Veteran utility infielder signed as a free agent following the 2008 season, Cora is lauded for defensive prowess at shortstop and "intangibles" but when forced into a full-time, long-term gig as Jose Reyes's replacement he really wasn't up to the task. A thumb injury suffered shortly after gaining a starting job robbedthe Mets of what had been a strong start, and suffering a matching thuimb injury on the other hand finally ended the 09 seasonfor him. Reyes never came back. As reward for his effort -- but not necessarily the results -- the Mets re-signed Cora to a 2010 contract and added vesting option for 2011.