No inexpensive lefties left for the Mets

For a few weeks late in January and early in February, the Mets flirted with the idea of signing another left-handed bench player, a move that would have effectively completed their 25-man roster heading into spring training.

Perhaps emboldened by Philadelphia's signing of Juan Pierre to a minor league deal, the Mets looked to add a similar outfielder for below market value.

But when Rick Ankiel signed a minor league deal with the Nationals earlier this week, the Mets ran out of cheap available options to fill that void.

Those who remained on the market -- most notably Johnny Damon, Raul Ibanez and Kosuke Fukudome -- all commanded more money than the Mets were willing to shell out for a backup outfielder. So they stood pat.

Although the Mets also could have filled that hole through the trade market, they preferred to hold onto the chips that they have. Barring a last-minute change of heart, Adam Loewen and Mike Baxter will compete for the fifth outfielder's job next month.

"As teams get closer to spring training, there's a greater reluctance to make a big deal because mindsets are established and expectations are created," general manager Sandy Alderson said last month, explaining his lack of action.

For the Mets, those expectations are clear. The lineup will look similar to last year, with Andres Torres taking over for Angel Pagan in center field and Ruben Tejada replacing Jose Reyes at shortstop.

And the rotation will be the same, save for one notable addition, as the Mets still hope to have Johan Santana ready for Opening Day.

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