This should make all you Ruben Gotay supporters happy. He was claimed on waivers by the Braves. Steven Register was returned to the Colorado Rockies and Anderson Hernandez was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans.

As much as we like to dream about baseball being just a game, we all know it’s a big business. The game made over $6 billion last year and the commissioner’s salary is $14 million and change.

For all the latest salary information, please click on to The Journal News baseball salary data base.

The Orioles have a couple of hits and runners on the corners against Orlando Hernandez in the third with none out.

Jose Reyes just saved him by turning a soft liner into a double-play.

Baltimore got a bloop single to center, but that was it. Obviously, this is the only way he feels he can get out hitters.

Orlando Hernandez set the Baltimore Orioles down in the first inning, but did it with his familiar high leg kick. He still had little on the ball.

METS

SS Jose Reyes
2B Luis Castillo
3B David Wright
CF Carlos Beltran
1B Carlos Delgado
RF Ryan Church
LF Fernando Tatis
C Brian Schneider
DH Brady Clark
RH Orlando Hernandez

Morning all. Checking out of the hotel, then driving down to Ft. Lauderdale for the game. That’s where the Mets open, so it’s convenient.

We have the fifth starter auditions again today. Orlando Hernandez and Mike Pelfrey. There’s no way Duque is ready. Still, they go through this dog-and-pony show. Still think four and waiting a couple of weeks is the best option.

They mention Jorge Sosa, but I don’t think they really mean it. See you later.

There’s a lot to talk about, so anything is on the table.

The fifth starter issue remains unresolved. It could be determined tomorrow. Or maybe they’ll go with four and wait a couple of weeks. What should they do? Mike Pelfrey or Orlando Hernandez? Jorge Sosa or Nelson Figueroa? Or should they do nothing?

Tell me what you think and vote in the poll.

Third baseman David Wright had the day off. After packing, he threw a football around the parking lot with COO Jeff Wilpon.

“I just want this over with. I know it’s his job if he’s healthy. I just want to know.” – Mike Pelfrey on his competition for the fifth-starter role with Orlando Hernandez.

Of course, had Pelfrey pitched lights out all spring this would be a moot point.

6: Number of base runners stranded today by Fernando Tatis.

Spring record: 19-10-1

Game breakdown: Oliver Perez gave up three runs on seven hits in 6 1/3 innings. … Ryan Church had three hits. … Endy Chavez, Marlon Anderson and Raul Casanova had two hits apiece in the Mets’ 13-hit attack.

Clubhouse chatter: “I don’t have a though either way,” said waived pitcher Steven Register on if he had a preference of returning to Colorado and playing in the Rockies’ minor league system or being traded to the Mets.

Tomorrow: Baltimore at Fort Lauderdale, 1:05 p.m.

-Orlando Hernandez and Mike Pelfrey continue their auditions tomorrow for the fifth starter job against Baltimore. If neither distinguishes himself, Jorge Sosa could get a crack at the role. I threw that idea out a week ago, but my gut tells me they’ll go with Pelfrey and give Hernandez a chance to work out his problems.

-Duaner Sanchez did not make the trip, which eliminated the chance for back-to-back appearances. Don’t count on it happening in the last two games, meaning he won’t open the season on the 25-man roster.

-Ramon Castro’s strained right hamstring is feeling better, but not to where he can play. He said the disabled list is still a possibility. Going on the DL and going with Raul Casanova is probably the way they’ll go.

-Steve Register cleared waivers and will be offered back to Colorado for $25,000. The Mets will then try to work a trade with the Rockies to reacquire him.

-Jose Valentin will return to New York to have his neck re-examined. He believes surgery will be suggested. “If I am all right, they could tell me that over the phone,” Valentin said. True enough.

PHOTO: MLB

METS

CF Endy Chavez
2B Damion Easley
LF Angel Pagan
1B Marlon Anderson
3B Fernando Tatis
DH Ryan Church
C Raul Casanova
RF Brady Clark
SS Anderson Machado
LH Oliver Perez

I’ve seen a lot at Shea Stadium. Mostly Mets, but I also saw the Rolling Stones twice. It has been a fun place to spend the last two summers on a regular basis, and as dumpy as the place is, I will miss it after this season.

The final season at Shea and Yankee Stadium is the focus of our baseball preview section at The Journal News.

I have several features in there and shot a video tour of the place.

Please enjoy.