"The Mets will have one fewer minor league affiliates next season.

In a move designed to trim costs, the team yesterday announced the elimination of its Port St. Lucie affiliate in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League.

The Mets still will have Rookie teams in Kingsport, Tenn., and at their facility in the Dominican Republic. Mets players who would have spent next season in the Gulf Coast League will be dispersed among Kingsport and the Dominican Republic."