New York Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden is...

New York Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden is expected to appear in court in Tampa, Fla., today to answer charges of resisting arrest and of battery on a police officer.

“He will be there,” said Ron Cacciatore, Gooden’s attorney. Cacciatore refused to disclose how Gooden would plead. However, Gooden’s agent, Jim Neader, said he thinks the charges will be resolved.

“I think it will be settled,” Neader said. “I doubt it will have to go to trial.”

A no-contest plea requires a court appearance, but an innocent plea can be submitted in writing, according to Chief Assistant Hillsborough State Atty. Chris Hoyer. Under Florida law, Gooden can plead innocent, guilty or no-contest.

Gooden, the 1985 National League Cy Young Award winner, was arrested with four others Dec. 13 on charges of resisting arrest with violence. Gooden was also charged with a second count of battery against a police officer. Both of the third-degree felonies are punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.