Pagan Vs Reed Johnson

It seems like someone has linked the Mets to almost every right handed corner outfielder in the league. All of which has occurred while Angel Pagan has done everything he can to prove he deserves a spot on the team. In today's game he hit a two run triple and saved a run on a stellar defensive play. Not only is he hitting .412 but has shown great speed (offensively/defensively), defense and a very good arm.....

"He's done a good job," said Mets general manager Omar Minaya. "He's really playing well -- both offensively and defensively. And with Moises Alou out we feel comfortable. Right now he hasn't made the team, but if he keeps on playing the way he has, it has helped his cause." source MLB.com

Omar has said before that if he brings a player in because of Alou's injury it would be a role player and an upgrade over Pagan. Unless Pagan tanks the rest of spring training it will be hard to find a player who is an upgrade, unless they just don't believe in him hitting from the right side consistently on a major league level. The NY Post is reporting that the Mets have inquired about the Blue Jays Shannon Stewart and Reed Johnson. Stewart is limited to left field which wouldn't be the versatility Omar seeks. Johnson is a 31 y/o right handed outfielder with five years of major league experience in which he has a cumulative BA .281. In 2006 he had his best offensive year batting .319 but last season due to back injuries he only played in 79 gms and hit a career worst .236. The Jays won't carry both outfielders and might be willing to deal one of them at a reasonable price if Omar likes Reed over Pagan.....

The Mets have inquired with the Blue Jays about righty-hitting outfielders Shannon Stewart and Reed Johnson. It would seem unlikely that Stewart would be a match for the Mets because he is not suited to play right field, and the idea would be to find a righty-hitting caddy for Ryan Church . Johnson, though, could play right and, according to Blue Jay officials, has looked good in camp. Toronto needs to keep just one from Stewart and Johnson as a complement to lefty-swinging Matt Stairs in left field. source NY Post