Nymet31
02-15-2003, 02:12 PM
David Lennon
February 15, 2003
Port St. Lucie, Fla. - Mike Piazza kept a relatively low profile this offseason, other than his meeting the Pope. But he knows all about life with the paparazzi in pursuit and understands how Derek Jeter must feel after being labeled as a party animal by Yankees owner George Steinbrenner.
The Boss and Jeter have traded jabs since Steinbrenner criticized his All-Star shortstop for his club-hopping ways earlier this winter. When asked Friday about the feud, Piazza, a fellow Manhattan bachelor, joined Jeter's defense.
"I can only say good things about Derek Jeter," Piazza said. "I don't follow his schedule, so I don't know [about his nighttime habits]. I try to live life in moderation. There's nothing wrong with [partying], you just have to balance it out. I just know what Derek Jeter brings to the table as a player on the field. He's a tremendous competitor, and the last time I saw him, he looked like he was in pretty good shape."
Piazza also says he's fully recovered from the tendinitis in his left wrist that affected his hitting late in the season. After a month off, Piazza said the wrist began showing improvement. "Today I felt pretty strong," Piazza said after Friday's workout. "I just want that to continue into the season."
Extra Bases
Reliever Grant Roberts, who was sidelined for two months last season with tendinitis in his right shoulder, has been bothered again by the same symptoms and is on a more cautious throwing schedule for spring training. General manager Steve Phillips said a recent MRI, Roberts' third in the past year, indicated no structural problems in his shoulder. Surgery was not considered ... For those of you still reeling from the orange jerseys, the Mets are waiting on a shipment of matching hats that feature a blue top, orange visor and black NY
February 15, 2003
Port St. Lucie, Fla. - Mike Piazza kept a relatively low profile this offseason, other than his meeting the Pope. But he knows all about life with the paparazzi in pursuit and understands how Derek Jeter must feel after being labeled as a party animal by Yankees owner George Steinbrenner.
The Boss and Jeter have traded jabs since Steinbrenner criticized his All-Star shortstop for his club-hopping ways earlier this winter. When asked Friday about the feud, Piazza, a fellow Manhattan bachelor, joined Jeter's defense.
"I can only say good things about Derek Jeter," Piazza said. "I don't follow his schedule, so I don't know [about his nighttime habits]. I try to live life in moderation. There's nothing wrong with [partying], you just have to balance it out. I just know what Derek Jeter brings to the table as a player on the field. He's a tremendous competitor, and the last time I saw him, he looked like he was in pretty good shape."
Piazza also says he's fully recovered from the tendinitis in his left wrist that affected his hitting late in the season. After a month off, Piazza said the wrist began showing improvement. "Today I felt pretty strong," Piazza said after Friday's workout. "I just want that to continue into the season."
Extra Bases
Reliever Grant Roberts, who was sidelined for two months last season with tendinitis in his right shoulder, has been bothered again by the same symptoms and is on a more cautious throwing schedule for spring training. General manager Steve Phillips said a recent MRI, Roberts' third in the past year, indicated no structural problems in his shoulder. Surgery was not considered ... For those of you still reeling from the orange jerseys, the Mets are waiting on a shipment of matching hats that feature a blue top, orange visor and black NY