The Associated Press

NEW YORK - After years of speculation, the New York Mets talked with All-Star catcher Mike Piazza on Thursday about beginning to learn how to play first base.

"We had a very good conversation with Mike," general manager Steve Phillips said. "... Mike was very receptive to the idea and the concept."

Phillips and manager Art Howe met with Piazza before Thursday's game against Los Angeles. But in a move that appeared to annoy their star player, they discussed it publicly before broaching it with Piazza.

"I'm a little perplexed about the whole thing," Piazza said before the meeting. "I don't know what's going on."

Howe and Phillips said earlier this week they didn't expect to talk to Piazza about a possible move in the near future. But the Mets were motivated to consider the move after first baseman Mo Vaughn went on the disabled list Saturday.

"This is the very first step in what will be a process with an undefined timeline," Phillips said. "It's not as easy as taking a couple grounders."

Piazza is considered by many to be the best-hitting catcher ever. A 10-time All-Star, Piazza has hit 339 home runs in his career as a catcher - 12 shy of Carlton Fisk's record.

"Mike's our catcher," Phillips said. "When this thing starts to progress, he'll be our catcher who also plays first base. Where it goes beyond that, I don't know."

MARLINS: Right-hander Josh Beckett's arm ailment was diagnosed as an elbow sprain. He was put on the 15-day disabled list and will resume throwing in a week.

MARINERS: Kazuhiro Sasaki was activated from the disabled list, and manager Bob Melvin said it's likely the closer will be eased back to work in a non-save situation.

INDIANS: Cleveland activated center fielder Milton Bradley, who was batting .375 before a strained hamstring sent him to the disabled list. Outfielder Karim Garcia was put on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left wrist.

YANKEES: Former major-league pitcher Rolando Arrojo signed a minor-league contract and could join Triple-A Columbus next week.