Clemens Unlikely to Appear at Shea

Met fans can stop salivating: Roger Clemens probably will skip the New York Yankees’ series at Shea Stadium later this month.

The Mets have been angry with Clemens since he beaned catcher Mike Piazza last July 8 at Yankee Stadium. Clemens then threw part of a broken bath in Piazza’s direction in Game 2 of the World Series.

“Who cares. I could care less,” Piazza said. “We’ve got our own problems. I’m not even thinking about it. It’s irrelevant to me.”

Yankee Manager Joe Torre said Friday he is leaning toward revamping his rotation in the next two weeks in an effort to avoid starting Clemens at Shea in the finale of the Yankees’ three-game series there June 17.

Outfielder Jacob Cruz was traded from the Cleveland Indians to the Colorado Rockies, clearing a roster spot for Travis Fryman to come off the disabled list.

In exchange, the Indians receive minor leaguer catcher Josh Bard and outfielder Jody Gerut. The deal was announced after Friday night’s rain-shortened, 7-4 win over the New York Yankees.

In other moves, the Indians activated pitcher Charles Nagy and outfielder Kenny Lofton from the disabled list.

U.S. District Judge James Whittemore, who is considering a request to block major league baseball from drafting a Cuban pitcher, said he can’t base his decision on how much money Rolando Viera might lose if he is not declared a free agent.

Whittemore will focus on a claim by lawyers for Viera that the left-hander would suffer irreparably if he is selected by a team next week.

Florida Manager Tony Perez isn’t sure when right-hander Dan Miceli will be available to pitch again.

Miceli, whose comments sparked the firing of John Boles last week, wasn’t mentally ready to return to the mound, what with all the criticism he has received, according to Perez.