Luis Castillo, age 34
2010 contract: $6M (’08-’11)
2009 stats: .308 avg, 1 hr, 36 rbi, .355 slg
Career stats: .293 avg, 28 hr, 422 rbi, .355 slg

It’s true that Castillo has shocked every Met fan at how well he’s played. His average is ninth in the National League but his ability to hit singles and sac-bunts may not be helpful to the Mets if they are going for a playoff run next year. Castillo has been able to stay healthy (for the most part) and his defense has been at par if you take away his dropped ball against the Yankees. I still don’t think his singles and his few stolen bases are enough to get the Mets into the playoffs.

Verdict

No, best of luck to Castillo next year but he is more suited for a team that needs a reliable base runner and is a more likely competitor for the playoffs. I say deal away Castillo for something the Mets need for next year.

Orlando Hudson, age 31
2010 contract: no contract
2009 stats: .285 avg, 9 hr, 62 rbi, .415 slg
Career stats: .282 avg, 77 hr, 434 rbi, .430 slg

I was surprised the Mets did not get Orlando Hudson this offseason. The guy was basically begging to play for the Mets. His past numbers have proven he’s an offensive plus to the team and his defense, well you’ve all seen how great that is. He would be a great defensive and offensive bonus to the team and he was younger than I thought he was so he would be around longer than Castillo would.

Verdict

Yes, there’s no doubt in my mind that Hudson would be a bonus to the Mets. He’s someone the Mets need to go for during the offseason. His defense is spectacular and he can hold his own at the plate.

Dan Uggla, age 29
2010 contract: no contract
2009 stats: .240 avg, 30 hr, 85 rbi, .456 slg
Career stats: .257 avg, 120 hr, 355 rbi, .482 slg

We’ve all seen Uggla play poorly in last year’s All-Star game, probably the worst defensive player in the National League as well. But his offensive power makes up for it. He has consistent power numbers but his average is sub-par and he even he may not be able to reach the CitiField walls.

Verdict

No, Uggla may have power but the Mets say they are going to work on defense, speed and pitching. Everything Uggla doesn’t have. He could help the Mets in the power department but that’s all he’s good for.

Ben Zobrist, age 28
2010 contract: none
2009 stats: .286 avg, 24 hr, 79 rbi, .518 slg
Career stats: .253 avg, 39 hr, 136 rbi, .444 slg

Ben Zobrist is coming off the best season of his young career and is someone the Mets could use at second. He plays hard, runs hard, hits hard. The only disconcerting thing about Zobrist is his average. His average has been constant, consistently decent. Nothing spectacular in that department but the rest of his numbers are great and with guidance from the veterans on the team he would be a great fielder and hitter.

Verdict

Yes, Zobrist has proven himself down in Tampa and played well when they played the Mets earlier this year. He is someone that has heart and plays his hardest. His young age is helpful to the Mets if they are going to try to build up on future players.

Other possibilities…

Wilson Valdez - No, he’s done a decent job at filling in for the injured Alex Cora and Jose Reyes but he’s not in the Mets plans for next year.

Argenis Reyes – No, he let me down this season, he had a decent season last year with the help of Jose but he was useless to the Mets this year.

Ramon Martinez - No, hahahaha sorry needed a laugh. The guy has been out longer with a sprained pinky than A-Rod was with his hip surgery.

Alex Cora – Yes, despite getting injured several times he’s done well as the Mets platoon middle infielder and the Mets should bring him back. Maybe not for another two million but for less.

Anderson Hernandez - No, he only came back to the Mets to help fill in for the injured middle infielders. You’ve lost your marbles if you thinks he’s coming back next year.

As a roundup…

Yes – Alex Cora, Ben Zobrist, Orlando Hudson.
No – Argenis Ryes, Luis Castillo, Dan Uggla, Anderson Hernandez, Wilson Valdez, Ramon Martinez.

Infielder Argenis Reyes was called up to take Martinez’s spot on the roster. Martinez will likely retun to the minors after his rehab stint.

By my count I think this is the fourth or fifth knee injury.

The New York Mets today announced that they have selected the contract of infielder Argenis Reyes from Buffalo (AAA) of the International League and designated lefthanded pitcher Jon Switzer for assignment. Reyes will wear #11 and will be available for tonight’s game vs. St. Louis. His bio can be found on page 433 of the 2009 Mets Media Guide.

Reyes, 26, was hitting .296 with 19 runs scored, eight doubles, two triples, one home run, 13 RBI, and nine stolen bases in 45 games with the Bisons.

Since May 1st, the switch-hitter was batting .315 (35-111) with seven doubles, two triples, one home run, and 11 RBI. He had a 10-game hitting streak from May 19th-June 15th. He missed two weeks, May 30th-June 15th with a groin contusion.

The 5-10, 180-pounder hit .218 (24-110) with 13 runs scored, one home run and three RBI in 49 games with the Mets in 2008. In addition, he hit .283 (88-311) with 11 doubles and 22 RBI with New Orleans (AAA) of the Pacific Coast League last season.

Switzer appeared in four games with the Mets, tossing 3.1 innings and surrendering four hits and three runs. 

Argenis was having a nice season… Lets see if he can help.