PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- The Mets announced three roster moves on
Friday, none unexpected. They optioned second baseman shortstop
Anderson Hernandez to Triple-A New Orleans. Chances are he won't
be brought back, unless either Jose Reyes or Luis Castillo is
assigned to the disabled list for an extended period.  Right-
handed pitcher Steven Register, a Rule 5 Draft selection who
impressed the club in early exhibition games, was returned to
the Rockies. The Mets refunded half of the $50,000 drafting fee.
At the same time, second baseman Ruben Gotay was claimed off
waivers by the Braves. That the Mets had sought waivers on him
came as a surprise to some -- including Gotay -- though it
shouldn't have. He would have been the ideal reserve for the
Mets, but his overall defense is ordinary, and the Mets don't
need a switch-hitter who is left-handed dominant to the degree
Gotay is.