The Associated Press

NEW YORK - David Cone's comeback is almost complete. After sitting out the 2002 season, the 40-year-old Cone won a spot in the New York Mets' rotation Sunday and will make his first major league start in 18 months Friday night at Shea Stadium against the Montreal Expos.

"I considered myself a long shot coming in," Cone said from Florida. "I don't think I was a lock. I think I changed some minds, the powers that be."

Mets manager Art Howe, general manager Steve Phillips and owner Fred Wilpon all agreed: When Cone was invited to spring training, it seemed unlikely he would make the team. The Mets just wanted to see if their former ace had anything left. He surprised almost everybody with steady progress all spring.

"He did what David Cone usually does - he just kept getting people out," Howe said. "He kind of stuck his foot in the door and he wouldn't take it out.".

The right-hander went 1-0 with a 4.40 ERA in five spring training appearances, including two starts. Opponents batted only .176 against him and he struck out 12 in 14 1-3 innings.

Cone hasn't pitched in a big league game since Oct. 6, 2001, when he went eight innings to help Boston beat Baltimore.