Shawn Green informed Mets manager Willie Randolph during batting practice yesterday of his intent to sit out next Friday night's game in observance of Yom Kippur - and to play the Saturday day game against the Marlins, even though that also falls on the Jewish holiday.

Why go only halfway in observing the holy day? "I wanted to observe and recognize it, but I felt it would be more hypocritical to miss both," Green said. "I didn't grow up Conservative or very religious. At the same time, I understand being a Jewish role model as an athlete. I do find it important for people to recognize their faith."