PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Mike Cameron's agent told the New York Mets they should stop entertaining trade offers for the outfielder.
Cameron had been the Mets' center fielder before Carlos Beltran agreed in January to a $119 million, seven-year contract. New York plans to start Cameron in right field and his agent, Mike Nicotera, telephoned general manager Omar Minaya on Tuesday night in an effort to end trade rumors.
"I need to move forward, and I'm tired of answering the same questions every day about it," Cameron said before Wednesday's
game against St. Louis was rained out. "I'm sure there are going
to be trade speculations, but there's nothing I can do about it. I
just felt it was best for me to let Omar know to let me be for now.
"It was all about getting some kind of clarity."
Cameron, 32, is recovering from wrist surgery. Minaya said he had not been actively seeking to trade the former Gold Glove center fielder.
"I think it's very good news. He wants to stay and play in right field. I've said all along that Mike Cameron is a team
player, and this proves it," Minaya said. "I've always thought
Mike wanted to be on board, and I really feel comfortable about
that today. But it's really a credit to Mike Cameron about him
putting the team first."
Notes
RHP Pedro Martinez, who had been scheduled to pitch, threw
in simulated game conditions. Pitching coach Rick Peterson said
Steve Trachsel will start Thursday against Baltimore. "Rick has
his rotation set up and lined up for the season, and he's really
prepared and wants to handle it this way," Minaya said. ... 1B-OF
Brian Daubach and RHP Joey Hamilton agreed to minor league
contracts. The 33-year-old Daubach batted .227 with two HRs and
eight RBIs in 30 games for Boston last season.