Mets Interested In Santana, Dotel, Chacon

The New York Post’s Mark Hale has an update for us regarding the Mets’ pursuit of pitching.

• Even though the Wilpons haven’t made any declarations to the media, the Mets are showing interest in Johan Santana.  Hale notes a couple of stipulations: David Wright, Jose Reyes, and Carlos Beltran won’t be dealt, and the Mets would want a 72-hour negotiation window.  I don’t think anyone expected anything different on either point.  The Twins could certainly use an influx of outfield talent, and the Mets have it.
• Octavio Dotel is one free agent on the Mets’ radar, though we’ve known that since the 16th.  "On the radar" is getting overused…I need an alternative.  Dotel would be fine with a setup role, though I’m guessing it would take two years and $12MM or more.  Dotel came up through the Mets’ system as a starter, and was traded to the Astros in ’99 in the Mike Hampton/Derek Bell/Roger Cedeno deal.  The Tigers and Royals may also be in on Dotel.
• The Mets also like Shawn Chacon, possibly as a swingman.  The Rockies have interest in Chacon but only as a reliever.  He’s said that he’d prefer to start.