Roster Moves: Mets Sign Sullivan, Church, Pagan and A. Reyes

Well, this is interesting.

The Mets just signed a left-handed hitting defensive outfielder known more for his glove than his bat - and it wasn't Jeremy Reed. On the surface, I don't see anything resembling a fit - Sullivan, Reed and the newly-signed Angel Pagan are all basically the same player, except that Pagan is a switch-hitter. It would be foolish to have two good glove, no-hit outfielders on the roster, especially since none of the players previously mentioned can steal a base. I just can't see why the Mets would carry more than one of them on the 25-man roster, especially considering that left-handed hitting Marlon Anderson is still in the mix for an outfield backup spot as well.

That leads to an obvious question - is a trade in the works? Sullivan just signed for $300K less than Reed, although with incentives they culd end up roughly making the same amount. Reed is two youngers younger and although the label of "failed prospect" has been attached, there's always someone willing to take a chance on a lightning in a bottle.

As for Church, he will be starting in right field next season and, if he stays healthy, will be given 150 games to prove, once and for all, if he can be an above-average player at the major league level. Pagan will fight for a backup job in the Mets' outfield, but I'm betting that his remaining minor-league options will work against him.

Also, Aregenis Reyes is back in the system, signing a minor-league deal. He'll play for Buffalo next season and is not included below, because he hasn't been added to the 40-man roster.

STARTING PITCHERS
Johan Santana*
Tim Redding
Mike Pelfrey
John Maine
Jon Niese (renewable)

RELIEF PITCHERS
Francisco Rodriguez*
JJ Putz
Pedro Feliciano
Duaner Sanchez
Darren O'Day (Rule V)
Rocky Cherry (Rule V)
Brian Stokes (renewable)
Sean Green (renewable)
Eddie Kunz (renewable)
Carlos Muniz (renewable)
Robert Parnell (renewable)
Conor Robertson (renewable)
Brandon Knight (renewable)
Billy Wagner (out for 2009 season)

CATCHERS
Brian Schneider
Ramon Castro
Robinson Cancel (renewable)

INFIELDERS
Carlos Delgado*
Luis Castillo
David Wright
Jose Reyes
Alex Cora

OUTFIELDERS
Carlos Beltran
Ryan Church
Marlon Anderson
Fernando Tatis*
Jeremy Reed
Cory Sullivan
Angel Pagan
Daniel Murphy (renewable)
Nick Evans (renewable)