Gotay For 2008

Just about the only thing keeping the Mets from making Ruben Gotay the regular second baseman is Jose Valentin.

Here’s Valentin’s contract:

Signed deal for 2007 season worth $3.8M on 11/14/06- + the deal includes a team option for 2008 worth $4.3M- + the option becomes guaranteed with 400PA in 2007- + he can earn performance bonuses in 2007 and 2008- + 2006 salary: $912,500 (+ $300K in performance bonuses), 2005: $3.5M.
Source: MLB4U

So in a nutshell the Mets won’t really bench Valentin because of his contract and are probably not going to extend him if Gotay continues to hit the way he has been.

I mean no disrespect to Jose in any way. I’m simply thinking about the future before I focus on the present.

So, if indeed, Ruben Gotay continues to hit the ball at the level he has been (.308BA, 2HR; 9RBI), I think it’s safe to say that we are getting a good look at the Mets 2008 second baseman.