Second Base Covered

Finally, the Mets agreed to terms with Jose Valentin, giving him a minor league contract and extending him an invitation to spring training.

Thank goodness … after Miguel Cairo signed with the Mariners, there was a very real, very scary possibility of the Mets beginning spring training with only six second basemen (not including Willie Randolph, who might have had to swap the comfy coach’s shoes for player’s spikes).

With Valentin wrapped up, the Mets’ second base depth is still looking precarious, but with a little luck, they should get through July — remember, they can always make a deadline deal if need be.

Here’s the current depth chart at the keystone:

1. Luis Castillo
2. Damion Easley
3. Marlon Anderson
4. Ruben Gotay
5. Jose Valentin
6. Anderson Hernandez
7. Fernando Tatis

Of course, Jose Reyes could play 2B in a pinch … and I imagine David Wright could slide over there if it was absolutely necessary. And there hasn’t been any word as to whether the Mets will bring back Jake “The Snake” Gautreau, who had another injury-riddled season in AAA last year.

We can all breathe a collective sigh of relief now, knowing second base is covered. I think we’re now all set to begin spring training — that WAS the last issue to resolve, wasn’t it?