The Mets designate Gary Matthews Jr. for assignment


matthews headshot.JPGThe Mets have finally done what seemed absolutely necessary weeks ago: they’ve designated Gary Matthews Jr. for assignment. As you know, that means they have ten days to trade, release or demote Matthews. Given that Omar Minaya is the only person on the entire planet who would ever trade for Gary Matthews, I’m guessing a release is in his future.

Matthews was a special brand of terrible in Queens this year, batting .190/.266/.241 in 65 plate appearances. He has done nothing but pinch hit and serve as a defensive replacement since the middle of May. And his defense isn’t any good anymore, so there’s that.

The corresponding roster move: calling up catcher Omir Santos, who has hit .143/.194/.222 in 63
at-bats between Double-A and Triple-A this year.
  And the thing about it: he’s more valuable than Matthews.