Torres confident that he can help Mets

Andres Torres, the Mets' new centerfielder, said Wednesday that he is an admirer of Jose Reyes. In some ways, Torres will now be expected to replace the departed homegrown star.

In trading Angel Pagan for Torres and reliever Ramon Ramirez, the Mets hoped to fill two pressing needs with one swap at last week's winter meetings in Dallas. Two days after losing Reyes to the Marlins, Sandy Alderson completed the deal with the Giants, with the expectation that Torres would take over the leadoff duties and Ramirez would fortify the bullpen.

Obviously, Torres has the more difficult task, attempting to fill in for the franchise's first batting champion.

"I know what I can bring," Torres said during a conference call. "I know how I can play the game. [Reyes] was always a guy that brought energy and I work hard to be an exciting player, too."

Torres, 33, already is considered an inspirational player for the work he has done to educate the public about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a condition that he suffers from and for which he must take daily medication. Torres, who was diagnosed in 2002, didn't start taking medication until 2007, at the urging of a Tigers' coach, and it saved his career.

"There's been a lot of ups and downs," Torres said. "It's about making adjustments and now I feel pretty good. I have to take [the medication]. It helps you do your stuff, to concentrate better. It definitely helps."

Torres, along with one of the Giants' owners, worked on a documentary that focuses on his struggle with ADHD and is expected to be released soon. Coming to the Mets presents its own series of challenges, especially after winning a World Series with the Giants in 2010. But Torres, who was a fan favorite in San Francisco, appears to be packing some of his optimism for the trip east.

"I think anything can happen," Torres said. "If we play together, we can win."

Like Pagan, Torres is coming off a disappointing year. An excellent defensive centerfielder, Torres stumbled badly at the plate, batting .221 with a .312 on-base percentage. In 2010, Torres was at .268 and .343, respectively.

"I was battling injuries," Torres said. "It was a tough year for me. But this year, I feel great. I'm back on track."