Mets continue to look for a backup shortstop

In case you were nervous that the signing of Omar Quintanilla, who hit .047 last season, would keep the New York Mets from pursuing Jack Wilson, or other back up shortstops, worry no more!  That was a sarcastic explanation point as I doubt any of you were biting your nails.  If you were, however, the good news is that a team source has indicated to Andy Martino of the Daily News that the Mets are still be looking for a back up middle infielder despite the Quintanilla signing.

Earlier in the off-season, it was reported that the Mets had contacted defensive minded shortstops including Ronnie Cedano and Jack Wilson.

Neither player will provide much offense, but both could provide some depth up the middle behind Ruben Tejada and Daniel Murphy.  The 34-year-old Wilson may also be able to take on a mentoring role for the youngster as the 10-year veteran logged 45 games at second base last season after being a career shortstop.  Signing a player who can flash the leather in the field and be a defensive substitution late in games will not make for a sexy headline, but it could be a smart investment for the Mets.

Wilson batted .243 in just 214 at-bats spread between Seattle and Atlanta as he finished up the 2-year/$10 million deal he inked with the Mariners at the start of the 2010 season.

Cedeno didn’t fair much better as the 28-year-old batted .249 with two home runs and 25 doubles in 413 at-bats with the Pirates.

 *Notes-

The Mets also signed a pair of players to minor league deals today, according to Baseball America and Adam Rubin of ESPN New York:

Original Story: http://www.metszilla.com/2012/01/04/m...