No distractions

J.P. Pelzman at North Jersey writes about Willie Randolph and his thoughts on the roster expansion:

Current Mets won't have their clubhouse space cramped by a lot of September call-ups, according to manager Willie Randolph.

"I'd like to keep it pretty small,'' Randolph said when asked if he wants to bring up a lot of players next month, when the major league rosters can expand to as many as 40. "I don't like to have a lot of extra bodies. I think it's distracting. I very much want to keep it business as usual.''

Randolph added that general manager Omar Minaya "kind of feels the same way I do.''

Still, the Mets could use some help. Having another middle infielder would make it easier to give third baseman David Wright and shortstop Jose Reyes a day off now and then. Possibilities include Anderson Hernandez, who began the season as the Mets' starting second baseman before suffering a back injury and eventually being sent to Class AAA Norfolk.

Another infielder currently with Norfolk who can play multiple positions is former Met Edgardo Alfonzo, who was signed to a minor league contract after being released by Toronto.