NEW YORK — Seattle shortstop Alex Rodriguez will be the biggest star on the free-agent market this winter. But New York Mets left-hander Mike Hampton could be close behind.

        Hampton will command $12 million a year or more after finishing the regular season 15-10 with a 3.14 ERA. He enhanced his status by being named MVP of the National League Championship Series, winning two games and pitching 16 shutout innings.

        But Hampton, tonight's starter for Game 2 of the World Series, said the big payday is far from his mind.

        “I haven't had the opportunity to think about anything beyond this series,” said Hampton, who has won 63 regular-season games in the last four years. “That's where my thinking is going to be the entire time.”

        Hampton said before his NLCS Game 5 assignment against St. Louis that he was ready to pitch the game of his life. He proceeded to pitch a three-hit shutout last Monday. This time, Hampton avoided such dramatic announcements.

        “I think everything's lined up for me physically and mentally to pitch well,” he said.

        SEATED SLUGGER: Jose Canseco didn't make the Yankees' roster for the American League Championship Series against Seattle, but manager Joe Torre included him on the team for the World Series, sensing that he'd need an extra right-handed bat.

        Still, that doesn't mean Canseco definitely will play in the Series. That leaves the man with 446 lifetime home runs feeling a little strange.

        “It's extremely difficult,” Canseco said. “Obviously, it's a great thing to be in the World Series. ... I'm healthier than I've been in a long time. It's definitely tough (not playing), knowing how much impact I can have on a game.”

        PRATT'S LUCKY FALL: It's no exaggeration to say Todd Pratt was the most appreciative player in Yankee Stadium.

        Pratt has been cast aside seven times in his 16-year professional career, which he has spent as a backup catcher.

        “It really is the pinnacle of my career,” Pratt said. “Having the opportunity to start today is an accomplishment. We work as hard as we can at our jobs. One day we hope we reach the final step, and today's that day for Todd Pratt.”

        Pratt, who hit .275 in 80 games this year, received his chance when Mets manager Bobby Valentine decided to use No.1 catcher Mike Piazza as the designated hitter.

Associated Press coverage

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