Beltran pays for Niese's nose job
Mets pitcher Jon Niese during a spring training workout at Port St. Lucie, Fla. (Feb. 23, 2012) Credit: Newsday / Alejandra Villa
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Jon Niese was pleased to hear Thursday that his new nose won't cost him a cent. Carlos Beltran, who pledged last season to pay for the nose job for Niese, said he received the bill and will cut him a check later in spring training.
"He ended up doing it, and I have to pay for it," Beltran told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "I did get the bill. I've waited to go there and give it to him personally."
The procedure cost about $10,000, and Niese said it was not covered under his health insurance because it is considered cosmetic surgery, even though it has helped him with his breathing. Niese said it was Beltran who convinced him to have the operation.
Beltran just signed a two-year, $26-million contract with the Cardinals and has earned nearly $135 million. Niese, who is not arbitration- eligible until 2013, will make roughly $500,000 this season.
"I thought he would do it," Niese said. "He's a good guy."
Ike OK
Ike Davis returned from New York, where the team's medical staff determined that his minor lung infection is nothing to be concerned about. Davis worked out with the Mets Thursday and does not require any medication.
"They cleared me," Davis said. "It was quick. It's going to go away . . . I don't feel sick. Honestly, I feel fine."
Jenrry Mejia threw 15 pitches off a mound for the first time since his Tommy John surgery last May. The Mets are still deciding whether to use him as a starter or reliever when he does return to pitch in games, but that decision won't need to be made for another few months. Terry Collins said there is a chance he could pitch in the majors this season . . . The Mets will play three intrasquad games March 2-4.
