Even More Diversity for the Mets

The introduction of Chin-lung Hu, the Mets' newest utility infielder, on Wednesday certainly got more attention than the unveiling of a normal backup middle infielder, but there was also a cultural draw.Hu, acquired from the Dodgers in a trade last month for Minor League pitcher Mike Antonini, will become the Mets' first Taiwanese-born player, assuming he makes the team out of Spring Training. Hu, 26, is only the sixth Taiwanese player to appear in the Majors. His new team also plays in a very culturally diverse community, with large Chinese and Taiwanese populations."It's a great feeling," Hu said of joining the Mets. "I'm so excited. ... I can't wait for the season to start and Spring Training, and to try to win ballgames."

THE SCOOP from Mets.com: While not denying the value of Hu's cultural presence, general manager Sandy Alderson repeatedly affirmed that his addition was a baseball decision.

"I didn't want him to think he had been brought in here for any other reasons than his own ability," Alderson said. "I think it's great that he represents a significant part of the community here. I certainly would not say that that had no impact whatsoever, but ultimately, this was a baseball decision. I think it's important for him to hear that."

Hu's primary role will be as a backup shortstop to Jose Reyes, but he could provide some additional help around the infield, Alderson said Wednesday.

"He provides a nice set of capabilities for us," Alderson said. "One, he can back up at shortstop -- maybe give Jose a day off occasionally. We think he can play second base very well additionally -- maybe late-inning defense, given what we have at second base and who's competing for that starting role. He'll be able to move around."

While bouncing back and forth from the Dodgers to Triple-A Albuquerque over the last several seasons, Hu has tallied 191 plate appearances in the big leagues, with a career .191 average. In the Minors, though, Hu has had greater success. Hu batted .317 for Albuquerque last season, including 16 extra-base hits and eight stolen bases.

"He can run a little bit and offensively give us a little pop," Alderson said. "He's an overall quality utility player, and we'll see where it goes. You hate to pigeonhole someone, but I think he's going to be a nice addition for us."

The former Dodger simply outlined his hitting approach while explaining how hitting is different in the Minors and the Majors.

"When you stand in the [batter's] box, I think you've got to feel comfortable," Hu said. "I know it's not an easy game. Just don't try to think too much and try to have fun and relax."

His familiarity with manager Terry Collins should also help him relax. Collins worked with Hu while he was working in the Dodgers' Minor League system.

"I know him a lot," Hu said. "He was with me two years. He's a great coach. Everybody is scared of him a little bit."

Responding to a follow-up question about why the Dodgers' Minor Leaguers were scared of Collins, Hu said: "He's a disciplinarian, but he's good."

Assuming he makes the team, Hu will be reunited with Collins as the manager embarks on his first season at the helm of the Mets.

With the additions of Hu, pitchers Chris Young and Chris Capuano, Collins' new club is basically complete, Alderson said. While it has been a conservative offseason, Alderson expressed confidence in the players he added this winter.

"Actually, I feel pretty good about it," Alderson said. "We've been able to address all of our needs. Hopefully we've addressed those needs well. We're going to find out in Spring Training and early in the season. But given what latitude we had, I'm actually happy with what we have. I think we've maximized our resources, and [we] are happy with what we have going into Spring Training."