Niese gets in parting shot at Amazin’s

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Jon Niese, who was never shy about displaying emotion when his defense betrayed him with the Mets, offered what could be construed as a parting shot to his former team.

“I’m sure what I’ll appreciate more than anything is the way [the Pirates] play defense,” Niese, who was traded to the Pirates for second baseman Neil Walker, told Pittsburgh reporters. “I’m looking forward to that.”

Niese’s departure to the Pirates could signal Bartolo

Colon’s return. The Mets continue to have dialogue with representatives for the 42yearold righthander, whom team officials consider a good option to fill the fifth spot in the rotation until Zack Wheeler returns from Tommy John surgery rehab in June or July.

After announcing the Niese deal, assistant general manager John Ricco said the Mets could go in various directions with the final spot in the rotation. Rafael Montero, Logan

Verrett and Sean Gilmartin are among the team’s internal options.

“I don’t think we have to go out and get another starter, because of those guys,” Ricco said. “But if we want to or see someone who will make us better, I think we will pursue that as well.”

Ricco said Colon’s potential willingness to work from the bullpen if he’s not a fulltime starter makes him an attractive option.

“That is something we would have to discuss with him,” Ricco said. “Obviously he pitched out of the bullpen in the playoffs and did pretty well. … Whether or not he’s at the point in his career where he only wants to be a starter, you have to ask him, but he did look pretty good in that [bullpen] role and what we’ve learned of him, he’s pretty much a teamfirst guy.”

The Mets will hold their annual holiday party on Tuesday at Citi Field with

Steven Matz playing the role of Santa Claus.