Mets, Easley agree to one-year contract

NAPLES, Fla. -- Backup infielder Damion Easley and the New York Mets agreed Thursday to an $850,000, one-year contract.

Easley hit .233 with nine homers and 28 RBI in 189 at-bats last season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, playing 27 games at shortstop, 20 at third base, nine at second base, three at first base and one in right field.

"He really feels the Mets are one of the best teams in baseball," said Easley's agent, Paul Cohen. "He's originally from New York and Willie Randolph was one of his heroes growing up."

Easley, who turned 37 last Saturday, came up to the major leagues in 1992 with the California Angels and also has played for Detroit, Tampa Bay and Florida. He was an All-Star in 1998, when he had 27 homers and 100 RBIs for the Tigers.

"He's played a lot of years, but never been to the playoffs," Cohen said.

Mets general manager Omar Minaya was traveling home from the GM meetings and was not available for comment.