Earlier today, we learned that the Mets are pursuing Jose Valverde, and would even consider a reunion Francisco Rodriguez as they look to strengthen their bullpen. The Mets were also thinking outside the box when they approached Roy Oswalt about the possibility of serving as their closer in 2013, but the veteran isn't interested in signing on as a reliever and isn't likely to come to Queens. Here's more on the Mets..
- Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson says "there are still a few options out there" when it comes to the possibility of trading for an outfielder, tweets Marc Carig of Newsday. Earlier tonight, they picked up another outfield option when they signed Marlon Byrd to a minor league deal with a major league spring training invite.
- Speaking of Byrd, a Mets official told Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com (on Twitter) that even though he was released by the Red Sox in June after getting hit with his 50-game suspension, it is viewed as already having been served.
- Dave Cameron of Fangraphs looks at the case the Mets could make for protecting their first-round pick in the event that they decide to pull the trigger on signing Michael Bourn. Cameron doesn't like the Mets' chances of winning that battle, but he opines that a ruling in their favor would help promote MLB's claim that draft pick compensation is for the benefit of losing teams, rather than driving down salaries.
