In a report for MLB.com, Marty Noble profiles Jose Valentin, who he feels is most likely to start the season at Triple-A.

…it’s the right move… valentin can go to Triple-A, and wait and see how the Mets bench shakes out through April and May, while working with the team’s minor leaguers like a coach… then, come mid summer, both sides can re-evaluate…

David Lennon of Newsday writes about Howard Johnson, “Who takes it personally when we lose,” according to David Wright.

…he also votes in American Idol… seriously…

According to Steve Phillips from ESPN.com, “Both Pedro Martinez and Ivan Rodriguez could help major league teams this season.”

Phillips says, having watched Martinez in the WBC, “I believe that his shoulder is healthy.”

Lastly, Phillips talked to Rodriguez and says, “The idea that he would sign a deal only if he were the every-day catcher is false.”

…i agree… from what i can tell, pudge wants a guaranteed contract… not a guaranteed job, in the sense that he must start every day… instead, he just wants to know he has a spot on the roster and guaranteed money coming to him… the question is, how much money…

“He’s an unbelievable manager,” Reed told Rubin of Backman.  “Those kind of guys, they believe in you and you see it and it helps you strive to be the player you are.”

Rubin also blogs about an interview Alex Rodriguez did in 2002 about Keith Hernandez using cocaine in the 1980s, and gives a few quotes from Jose Valentin, who is not looking for money, but for one more chance to play in the big leagues.

The Mets signed the 40–year-old Valentin to a minor league deal yesterday, according to published reports, though the team has yet to make an official announcement.

…the thing is, i would almost bet on valentin making the team… the team needs a right-handed bat for the bench, and doesn’t really have any one better than valentin… especially on days when Daniel Murphy and Ramon Castro start, because, at that point, only Fernando Tatis will be a right-handed on the bench…

Valentin, who is a switch hitter, did not play in the majors during 2008, however he hit .262 with a .322 OBP in 550 at bats for the Mets in 2006 and 2007 while playing first base, second, third, right and left field.

Meanwhile, prior to yesterday’s game, Jerry Manuel told reporters that, while Moises Alou could eventually return to action, he is approaching the rest of the season as though Alou will not be back.

Also, Manuel said he will continue to sit Luis Castillo, who is not ‘100 percent,’ suggesting that the second baseman could eventually end up on the disabled list.

“I don’t see Luis moving as well as I’d like to see him moving right now,” said Manuel, adding, “We’re going to do what we can to keep him fresh.”

Speaking of second base, according to Anthony Di Como of MLB.com, though he has not officially retired, Jose Valentin told the Mets he is ‘done playing for the season.’

…lastly, from what i can gather, Angel Pagan is still working hard in St. Lucie while recovering from a shoulder injury…he can throw and catch, and is still working to hit from both sides of the plate…

Delcos’ report also provides injury updates on Moises Alou, Ryan Church and Fernando Martinez.

In 17 at bats for New Orleans this season, while playing first base and designated hitter, Valentin is batting .235 with one extra base hit, four strike outs and a perfectly groomed mustache.

…if he’s hitting, i would like to see him back with the Mets, because i believe he can serve as a player-coach so to speak…not that the Mets can afford such a roster spot, but it’s getting to the point that leadership may trump talent…

Jose Valentin

He had been hitting .320 in seven games during a rehab assignment for Single-A St. Lucie.

Last week, at the baseball blog for the New York Times, Charlie Nobles talked with Valentin, who has been frustrated watching the Mets from the sidelines and believes he can help the team reach their potential.

According to Nobles, Valentin, who had been rehabbing a knee injury, but is now nursing a sore elbow, has been frustrated watching the Mets from the sidelines and believes he can help the team reach their potential.

…while i admire valentin’s work ethic and dedication, and by all accounts he is a great veteran presence in the Mets clubhouse, i have no interest in seeing valentin be apart of the Mets 25-man roster…this team needs to get younger, not older…and, adding a 38-year old coming off knee surgery looking to reclaim what he did two years ago is not the way to get younger…

…i’d rather see the Mets give a guy like Val Pascucci – or one of their higher ceiling minor leaguers – a chance, than give another opportunity to a aging retread….

Obviously, baseball teams are not comprised of dogs, but there is something to the concept that applies. For example, each World Series champion has at least one position player who could be described as an “alpha”, or pack leader.

Back in 1986, the Mets had Keith Hernandez and Ray Knight. In 1969, it was Jerry Grote and Bud Harrelson — as well as Tom Seaver. The last great Yankee teams of the 1990s had Paul O’Neill, among others. The 2007 Red Sox were led by Jason Varitek. The “alpha” may or may not be the best player on the team, but his actions and words transcend statistical value — and causes teammates to follow his lead.

Looking at the 2008 Mets, who is the “alpha dog”?

David Wright could be, but his youth makes it difficult with so many aging veterans on the club. But then, none of the veterans seem to have a strong enough personality to lead the team. Maybe Jose Valentin can fill the role, but it’s doubtful he’ll play every day – generally you want the team leader to be a regular.

If no one takes charge, the question is: can a team without an on-field leader find their way to the post-season?

Stark quotes a baseball insider as explaining:

“Not having Jose Valentin might be the biggest difference between this team and the 2006 team … He not only played well. He’s a tough guy. He kept other players in line. And he added to the toughness and the winning attitude of that team. You look around that clubhouse now, and there’s not one guy like that.”

In regards to Carlos Delgado, Stark reports that two different NL scouts said it is time for the Mets to give up on reviving him, and one scout went as far as calling Delgado “sad.”

On the trade front, Stark lists a large number of starting and relief pitchers to possibly become available in the trade market.

The list includes the following: Joe Blanton, Rich Harden, Bronson Arroyo, Daniel Cabrera, Jeremy Bonderman, Nate Robertson, Miguel Batista, Jarrod Washburn, Brian Fuentes, Huston Street, Chad Cordero, and Jon Rauch.