N.L. reports

NEW YORK METS Owner Fred Wilpon all but ruled out candidates with no major league managerial experience to replace Art Howe, whose firing was announced last week. That means former Mets players Gary Carter and Lenny Dykstra likely won't be considered.... September call-up Victor Diaz, 22, immediately made an impact. He looks like a miniature Manny Ramirez, though he doesn't have Ramirez's power. The Mets project him as a starting outfielder who will be capable of driving in 90 runs and hitting .300. SCOUTING REPORT: Eric Valent has emerged as a solid pinch hitter and utilityman; he has been one of the club's few bright spots. Valent has good hands at first base. He also has played right and left field and hasn't looked shabby out there, displaying a decent arm and range. He had 12 homers (three as a pinch hitter) through 233 at-bats.--Kevin Czerwinski

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES CF Jason Michaels entered the week with two 4-hit games in September and is hitting over .300 for the month, solidifying his role as a starter. He has played so well the club doesn't replace him for defense late in games. Michaels plans to play winter ball.... RHP Kevin Millwood is back as a starter, so the team might go with a six-man rotation. Millwood will be limited initially, although he hopes to reach six innings by season's end.... CF Marion Byrd works hard, but his play has put him on the bench. SCOUTING REPORT: 1B Ryan Howard has an unusual batting stance for a large, lefthanded power hitter--he crouches with his knees slightly bent. The coaches have been impressed by the way he hammers balls. But the Phillies drink he doesn't run well enough to play another position, so his long-term future could be with another organization.--Ken Mandel

PITTSBURGH PIRATES Losing LHP Sean Burner for 2005 (elbow) will have a big impact on the offseason. LHP Oliver Perez and RHPs Kip Wells and Josh Fogg are the only rotation locks for next season. RHPs Ryan Vogelsong and John Van Benschoten and LHP Dave Williams must show progress now. Otherwise, the team again must search for a veteran free-agent starter.... OF J.J. Davis' days with the team appear over. After an injury-laden season, he likely will be traded or released. SCOUTING REPORT: IF Freddy Sanchez was slow to recover from offseason ankle surgery and spent most of the year at Class AAA. An outstanding contact hitter, he must prove he still has mobility. If IF Abraham Nunez doesn't re sign, Sanchez could be the primary backup to SS Jack Wilson and 2B Jose Castillo.--Ed Eagle

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS RHP Kiko Calero (shoulder tendinitis) returned from a monthlong stint on the D.L. and reestablished himself as a critical piece of the bullpen. He is pitching in big situations, and he didn't allow a hit in three of his first five outings after returning.... One potential weakness in the postseason could be the team's lack of a righthanded threat off the bench, which could leave the Cardinals susceptible in late-inning situations. But such a strong lineup shouldn't need pinch hitters too often. SCOUTING REPORT: RHP Jason Marquis is extremely reliant on a heavy sinker that reaches the low 90s. When he throws it for strikes low in the zone, he gets a lot of ground balls. Marquis, who can struggle with his control, also mixes in a breaking ball and a cut fastball. He is an excellent competitor who has learned to minimize the damage when he gets in trouble.--Matthew Leach