Mets sign veteran P Villone to minor league contract Port St. Lucie, FL (Sports Network) - The New York Mets signed veteran relief
pitcher Ron Villone to a minor league contract, which includes a invitation to
spring training, on Friday.
In 74 games with the Cardinals last year, Villone produced a 1-2 record with
a 4.68 earned run average. Villone, 39, has played with 11 teams during his
career that began with the Mariners in 1995.
He has appeared in 654 games during his career, recording a 56-59 mark with a
4.75 ERA. Villone has also started 93 games.... More...
Jose Reyes (oblique) played catch and took batting practice before the Mets' game on Sunday and should be back in action sometime next week, according to MLB.com. "Reyes is better," said manager Jerry Manuel. "He indicated to me that he thinks he can start one of these games in Washington. He did not say which game, but he felt like he could start one of those games. Won't be [Monday], that's too soon."
Our View:The Mets face the Nationals from Monday to Wednesday, so it sounds like Reyes will be back by Wednesday. We'd still recommend finding someone else to start at shortstop, though you should get somewhere between three to five games out of Reyes if you must start him.
The Mets will skip Johan Santana's (pectoral) scheduled start on Tuesday, according to ESPN's Adam Rubin.
Our View:Santana felt fine in a bullpen session on Sunday, but there's no reason for the Mets to risk starting there ace when they're out of playoff contention. Still, this injury does not sound very serious, and he may still make his following start.
