Brian

Daubach

This won’t help him land another job, but since it seems to be his first offense, it probably won’t be too much of an issue with teams.

A Daubach signing would seem to take away a good portion of Gabe Kapler’s upside. Daubach would get a chance to start against most right-handers if either Kevin Millar or David Ortiz were to get hurt.

Daubach did a wise thing accepting his assignment to Pawtucket, probably because he realized Burks was a big injury risk. He’ll get a chance to DH against an occasional lefty, and unlike Burks he’s able to play the outfield while Trot Nixon is still out.

Daubach disappeared from the radar screen with the re-emergence of Paul Konerko. He had a superb June, and homered in three straight games to start July, but yesterday he got his first hit since July 5. He’ll only have value if there’s an injury.

The double would have plated an addtional run if it didn’t bounce over the fence. Daubach is going to continue to start at first base against right-handers until Trot Nixon returns. If he gets hot, he could steal some time away from Kevin Millar once Nixon is back.

With the Mets in AL parks, it made sense to pick Daubach over Jeff Keppinger. He’ll probably get a couple of starts at DH over the rest of the week, but he shouldn’t be worth picking up in NL-only leagues.

Daubach started in left field, with Armando Rios getting the start in center. ''Hopefully, we can get those guys some at-bats so they’re comfortable,’' manager Jerry Manuel said. Daubach has no value on this club, being buried behind Frank Thomas, Paul Konerko, and Carlos Lee at the positions he plays. Rios, on the other hand, could be an improvement in center over Aaron Rowand and Willie Harris (2-for-20 since being called up) until Joe Borchard is ready.

The Mets won’t carry two left-handed-hitting first baseman, so Daubach will start the season in the minors. If Doug Mientkiewicz gets injured, Daubach will be an alternative to Craig Brazell.

It was disappointing how quickly the Mets abandoned the idea of using Daubach at first base. He was just 3-for-25 since being called up a month ago, but those three hits were a homer and two doubles and he also walked seven times.

Daubach appears headed for Boston’s final roster spot.