NEW YORK – Shea Stadium has always been known as a pitchers park. In fact, even the greatest of hitters have been humbled by the old ballyard’s large dimensions and swirling winds.

But, new Met outfielder Xavier Nady is actually looking forward to standing at the plate in Flushing.

“I actually enjoyed it, when I was here last year,” said Nady at the Mets’ Winter Caravan a few weeks back, “[San Diego’s] Petco Park is a big park too. For some reason, I see the ball well [at Shea] and that’s all you can ask for.”

The Mets are hoping that’s the case as they will be relying on the 27 year-old to step up in the right field slot along with Victor Diaz. Acquired for Mike Cameron on November 19 from the San Diego Padres, Nady will be starting early this year to get ready for 2006.

“I have been training all winter in San Diego,” the outfielder said. “And I will probably go to camp early to get things rolling.”

The California native is looking to build upon a 2005 when he hit .261 with 13 home runs and 43 RBI in 326 at bats. He showed improvement over his other two big league seasons, so the Mets are expecting him to take the next step.

And he will have to do it in New York, where baseball microscope can burn the toughest player.

Nady said he has been to the city once, when the Padres came into town last summer and then it was only to play baseball. Now he gets to enjoy everything the Big Apple has to offer.

“I am excited, I never spent much time back east,” relishes Nady, who was informed of the trade when he was on vacation in Mexico. “It’s a fun city and a great place to play baseball, so I look forward to it.”

Especially playing for the Mets.

“Things happen for a reason and this is a great group of guys,” he added.