Trying to fill out their spring roster, the Mets signed infielder Jose Valentin to a minor league deal, reportedly worth $800,000 if the former starter makes the major league roster.
Valentin is coming back from injury which pretty much kept him out all of last season, with a pinched nerve in his neck suffered during Spring Training.
But back in 2006, the 39 year-old had a banner year, hitting .271 with 18 homers are the Mets’ No. 1 second baseman. Yet, he broke his tibia the following season, which prompted general manager Omar Minaya to trade for Luis Castillo.
The Mets will need some bodies in Spring Training, especially on the infield with Carlos Delgado, Jose Reyes, and David Wright going to the World Baseball Classic. Because of that, Valentin will get a long look and could possibly make the team as a righthander off the bench, since the Mets are looking for someone to fill that role.
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