DEFENSE There may never be a better defensive infield than the one the Mets had in 1999, when the four starters combined to make only 27 errors.

And with Alfonzo shifting back to second and the always steady Olerud at first, the Mets may have the strongest overall defensive infield as well.

Together with Brooks Robinson and Jerry Adair, he was part of one of the best defensive infields in baseball.

It has given Franco, a pitcher who gets outs through ground balls, an arguably more solid defensive infield.

And they have signed Ventura to a four-year, $32 million deal to give them arguably the best defensive infield in baseball.

Little wanted his best defensive infield and sat Walker, who made 16 errors during the regular season.

Giambi is a below-average fielder, so the Yankees' best defensive infield would feature Lee at first.

In the Mets' perfect world, Alfonzo would slide seamlessly from one position to the other and give them one of the finest defensive infields in the National League.

The Mets gave Ordonez the deal to avoid arbitration and to ensure that, if they wish, they can keep together an outstanding defensive infield for several years.

Besides solidifying an already strong defensive infield, General Manager Theo Epstein ensured that the team would not go into the new year with a string of contract disappointments.