Matthew Cerrone at Mets Blog interviewed Rockies beat writer Troy E. Renck on Torrealba earlier today. Renck discussed how Torrealba overtrained before the 2006 season leading his defensive skills to decline. He also speaks highly of Torrealba’s passion and leadership qualities.

Head over to Mets Blog for the full interview and be sure to check out Matt’s comments on Torrealba as well.

As far as my opinion on Torrealba, I won’t pretend to say I know all that much about him, and was enlightened by Matt’s interview with the beat writer.

The options via free agency are Jason Kendall, Michael Barrett, Jason Kendall, Paul Lo Duca, and Ramon Castro. The Mets are better off avoiding trading anyone for a catcher and save them to upgrade pitching instead.

While Lo Duca regressed offensively and didn’t throw runners at a solid clip, he’s the best of this free agent bunch, in my opinion. If I was the Mets I would attempt to sign Lo Duca to a one-year deal with a option for a second year.

Judging by the way the Mets have dealt with the situation so far, it doesn’t seem like they want to bring Lo Duca back regardless of his standing among these available players.

The Mets are not making the correct decision here in my opinion, but I will be far more disappointed if they do not upgrade the bullpen and the starting rotation. Going the cheap route with Torrealba is not as major a concern, in my opinion.

I really like Lo Duca and what he brings to the team, I feel like he takes losing personally, which is the mentality the Mets need to add to the team, not subtract. Lo Duca embodies everything that the Mets lacked last season, and that is urgency, passion and the desire to win by any means necessary.