With second baseman Jose Valentin likely out for the season with a broken tibia, the Mets will need to decide what to do at second base.

Luckily the Mets have a number of options within their organization who could potentially fill Valentin’s shoes. Damion Easley, who is currently listed on the bereavement list due to an illness in his family, should be considered the frontrunner to take over the second baseman’s job. Easley is a 16 year veteran, and filled in nicely for Valentin when he was injured earlier in the season. However, Easley hasn’t seen much playing time since Valentin returned, and really hasn’t shown the same power either.

The Mets other major option is 24 year old Ruben Gotay, who is batting over .300 for the season, and has been nothing short of clutch for most of the month of July, the only question with Gotay is can he play everyday, and can he keep this hot streak going. Gotay is largely unproven, and has no playoff experience; therefore it is possible his recent success at the plate could be nothing more than a hot streak. While I have confidence in Gotay’s ability, I don’t really trust him in a big spot just yet.

The Mets also have recently acquired Marlon Anderson who can play second base, but with the Mets’ recent injuries in the outfield, it looks like the majority of his playing time will be in left field.

The other option of course would be for the Mets to make a deadline deal for an everyday second baseman. A number of teams are looking to trade their second baseman for younger talent. The Reds are shopping Brandon Phillips, who has been tearing the cover off the ball since the all star break, though it seems the Reds and the Mets haven’t discussed Phillips. The Devil Rays are looking to trade former Met Ty Wigginton, who can play second base, however it appears Wiggy will end up with the cross town rival Yankees in a deal involving Scott Proctor. While I’d like to see the Mets bring in a quality second baseman, with our issues at other positions giving up a prospect like Lastings Milledge or Carlos Gomez hardly seems worth the reward.

For the near future, expect Gotay to remain the primary second baseman, but at the first sign of trouble, expect to see the more experienced Easley playing second base for the Mets during the pennant race.