Santana could have been unbeaten, but the Mets twice lost games he started against the Marlins - the first in Miami when Daniel Murphy's dropped fly ball led to two unearned runs and a 2-1 loss, the other at Citi Field when J.J. Putz couldn't protect a lead.

Santana has received the honor in consecutive months. He went 4-0 with a 1.87 ERA in September. He has won the monthly award eight times in his career.

Ramon Castro, who last week rode the bench as Omir Santos handled the bulk of the catching duties, matched a career high with three hits while starting his third straight game last night.

"I'm a positive guy," Castro said about the recent lack of playing time, including being pinch-hit for in the ninth by Santos with the bases loaded and two out against the Marlins. "I'm going to stay positive all the way."

Santos likely will be optioned to the minors when Brian Schneider returns, but that may take a while. Manager Jerry Manuel said Schneider is not expected to resume playing in extended spring training games until Monday, after giving a sore calf muscle time to rest.

Daniel Murphy is out early with outfield coach Razor Shines nearly every day, and the left fielder has incorporated a new wrinkle into his preparation. Three times a week, Murphy practices throwing with a 12-ounce Baseball, roughly seven ounces more than a standard ball. The goal is for the converted infielder to bulk up his arm strength.

The hard-working Murphy even joined Jeremy Reed in taking ground balls at first base yesterday afternoon, but was soon shooed away by Mets personnel for fear he was overworking.

"Hey, Murphy, you had enough. That ain't from me. That's from him," Shines shouted as he gestured toward Manuel.

Tim Redding's scheduled rehab start for Triple-A Buffalo last night was rained out. ... Francisco Rodriguez is scheduled to receive his AL Rolaids Relief Man of the Year award for his recording-setting 62-save season with the Angels before tonight's game.