THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 26, 1996 TAG: 9605260222
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C8 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ED MILLER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: 23 lines
The Alex Ochoa watch continues.
New York Mets broadcaster Tim McCarver reported Friday that the Norfolk Tides' rightfielder will be called up to New York as soon as the Mets can trade one of their current rightfielders. McCarver, who cited Mets general manager Joe McIlvaine as his source, said a trade could happen in the next few days.
The 24-year-old Ochoa is considered the top prospect in the Mets organization. He leads the International League with a .362 batting average but has missed the last four games with a strained left hamstring. Met players on the trading block are outfielders Butch Huskey, Carl Everett, Chris Jones and Kevin Roberson.
Tides manager Bobby Valentine said Saturday night that he had not heard the report. Ochoa has said he doesn't pay attention to speculation on when he might be called up. by CNB