Valentin is back

Michael Morrissey, Mark Hale and Joel Sherman at The NY Post writes about Jose Valentin and him re-signing with the Mets:

Valentin has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with a vesting option for 2008 that would guarantee him $4 million - and considerably more if the option vests.

It's a huge pay raise for the 37-year-old infielder, who earned a relatively economical $912,500 last season and reportedly was courted by a handful of other teams this month. The vesting option for 2008 is based on plate appearances, and the agreement was reached pending a physical.

Valentin batted .271 with 18 homers and 62 RBIs in 384 at-bats, and he played great defense at second despite not playing there since 1994

Valentin was a surprise starter in 2006 after languishing on the bench during the first month of the season, becoming a key component as the Mets climbed to the top of the National League.