METS TO ROBBIE: NO SOUP FOR YOU

Steve Phillips and the Mets have decided not to to talk contract extension with second baseman Robbie Alomar until the season is over. Alomar, who is famous for being fickle and moody, took the news in stride:

"I wanted to be a Met until the day that I retire. But sometimes you don't know what's going to happen. I'm going to stay real positive. I still have one more year to go. I feel real comfortable about this year, and if the right situation comes, I'll be a Met until I retire."

..."I don't have any thought that Robbie will be affected or impacted by this negatively," [GM] Phillips said. "I think he's professional and he's been in this position before. He's motivated to go out and have a great season."

Alomar said he wasn't offended by the Mets' position.

"Maybe I feel a little sad that I might not be here," Alomar said. "I want to be here. So we'll wait and see what happens."

WHO'S ON THIRD?

The Shea Hillenbrand-to-the-Mets rumor was revived this weekend, with a new twist. Now, there is talk about the Mets trading an assortment of young pitchers to the Red Sox for Hillenbrand, who would then be moved to the Marlins in exchange for Mike Lowell.

Cliff Floyd has nothing but good things to say about both Hillenbrand and Lowell.

My cousin Gabe lamented last week, that when the Yankees aquire former Mets, they do well in the Bronx, but when the Mets pick up ex-Yankees, they are less than inspiring (Al Leiter notwithstanding). That would all change if the Mets are fortunate enough to somehow land Mike Lowell. In fact, I believe that Lowell would be an outstanding replacement for Edgardo Alfonzo--he's solid, reliable, and even-keeled.

Hmmm. I may become a Met fan yet...