[EmpireWF]

This bit of news has taken Mets fans for a ride this morning. USA Today cites a "high-ranking" Mets official as saying the Mets "...might bow out of the bidding for pitcher Barry Zito, if they consummate a deal for Oakland Athletics pitcher Rich Harden. The Mets are having talks about Harden for outfielder Lastings Milledge and a prospect."


This is huge. All signs point to the Mets not wanting to go all out and offer Zito a six-year, $100 million contract like Texas may. If that's the case, Minaya still knows he needs a top pitcher for the staff.

The only thing that may worry me is what it would take to pry Rich Harden from Oakland. Lastings Milledge, bye bye. But what kind of prospect? If they're talking about one of the top Mets guys like Gomez, Pelfrey or Humber...I'd probably be inclined to give up Humber out of the three.

Just something to look out for...