Second Base isn't as clear cut as the rest of positions for the Mets this season. Although Jose Valentin is the favorite to win the position, if he struggles and a guy like Anderson Hernandez or Ruben Gotay could steal the job with some solid numbers this spring. Both are superior defensively to Valentin, but at the plate is where both struggle much more than Valentin. Valentin is 37 going into the season and if he begins to slip offensively at all, the Mets could have a decision to make regarding the every day second baseman. Pecota has Valentin dropping a little bit at .249/.328/.458 with 11 home runs and 36 RBI. As long as Valentin average stays around the spot it did last year, .273, with sporadic power and the ability to drive in runs when there are runners in scoring position he should be able to keep his position the whole season, but if he begins to struggle look for Mets fans to get antsy regarding Valentin.
When Valentin needs a day off expect either Damion Easley or David Newhan to fill in for him. Both have experience at the position and would be a fine fill-in in the eight hole. Expect both Anderson Hernandez and Ruben Gotay to start the season in the minors getting regular playing time, especially since Willie likes to have veteran guys on the bench, as opposed to young guys.
The Mets shouldn't be that worried about the second base position, considering it is the only position that is lacking offensively. As long as whoever plays gets by and does their job it shouldn't be that big of an issue due to the power and talent of the other seven batters in the lineup.
Check out this video of Gotay and Hernandez flashing a little leather after Joe Smith induced another ground ball during yesterday's game:
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