Mets Rumors: Lackey, Figgins, Delgado, Francoeur

The Mets plan to be serious bidders for the services of John Lackey, writes David Lennon of Newsday.  GM Omar Minaya reportedly "received a favorable first impression" from a meeting earlier this week with Lackey's agent, Steve Hilliard.  Lennon points out that the Mets successfully zeroed in on free agent closer Francisco Rodriguez last offseason and secured his services for $37MM over three years, short of what some expected.

Here's a look at some of the other tidbits Lennon brings us in this piece:

• If the Mets sign the versatile Chone Figgins, he would be placed in left field.  Under that plan, Lennon says the Mets could be stuck with Luis Castillo.  As one might expect, the expensive addition of Figgins would rule out outfielders Jason Bay and Matt Holliday.
• The Mets could be keeping tabs on Carlos Delgado as part of their plan to ink Figgins.  The 37-year-old, if deemed healthy, would be a reasonably priced solution at first base.
• Although Minaya wouldn't rule out an extension for Jeff Francoeur, Lennon says it is not likely to happen.