1.   And Torre shudders at the thought of having two rookies as his starting middle infielders.

2.   Meanwhile, Phillips was about to dislodge another starting infielder.

3.   The starting infielders are first baseman Jeff Bagwell and second baseman Craig Biggio of Houston, shortstop Barry Larkin of Cincinnati and San Diego third baseman Ken Caminiti.

4.   The three players mentioned above were starting infielders for World Series-winning teams.

5.   They have been playing without two starting infielders, their best outfielder, two catchers, one utility player, one starter and three relief pitchers.

6.   Yes, the Mets came into the Bronx with as many starting infielders and outfielders disabled or banged up as not.

7.   First baseman Sean Casey, the last healthy starting infielder, left the game after straining his lower back while running the bases in the sixth.