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Mets Option Turner; Emaus Closer To 2nd Base Job

NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) -- And then there were three.

The Mets edged closer to resolving their second base round-robin on Wednesday, optioning Justin Turner to Triple-A Buffalo.

After Turner's demotion and Friday's release of Luis Castillo, only Daniel Murphy, Luis Hernandez and Brad Emaus remain in the Opening Day competition. Though, according to WFAN and SI's Jon Heyman, Emaus is "very likely" to win the Mets' job at second base.

According to Heyman, Emaus is known as "J.P.'s boy," referring to J.P. Ricciardi, former Toronto Blue Jays general manager and special assistant to Sandy Alderson.

"I'm sure Brad is feeling pretty good about himself right now," Turner said Wednesday.

Also helping Emaus' cause is his Rule 5 selection status, which would require the Mets to offer him back to Toronto if he doesn't remain on the major league roster this season.

LISTEN: WFAN's Evan Roberts on why Brad Emaus should be the Mets' man at second base

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Murphy, considered the early favorite by many, is playing his fourth position in five years and might be better suited for a utility role. Hernandez was reported to be Terry Collins' choice for the job but hasn't managed to land the coveted spot.

Castillo sounded off on the Mets' second base competition after reporting to Philadelphia Phillies' camp on Tuesday.

"It didn't work out. I told (Collins) if he didn't give me the chance to play, I don't know if I have to be on the team," Castillo told reporters. "He decided to release me and wouldn't give me the opportunity, and I'm here."

The Mets claimed Turner off waivers from Baltimore last May. He batted .333 in Triple-A Buffalo in 2010.

Can you live with Emaus at second base? Let us know in the comments 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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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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