Mets Acquire Conine
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According to Metsblog ( www.metsblog.com), the New York Mets have obtained veteran 1B/OF Jeff Conine from the Cincinnati Reds for two prospects. The deal makes tons of sense for the Mets as Conine adds a right handed bat off the bench and can backup Carlos Delgado at 1st, and both Alou and Green on the corners. For most of the season, the Mets have been carrying four, if not five, second basemen. Until Easley went on the DL, the Mets had Castillo, Gotay, Anderson, and Easley on the roster each of whose natural position is 2nd base. Anderson and Easley were forced into being utility players and actually playing meaningful innings in the outfield.
When Easley was injured, instead of calling up a natural outfielder, the Mets inexplicably called up Anderson Hernandez, yet another middle infielder, and one who can't play the outfield. I would expect that the Mets will send AHern back to AAA when Conine reports, giving them a better balanced bench. In addition, the Mets will make another move when Endy Chavez comes off the DL which should be soon. I would not be surprised if they sent down a player like Gotay only to be called up days later when the rosters are expanded.
This is a small move, but it is a good one.
