Chavez thriving in role

Chris Girandola at Mets.com writes about Endy Chavez and the role he seems to be born to take with the Mets:

While the Mets felt fairly comfortable in their outfield situation, calling up Lastings Milledge earlier in the season, they did not expect to face the prospect of losing Floyd for substantial time. Chavez's play this season has allowed the Mets to fill other needs accordingly and, with the threat of Floyd possibly being down for some period of time, Chavez's value to the Mets increases ten-fold.

"Everyone's going to be important down the stretch," said manager Willie Randolph.

"Wherever and whenever they need me, I'll help," Chavez said after he hit the game-winning two-run double to beat the Phillies, 4-3, on Saturday. "That's my job right now, and I will do everything I can to help the team win."

Chavez, of course, admits he'd like his performance to translate into more playing time and possibly a starting job. But he's also willing to sacrifice his personal goals for the success of the team.

"I'd like to start, yes, but being able to do anything when called upon for the team is good also," said Chavez, who has appeared in 87 games this season entering Monday, batting .288 with 27 RBIs and 32 runs scored.

Being called upon took a whole different meaning for Chavez on Saturday when Floyd told Randolph after the top half of the first inning that his ankle was hurting and he'd be unavailable the rest of the game. Chavez had been used to preparing himself around the fifth or sixth inning to pinch-hit. The 28-year-old Venezuelan would stretch, do some light running in the tunnel and take some swings in the nearby batting cage.