Earlier today we learned that while the Mets are in need of outfield depth, they won't be considering high-priced free agent Michael Bourn. That doesn't come as a huge surprise given their financial constraints, but they could be closing in on a much more affordable outfield piece. Here's the latest out of the Queens and the Bronx..
- While the Mets continue to talk to Scott Hairston, it would appear that the Yankees are not as involved at the moment, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com tweets. The Mets have a leg up over the Yankees in that they can offer him a starting job.
- Despite rumblings to the contrary, Rafael Soriano did not offer to return to the Yankees on a one-year deal, Heyman tweets. Soriano wants to close in 2013 and that's not an option with the Bombers.
- The Mets picked up Terry Collins' 2013 option at the end of the 2011 season to avoid making him a lame duck, but they won't give the skipper a contract extension to circumvent that prior to the season, writes Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com. General Manager Sandy Alderson acknowledged that there is the possibility that it could become an issue, but he expressed confidence that Collins would handle it in stride.
- Alderson also told Rubin that regardless of whether Travis d'Arnaud starts the season in Triple-A or in the majors, the team's Opening Day catchers are likely already on the 40-man roster. If the former Blue Jay opens the season in the minors, John Buck will probably start with waiver claim Anthony Recker in support.
