19 year veteran and Mets spring training invitee Andres Galarraga announced his retirement Tuesday, sparing Omar Minaya the unpleasant task of cutting the much admired first baseman. Knowing full well that the Mets were due to run into John Franco by the season’s 2nd week, no one can blame the Big Cat for wanting to hang around long enough to hit his 400th home run.

In other roster moves, the Mets acquired infielder Benji Gil (above) from Seattle for cash, picked up infielder Wilson Valdez from the White Sox on waivers, and signed free agent catcher (and former Met) Kelly Stinnett to a minor league contact.

Stinnett started and went 0 for 2 as The Mets beat the Nationals, 4-3 earlier today, 9th inning solo shots by Miguel Cairo and Luis Garcia making the difference. Earlier in the game, admitted steriod abuser Terminal Sledge touched up right-hander Heath Bell for a two run homer that briefly put Washington ahead.