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'We have an understanding' Henderson, Valentine meet to clear the air
Posted: Friday February 25, 2000 07:06 PM
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) -- Rickey Henderson and Mets manager Bobby Valentine finally had their meeting Friday. "We had a little talk, and everything he needed to be resolved was talked out," Valentine said after the get-together in his office. "We have an understanding that last year was a wonderful year for both of us, and we feel we can have a wonderful year in the year 2000 and beyond." Since Henderson reported Tuesday, a day after the other position players, he had complained about being lifted in the late innings last season for defensive replacements. He also says he won't go to Japan for the season-opening series against the Chicago Cubs and thinks he's on the trade block, but he also says the Mets won't deal him because they have no other leadoff hitter. "He understands totally what I have to do and I understand totally what he has to do, and we're going to do it together," Valentine said. "We're on the same page now, seeing eye to eye. We have all of our messages corresponding to each other." Valentine said he was not changing any of his plans or thoughts about the Mets outfield this season as a result of sitting down with the career stolen base leader. Valentine has repeatedly stated that Henderson will be the team's starter in left field and the leadoff hitter. He's also maintained he will substitute for him late in the game when situations warrant.
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