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Brad Emaus On WFAN: 'I Like My Chances' For Mets Job

NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) -- Brad Emaus appears to be the front runner at second base for the Mets after they optioned Justin Turner to Triple-A Buffalo. New York's spring standout joined WFAN's Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts on Wednesday to talk about the job.

"Well, you know guys, honestly I know about as much as you do," Emaus said. "I like my chances. I'm excited, I'm just gonna keep working and hopefully here in the next week or so we can win the job."

Emaus is batting .235 with a .366 on-base percentage. He is a Rule 5 selection, which would require the Mets to offer him back to Toronto if he doesn't remain on the major league roster this season. Emaus knows he's not a phenom with the stick, and says his strength is really on defense.

"The only thing I may lack a little bit on defense is maybe a little bit of range," said Emaus. "But I think I get good jumps on balls, and I can turn the double play as well as anyone."

LISTEN: Brad Emaus talks second base with Joe & Evan

Luis Castillo was let go by the Mets on Friday despite being owed $6 million in the final year of a four-year deal. Emaus says despite the move, his infield relationship with shortstop Jose Reyes will be fine.

"As far as I can tell, there's absolutely no problem ... I think we get along well out there," said Emaus. "If I do happen to win the job, I think we'll be very effective up the middle."

Daniel Murphy and Luis Hernandez also are in competition for the starting job at second base. If Emaus manages to beat them out for the job, his first order of business is a new number to replace No. 68 on his jersey.

"It'll be four," he said. "If I get the opportunity to be up there, four's gonna be my number."

And his thoughts on how the Mets will fare this season?

"I think we're gonna be exceptional," Emaus said. "I mean, if you look at our lineup, top to bottom, it's a pretty dang good lineup."

What are your thoughts on the Mets' second base prospect? Add your thoughts to the fray below...

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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