[EmpireWF]

ESPN says that free agent catcher Yorvit Torrealba will officially sign a contract with the New York Mets within the next 36 hours. The deal would be for three-years although no finances have been leaked.

After Torrealba signs, it's expected the Mets will try to bring back Ramon Castro. This effectively ends Paul Lo Duca's career in his hometown and is anything but unexpected. For a long time rumors have persisted that Lo Duca butted heads with Mets management for his outspoken nature. Nevertheless, Lo Duca was a leader on the field and in the clubhouse (as far as we know) and it will be tough to replace that.

However, MetsBlog cites a Colorado reporter as saying Torrealba was one of the leaders for the Rockies throughout 2007 including their long playoff run.

[EmpireWF]

Newsday reports the Mets are about to sign Yorvit Torrealba to a three-year, $14.4 million deal.

All that's left before signing is a physical.

Reports say the Rockies were only willing to guarantee two-years.

[ThePundit]

That's a lot of money for a mediocre hitter and a catcher who throws out 20% of base stealers. Supposedly, they like his handling of pitchers behind the plate. We'll see.