[EmpireWF]

All of this info comes from Metsblog.com...

-The ChiSox inquired to the Mets about a deal involving Freddy Garcia. They wanted both Duaner Sanchez and Mike Pelfrey, needless to say, the Mets declined the trade. The WhiteSox would rather hold on to Garcia because of his favorable contract.

-The Mets have scouted the Baltimore Orioles, however it's unlikely the Orioles will trade either Kris Benson or Erik Bedard. As far as the often rumored Rodrigo Lopez, one Mets official said they would want a harder thrower. However, ESPN's Buster Olney expects the Mets to acquire Lopez for a marginal prospect or two. He also expects the Mets to inquire (yet again) about the availability of Barry Zito in the next week.

-On the Bobby Abreu front, according to his "friends", Abreu would rather remain in the National Leaugue if he's to be traded. He wouldn't mind being sent to either of the New York teams, especially since he owns a home in New York already.

Linkage...

Metsblog.com :: Buzz: Sox Asked For Pelfrey, Sanchez. Mets Scout O's

Metsblog.com :: Buzz: Abreu Tidbit

[Masterpiece858]

As far as the Garcia deal, I think it is too early to deal young players. Who knows the potential they have? Also, it isn't like we're getting Contreras.

[EmpireWF]

The thing is, Mike Pelfrey cannot be traded. He signed his deal in January and is prohibited from being traded one year into a major league contract.

[Lefty Noob]

Jim Duquette, the Orioles' vice president of baseball operations, is denying the rumors that have Lopez going to the Mets. Meanwhile, the New York Daily News is reporting that a proposed deal with Kansas City would send Jeff Keppinger would to the Royals for Ruben Gotay.

[EmpireWF]

Rumors around now are highlighting Aaron Heilman as a possible trade bait. Everyone knows he's unhappy with his role on the team and it won't change (he wants to start, team has publicly said no chance). The talk is whether or not he can fetch a quality back of the rotation starter or anything else.

[Lefty Noob]

According to Yahoo! Sports: "The two hottest names on the New York Mets' starting pitching radar yesterday appeared to be the Washington Nationals' Tony Armas Jr. and Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Kip Wells, according to the Newark Star-Ledger. The club is said to be leaning toward Armas." That's a shame, I think Wells might have more upside. But then, as a Bucs fan, maybe I'm biased. Wells for Milledge? Never happen, right?

[EmpireWF]

Ugh, I hope they stay clear of both Armas and Wells. Both I doubt would be ready to produce down the stretch. Armas has always been hurt while Wells is coming off that serious surgery.

As for Zito, Buster Olney has said if the Mets are willing to trade Milledge or even Heilman + Prospects, they could acquire Zito.

[Lefty Noob]

The guys the Mets are currently said to be pursuing are: LHPs Dontrelle Willis and Barry Zito and RHPs Tony Armas Jr., Kip Wells, Gil Meche, Livan Hernandez, Cory Lidle and Jon Lieber. Obviously, Wells and Zito are 1-2 on the list, but who's the best of the rest?

[EmpireWF]

I truly think that unless they can get Willis, they won't get a starter. They have Pedro returning Friday, Glavine, Trachsel, El Duque, John Maine, Pelfrey and a returning Bannister soon. Pelfrey looks to be going back down to Binghampton soon and Duque could go to the pen. Maine has earned a spot.

If they make a move, I'd expect them to acquire a bullpen arm.

[EmpireWF]

Depending on which newpaper you read, Minaya has either been talking extensively with Beane or not at all.

I still say nothing major happens by Monday, however, it does look like Minaya is preparing for something. I wouldn't be surprised if Heilman is moved along with others for a starter and then they acquire a reliever (perhaps Roberto Hernandez?).

[EmpireWF]

One juicy rumor has the Mets talking with the Giants about Jason Schmidt. The Giants have realized they've fallen out of the race and could look to dump some of their players.

At Baseball Prospectus Carroll mentioned the Mets were talking with St. Louis about a possible Heilman for Jason Marquis deal. I hope that doesn't happen. Marquis is as average as you can get.

It should be interesting as we approach the final 16 hours before the deadline.

[EmpireWF]

The talks with the Mets and Giants re: Schmidt were said to not involve Milledge but Aaron Heilman and a prospect or two. If that's all, you've gotta do that.

Also, the Mets were talking with the Astros about Oswalt. Could a 3-way go down with the Nationals sending Soriano to Houston, Oswalt to New York and Prospects and Others to Washington?

[ThePundit]

I heard that about Oswalt too. Why would Houston trade him? Are they nuts? He's a top line pitcher.

[EmpireWF]

Jayston Stark just said the Mets are close to a deal with the Pirates for Roberto Hernandez AND Oliver Perez.

Interesting.

[EmpireWF]

Any hopes of a potential trade for Dontrelle Willis seem moot now that word comes that the Marlins don't have a high grade on Lastings Milledge. Most reports say if the Marlins were to deal the stud lefty, they want a bigtime young CF and a young pitcher.