Atlanta — Puffing on his usual post-game cigar, Braves manager Bobby Cox flashed a startled look when asked what he thought of Shea Stadium's total ban on smoking.

"You mean the new one?" he asked, referring to Citi Field, where the New York Mets will begin playing in 2009.

No, skipper. The Mets announced in March that they were going smoke-free in their final season at Shea Stadium. The only area where smokers can light up is a designated area outside the park.

Which brings us to Cox, the longtime Braves manager and cigar aficionado. He'll be at Shea this weekend when the Braves face the Mets in a three-game series.

"I think that's a great idea," he said after Monday night's 7-3 victory over Washington at Turner Field.

Even for himself?

"The clubhouse doesn't count," Cox quipped.

The Mets wouldn't say Tuesday whether the ban does or does not apply to the clubhouses.