

He's listed as No. 24 on the Bingo roster... we'll update you on his digits when we know 'em. ... but I like Gene's ida from thne comments in the below entry: Show Carter what you think of his grandstanding and dress him in 8.