The Mets intend to give Matsui every opportunity to win the job, but if he does not perform, General Manager Omar Minaya will have to re-evaluate. Mets officials have indicated that they believe Hernandez and Chris Woodward are capable of playing second base, with Keppinger a long shot.
Boston's Tony Graffanino, made expendable by the off-season acquisition of Mark Loretta, is also available, and Washington's Jose Vidro, who says he has recovered from knee problems, has long been a favorite of Minaya's.