Mets add Gutierrez for infield depth

By Jim Callis
March 28, 2004

The Mets made their second trade in two days on Sunday, acquiring Ricky Gutierrez and cash from the Indians for a player to be named later. That came on the heels of a deal that sent Timo Perez to the White Sox for Matt Ginter.

Gutierrez, 33, will serve the Mets as their primary backup to second baseman Jose Reyes and shortstop Kazuo Matsui. Gutierrez played just 16 games last year while recovering from October 2002 surgery to repair herniated discs in his neck, but is back to 100 percent this spring. He's a steady player with decent on-base ability (though not much power) and sure hands on defense. In 1,074 career games, he has hit .268/.340/.353 with 38 homers and 349 RBIs. Gutierrez is making $5.25 million in 2004, the final year of a three-year, $11.5 million contract that also contains an option for 2005.

Update: The Mets completed the deal by sending cash considerations in lieu of a player to the Indians.