Platoon

No, not the movie.

According to Marty Noble, the Mets current plan is to use Fernando Tatis and Daniel Murphy as a platoon in left field in 2009.

That is, unless they can sign a regular left fielder, but I doubt that will happen. If the Mets are already planning to use Tatis and Murphy in left, neither have another true spot on the team.

Tatis and Endy Chavez would compete for the fourth outfielder, and there's no need for that. Murphy, who is seeing time at second base in the Arizona Fall League, would probably not serve as a backup. No way the Mets want young talent just sitting on the bench.

The Mets have been linked to Raul Ibanez already, but he's going to be pricey and I don't think they want to be on the hook for that much money for a player of that caliber.

Using Tatis and Murphy is just fine with me. Both players served the team at the plate, but lacked in the fielding category. They can also be a plus-bat off the bench on days they are not starting. Their pinch-hitting was a key down the stretch, even if they fell short.

The question now is, where does that leave Nick Evans? Evans, who split time with Murphy and Tatis in left, is pretty much left without a position. This moves him right up to the top trading chip.

If the Mets can swap a package of Evans and Aaron Heilman for a starter or bullpen arm, that would be a plus.

Murphy and Tatis in left, Evans and Heilman somewhere else, and a few key arms on the staff. I like how I think.