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