Mets On Verge Of Re-Signing Fernando Tatis

Despite known interest from both the Rockies and the Mariners, it would appear that Fernando Tatis is bound to return to New York:

PORT ST. LUCIE --- Omar Minaya is deep into negotiations with Fernando Tatis for a return engagement, and could have a deal complete within a matter of days, according to a baseball source.

That development would seem to eliminate the possibility of Carlos Delgado returning to the Mets next season, because Tatis has been told by Minaya that he is wanted as part of a first-base platoon with Murphy.

Though the Mets were able to land Jason Bay, they've sputtered in their attempts to bring in several other free agents, making the Tatis news a little more interesting. If reports are true, Tatis will be turning down potential utility roles in Colorado and Seattle in favor of platooning at first base in a more familiar city. And while neither Tatis nor Daniel Murphy possess the kind of sexy name appeal of a Carlos Delgado, there's reason to believe that they'll be able to combine for enough offense and defense to keep from being a liability. Tatis has a career .808 OPS against left-handed pitching, while Murphy has clocked in at .775 against righties. Both are considered average to above-average with the glove.