By Will Lingo
December 15, 2002

The Mets finally found a taker for Rey Ordonez on Sunday, trading him to the Devil Rays for two players to be named later. One of those players is expected to be Russ Johnson, while the other isn't believed to be a significant prospect.

New York will pay $4.25 million of Ordonez' $6.25 million salary in 2003. The Mets were more than willing to pay dearly to rid themselves of Ordonez, whose skills have slipped. His departure also clears the way for top prospect Jose Reyes to take over at shortstop for the Mets, though they'll probably sign a stopgap player in case Reyes isn't quite ready.

Ordonez never provided much offense, but that was more tolerable when he was winning three consecutive Gold Gloves from 1997-99. But even his defense has slipped since he signed a four-year, $19 million contract that began in 2000. He made 19 errors last season, when he batted .254-1-42 in 144 games. He produces little in the way of extra-base hits, walks or stolen bases, and he's arguably the worst offensive player among major league regulars. His career totals are .245-8-260 in 916 games.

For the Devil Rays, though, Ordonez could be a stabilizing force, assuming he regains some degree of his previous defensive form. The team had no clear major league-caliber shortstop before acquiring him. While new manager Lou Piniella doesn't expect to contend for the playoffs before 2005, the Rays do plan to bring in a few veterans in hopes the team can improve.

In addition to getting the Mets to pay most of Ordonez' salary, the Devil Rays didn't have to give up much talent. Johnson, 29, has gone from first-round pick to journeyman and doesn't have a tool that plays above average. He spent most of 2002 on the disabled list, first with a foot injury and then with depression. He hit .216-1-12 in 45 games, raising his lifetime totals to .265-14-97 in 342 contests. He has seen time at third base, second base and shortstop. Johnson will make $775,000 in 2003.

Dec. 16 update: Johnson was confirmed as part of the trade, and minor league first baseman Josh Pressley also was included. Pressley, 22, was a fourth-round pick in 1998 out of a Fort Lauderdale high school. He batted .285-4-50 in 109 games between Double-A Orlando and Triple-A Durham in 2002. Pressley makes very good contact and hits for average, but he hasn't shown anywhere near the power required of his position.