Arrivals and Departures

It seems as though the Mets are going to have a number of roster moves to make in the next two weeks to go along with the ones they already have so far after the break:

A team source said Luis Castillo is expected to return tomorrow which likely spells the end of Justin Turner, who is starting today in the series finale against San Francisco.

Oliver Perez is also finishing up his rehab assignment and could rejoin the team by the end of the week in what Jerry Manuel calls a "lefty vs. lefty" situation.

Jose Reyes is supposedly on track to start tomorrow in Arizona, but we could never be certain until we actually see him take the field. If he doesn't, you have to think about putting him on the DL as it just a waste of a roster spot.

If Castillo returns and Turner is demoted back to AAA Buffalo, that still leaves 4 middle infielders on the roster assuming Reyes isn't placed on the DL. That's too many in my opinion unless Alex Cora becomes the primary backup 1B and 3B. That then makes you wonder what will happen when Fernando Tatis comes back.

If Perez comes back this week, my guess is that Raul Valdes would be sent back to AAA. However, a move like this could really damage the bullpen long term. Valdes just pitched 2.1 innings last night of mop up duty. Yes, he let up two runs during that time, but he was able to get through 2 full innings of work. If Perez is only going to face one or two lefties at a time, there is no long man in the bullpen. The only way to fix that problem would be to move Takahashi back to the bullpen and call up someone like Pat Misch and hope lightning strikes twice with him and R.A. Dickey.

If I had my way, Castillo comes back and BOTH Justin Turner and Ruben Tejada are sent to AAA. Along with Castillo, Nick Evans gets called back to be the primary right handed PH off the bench. He could also played 1B and, not that its needed right now, but OF. (This is contingent on Reyes starting at SS tomorrow in Arizona).

Takahashi is moved back to the bullpen, indications are he will make his next scheduled start Thursday, but I still want him in the pen regardless of that outcome. Pat Misch is recalled to be the starter long term or until the team acquires a pitcher. Oliver Perez is then recalled for his "lefty vs lefty" situation and Valdes is sent down.

Oh, and the team is still carrying three catchers.