Around the minors

On Thursday night, the minor league season opened and several of the Mets' top arms, some of whom might be able to find a spot in the major league rotation around 2007 or so, took to the mound.

Scott Kazmir, of course, had a rough night for St. Lucie, lasting just an inning and two-thirds, giving up a run on three walks and two hits, including a home run, while striking out one. But just like in the majors, the Mets' offense had no trouble, as the bats led the team to a 9-4 win. Rightfielder Alhaji Turay had a home run in four at bats. Leftfielder Bobby Malek had a double and a triple in four at bats. Justin Huber, rehabbing minor injuries and playing DH before heading up to Binghamton to catch, went two for four. And third baseman Aaron Baldiris had a double and a walk in four plate appearances.

Matt Peterson for some reason didn't start for Binghamton, but he did pitch five innings in relief in a 4-3 loss, giving up two runs on seven hits, including a home run, while striking out six and walking none. David Wright (fresh off posting his latest journal entry) got right to work in his AA debut hitting a double that either just missed going over the wall or actually went out and bounced back in, depending on who's telling the story, and walking in five times up. But just as in the majors, the talented defender had a rough night in the field, as Wright made an error at third. Shortstop Chris Basak went one for three with a double.

The best news of the night may have come in a 2-1 Norfolk loss, where Aaron Heilman struck out nine over five and two-thirds innings, walking two and allowing three hits and one run. Victor Diaz got the start in rightfield and accounted for the Tides' run with a solo home run.  ¶ joe | 3:30 PM |