The Stache is back: Mets sign Jose Valentin

Jose Valentin is back with the New York Mets, according to Joel Sherman.

Valentin, who started his Mets tenure in the doghouse, eventually took over the second base starting job in 2006. He went on to have a renaissance season, and some considered him a good leader in the clubhouse, especially around Jose Reyes.

In '06, Valentin hit .271 and slugged 18 home runs.

In '07, Valentin appeared in only 51 games before breaking a bone in his leg. He hit .241 in 166 at-bats.

It will be great to have him back around Reyes and the rest of the team, if only for spring training. If he ends up at triple-A he'll be a competent call-up if when Luis Castillo goes down with an injury.