Robinson released by Mets despite strong numbers

Kerry Robinson is frustrated but hopeful that things will work out for the best.

Robinson, a former Southeast Missouri State baseball star who has spent parts of six seasons in the major leagues, was released on Thursday by the New York Mets despite having an impressive spring.

Robinson, competing for a reserve outfield spot with the Mets, batted .306 (11 of 36) during exhibition play, with two home runs, one double, eight runs batted in and five runs scored.

"I thought I did enough to make the team," Robinson said. "It's frustrating."

Robinson will spend the next couple of days anxiously waiting -- and hoping -- for a call from another organization as teams finalize their 25-man rosters for opening day.

"There's nothing definite yet," he said. "Hopefully within the next couple of days something will happen."

Robinson, a St. Louis native who played for the Cardinals from 2001 through 2003, was traded to San Diego last season. He batted .293 for the Padres but received just 92 at-bats as he spent part of the season in Triple A.

Robinson left the Padres in hope of a better opportunity and signed with New York. Although the Mets decided to release him rather than send him to Triple A, he said he would have requested a release anyway after not making the major league roster.

"They said they wouldn't really have many bats at Triple A for me, but I was going to ask for my release anyway," said Robinson, who has a career .267 average in 671 major league at-bats. "They have a lot of young outfield prospects [in Triple A], and some veterans.

"I didn't want to have to wait for eight guys to get hurt, just so I could play in Triple A again."