Valentin's Back

The Mets have signed Jose Valentin as a free agent. They have signed him to a minor league contract and invited him to Spring Training. This 38 year old individual who missed most of last season due to injuries and who plays a position which four other people played for them last year and are returning this year (Luis Castillo, Ruben Gotay, Daimon Easley, Anderson Hernandez ), has been signed.

The truth is, I think this is a good move on the part of the Mets. I am not sure if Valentin will make it back to the Mets but he has pop in his bat and did a great job hitting in the eight spot in the order. More importantly, Jose Reyes seemed to mature and greatly improve when he played along side Valentin.

I am not suggesting that he would play worse if someone else was playing second base and I like the idea of Castillo and Reyes up the middle, still I think Valentin improves Reyes’ game. Also, considering LoDuca is no longer with the Mets, I don’t know, if Valentin is playing second base, that he can hit eighth because someone needs to be moved into the number two slot and that probably moves most of the other players up a notch. In addition, probably Brian Schneider ends up hitting eighth.

Still, I think Valentin can help the team and if he can’t, certainly the Mets have enough options of other people who can play second base and help out. So, good move Omar Minaya and NY Mets. Lets hope Valentin still has some magic in his bat and his body.