Defending your position isn't easy, even though Reyes is a superior fielder. The two are now quite different players because of Ramirez's power. The Marlins' shortstop has hit 79 home runs in the past three seasons, 32 more than Reyes. Despite the 33 home runs Ramirez hit last season, he collected merely 67 RBIs, hardly an extraordinary total even for a leadoff man. Reyes' triples and stolen bases are important. But runs win games and home runs produce runs, and Ramirez scored 12 more runs, a modest slight advantage in a 162-game season, but an advantage nonetheless.

It comes down to what a club's shortstop priorities are -- good defense and good offense from Reyes or less defense and more offense from Ramirez. I'll take the better defense.

It must be just me that sees that the Mets' rotation could be a real asset? They have one of the top aces in baseball, hands down. Now we have the bullpen set, too. Johan Santana should win 18-23 games. The next three starters are solid No. 3 pitchers, right? Well, one of them -- Mike Pelfrey, John Maine or even Oliver Perez -- will most likely emerge as a solid No. 2.

The lineup is strong. Of course, they have at least two soft spots, but this is Carlos Beltran's year. If you've noticed, he has the Bret Saberhagen syndrome -- great every other season. Well this is his "other" season. Is the light at the end of my tunnel brighter than others? Or is just everyone so frustrated over the last few years that we are just tired of shattered dreams?
-- Alan M., Brick, N.J.

Well, we do have evidence of the existence of a few million chronic malcontents. But your glasses may be a tad too rosy. No one would be startled if Santana won 20 games, but to assume 18-23 is a little much. He had a terrific season in 2008 and won 16. And I'm not quite sure Beltran has been as much of a pendulum as Saberhagen was.

The light at the end of your tunnel may be a little brighter than most. But optimism isn't punishable under the law. Enjoy your perspective.

What are your thoughts on the Mets obtaining another semi-reliable left-handed specialist, such as Will Ohman or Joe Biemel? Although the addition of Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz, as well as the departure of some other relievers who weren't appreciated, has helped, the Mets could still use one more solid middle reliever. After all, how often do Mets starters last seven innings?
-- Anthony A., Farmingdale, N.Y.

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Manager Jerry Manuel already had identified Sean Green as the middle reliever, the one who will precede Putz when the Mets are leading. Pedro Feliciano and Duaner Sanchez are in the mix, of course. And a long reliever -- the would-be starter who doesn't make the rotation -- is needed, too. That's six relievers. A seventh could be carried at some point, but every manager hopes to get by with six so he carry an additional position player. In the Mets' case, they would benefit from carrying a third catcher so that Ramon Castro would be more available as a right-handed bat off the bench.

That said, in the world of specialized baseball -- or at least in a world that includes lefty sluggers Chase Utley and Ryan Howard -- two left-handed relievers are almost required. General manager Omar Minaya has said several times he believes the team can get by with effective crossover work by Sanchez. So I don't anticipate the Mets bringing in Ohman or Biemel.

We know that Ivan Rodriquez wants to be a Met. Do you think that might be a possibility?
-- Brendan G., Port Jefferson, N.Y.

What we know is that Pudge wants a job. He is not alone in that regard within the game or outside it.

Is there any chance Livan Hernandez would accept assignment to the Minor Leagues? It would give the Mets great organizational depth. Or is his a make-the-team-or-nothing arrangement? I know some guys in the twilight of their career don't mind demotion. Sandy Alomar Jr. comes to mind.
-- Ken T., Hampton Bays, N.Y.

Hernandez has big league plans but only a Minor League contract. And Minaya said, "There are no outs" when asked if Hernandez would accept demotion. That said, Hernandez said, "I don't think about that" when asked about a possible demotion. Minaya said he likes the idea of carrying players on Minor League rosters for reasons of exposing the young players to veterans. He pointed to the influence Mike DiFelice had in the Mets' system in the past three years and noted that Jose Valentin could serve in that capacity this year.

I read that the Mets' payroll will be the same this year as it was last year. However, they don't have the contracts of Pedro Martinez, Moises Alou and Orlando Hernandez. Where did that money go? It just doesn't compute to me. With a new stadium, luxury boxes all sold, regardless of the economy, why aren't the Mets spending more money?
-- Kevin B., Parker, Colo.

You may dismiss the economy, but not everyone does. Moreover, the Mets brought in K-Rod while they are still paying Billy Wagner. Other players' salaries increase from one year to the next. Putz earns more than Aaron Heilman, Scott Schoeneweis and Joe Smith did collectively last year. Players eligible for arbitration signed for salaries greater than what they earned last year, too. The Mets are paying two managers and two pitching coaches, too. And has it ever occurred to folks that the club may not want Manny Ramirez and other expensive players because it doesn't consider them wise investments?