Pagan, Castillo, Reyes and the rest of the lineup

The Mets want to put Jose Reyes in the No. 3 spot. That's obvious. It's why Jerry Manuel had him there for the team's first intrasquad game way back on March 1.

And if it's really such a big deal, then why did Reyes -- with Gary Matthews Jr. and Luis Castillo on base -- rip the first pitch he saw for a two-run triple? Not only was it the first pitch of  that at-bat, it was the first truly competitive pitch that Reyes had seen in 286 days.

Now Reyes has played two games since returning from the DL, both in the leadoff spot, and the Mets have struggled to score. Overall, they are hitting just .189 (10-for-53) with runners in scoring position after six games. Reyes likes to hit in the leadoff spot, but he's got to be a team player, too, as the Mets wait for the return of Carlos Beltran.

It's probably too early for Manuel to take that leap with Reyes, but he may have to get a little more creative if this lineup continues to falter. With Luis Castillo returning tonight from a two-game break, and Angel Pagan likely to be centerfield, why not roll the dice and go with this lineup vs. Rockies' lefthander Greg Smith?

Pagan - cf

Castillo - 2b 

Reyes - ss

Bay - lf

Wright - 3b

Francoeur - rf

Tatis - 1b

Barajas - c

Maine - sp