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          New York Mets

          Source: Mets sign Quintanilla

          • Adam Rubin, ESPN Staff WriterJan 3, 2012, 10:58 AM ET
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              Adam Rubin has covered the Mets since 2003. He's a graduate of Mepham High School on Long Island and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He joined ESPNNewYork after spending 10 years at the New York Daily News.
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          Omar Quintanilla has signed a minor league deal with the Mets, a major league source told ESPNNewYork.com.

          Needing options as a backup middle infielder who can handle shortstop behind Ruben Tejada, the Mets have signed Omar Quintanilla to a minor league contract, a major league source told ESPNNewYork.com.

          Quintanilla, 30, appeared in 11 games for the Texas Rangers last season. He went 1-for-22 (.045) with a triple, two RBIs and nine strikeouts. At Triple-A Round Rock, Quintanilla hit .298 with five homers and 25 RBIs in 208 at-bats.

          He is a .213 career major league hitter in 522 at-bats spanning six seasons, primarily with the Colorado Rockies.

          The Mets have Justin Turner available as a backup option, but ideally need someone who also can step in at shortstop.

          UPDATE: The Mets have confirmed the Quintanilla signing. They note he missed the beginning of last season while completing a 2010 50-game suspension for violating the minor league drug prevention and treatment program.