On the Mets beat

Possibly. It was only a week ago that the Mets' senior utility man appeared to be a lock for the Opening Day roster. Now, Jose Valentin's career could be over. Valentin said this morning that he's suffering from a pinched nerve, which is the result of two discs in his upper back/neck causing the discomfort. Valentin plans to return to New York this week for an anti-inflammatory injection, but if that fails to solve the problem, he's unsure of what his next move will be. At this point, Valentin sounds reluctant to have surgery, and if he chooses not to, that decision could prematurely end his career at age 38.

"Just give a chance to a young kid, give him a chance to earn some money," Valentin said. "My career has been good enough. I'll go to Plan B -- coach, be with my family. Live 'La Vida Loca.' Have fun."

In other injury news, Jason Vargas will have surgery today in Vail, Colo., to repair a torn labrum in his left hip. I always thought a labrum was only shoulder-related, but I guess that's why I'm a reporter and not an orthopedist.

We're also waiting on word from Ramon Castro's MRI. He was in the clubhouse this morning when the team buses left for Viera, so it could be a while.