HALLELUJAH!!!!!

Mo Vaughn will not play baseball in 2004 and is doubtful for 2005 because of an arthritic left knee.

The injured New York Mets first baseman went on the disabled list May 3 with joint and cartilage damage in his knee and didn't play again last season.

He hoped to come to spring training but after working all winter, Vaughn said in a conference call Thursday that he had been advised not to try a comeback.

"From what the doctors say, it would be tough this season and it's not very bright for years to come," Vaughn said. "It doesn't look good at all. It's a bad situation."