It's the day before Christmas, but D.J. Carrasco may have already received his present from the Mets.
The newly signed reliever could contend for a rotation spot in spring training, a team official told the New York Daily News.
"There are no definites," the source said about Carrasco's role. Although the 33-year-old blossomed as a reliever in the past three years, he does have some starting experience under his belt, making 33 starts in the minors out of 266 games, although the bulk of those starts came in 2007, the year before he emerged as a reliever with the White Sox. However, he also started 20 games in 2005 for the Royals before taking a three-year hiatus from the majors.
The reason for Carrasco's shot has to due with depth -- the Mets have none, especially with ace Johan Santana out for at least the first half. The rotation is currently headed up by Mike Pelfrey, R.A. Dickey and Jonathon Niese. That leaves two open spots, one of which Dillon Gee is expected to contend for. New York plans to bring in some other competition as well, but the door is wide open for Carrasco to fill the role.
-- Evan Brunell
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