LAS VEGAS – Mets manager Jerry Manuel arrived at the Bellagio late last night [around 11:30 p.m.] in advance of his conference with the media at 4:00 p.m. today.

- The Yankees will reportedly offer Ben Sheets a two-year offer today.

- The Mets will meet with free agent reliever Chad Cordero today. They met with closers Brian Fuentes and Trevor Hoffman yesterday. They will probably want Cordero in a set-up role.

- The Red Sox seem to be interested in Brian Schneider.

- Adam Rubin reports in the Daily News, Fuentes could also recieve a two-year deal.

- There seems to be a lot of clubs asking the Mets about Aaron Heilman.

Posted under Free Agency, Hot Stove

Adam Rubin reports in the Daily News, Brian Fuentes wants a three-year $10 million to $11million per year, which is more than the Mets expected.

“Right now we’re in the early stages,” Minaya said on XM Radio. “My understanding is a lot of clubs are reevaluating this market, more so because of the unfortunate financial strain that is going on not only in baseball but throughout the world.”

It’s just a first thought and I would expect the price to come down. And now that Rubin is reporting it, I would think the money will drop over the next week, especially if the Minaya goes harder after K-Rod.

Posted under Hot Stove, New York Mets

According to published reports in all the papers, the Yankees went for a quick strike with CC Sabathia by offering him a “slightly better contract” than Johan Santana, which means something in the $140 million range.

Marty Noble reported on MLB.com, the Mets are not interested in the lefty if the money is that high, which refuted a report from the Daily News yesterday.

MLB.com also reported the Dodgers pulled their 2-year, $45 million contract offer off the table to Manny Ramirez, but said they will continue to talk.

As for the relievers, not too much to say, except the Mets seem ready to let the market come to them, figuring they can out offer any other team for a closer.

Let the games begin!

Posted under New York Mets

The Daily News reports the Mets are looking to compete with the Yankees for CC Sabathia. In the three by-line article, the News baseball staff says Omar Minaya will look at how the free agent market pans out and may make an offer.

To quote:

“Meanwhile, Omar Minaya was dicussing a trade for a pitcher with a GM but said he would first have to see how Sabathia’s free agency was progressing, a baseball executive said. A Mets official subsequently wouldn’t deny interest in Sabathia.

“Such a deal with the Mets likely would require backloading some of Sabathia’s salary, at least until Carlos Delgado’s $12 million and Billy Wagner’s $10.5 million salaries for 2009 are cleared.”

For me, getting Sabathia would be a real coup for the Mets and if they do, Minaya will have a little less pressure on himself to totally revamp the bullpen, even though I expect major changes out there no matter what.

Posted under New York Mets

-He’s pitched a good game and he’s pitched a poor one. The Mets are hoping Jon Niese has another good one in him and the first one wasn’t a fluke. It looks as if he’ll go Saturday. It’s not official, but he seems to have the inside track over Brandon Knight or Nelson Figueroa. Who would you go with?

-If tonight gets rained out, the Mets will have a day-night doubleheader Saturday. Assuming, of course, the weather holds up. There’s no guarantee of that, either.

-Brian Schneider didn’t play last night because of soreness in his back. He can only benefit if tonight gets rained out. No word of his status if they do play.

-Damion Easley said last night he should be available to play in the field tonight. Sorry. Right now, I’m sticking with Ramon Martinez.

-The Daily News’ Peter Botte reports Dwight Gooden will be at the closing ceremonies Sunday.

Posted under New York Mets