That list ESPNNewYork.com posted Thursday regarding available righty-hitting free agents? Well, the Mets are working off a very similar list, according to one person briefed on the organization's plans.
Yes, scratch off
Josh Hamilton and very likely
Shane Victorino. They'll command too much for the Mets' appetite.
But a second team insider now also has insisted the Mets likely will spend for one quality outfielder. The source said don't even rule out a return of
Angel Pagan to Flushing, although the person cautioned it's waaaaaay to early to speculate on that. There's no direction yet for how high the market will get for Pagan.
Similarly,
Ryan Ludwick and
Cody Ross seemingly are two of the more attractive righty-hitting outfielders, but it's unclear where the market will take the bidding.
"I don't think any of them are out of the question just yet," an organization source said.
Other righty hitters on the market include
Scott Hairston,
Jeff Baker,
Austin Kearns,
Reed Johnson and
Matt Diaz.
As for catcher, the righty-hitting candidates are not overwhelming: ex-Mets
Kelly Shoppach,
Rod Barajas and
Henry Blanco as well as fellow free agents
Miguel Olivo,
Chris Snyder and
Matt Treanor.
A major league source said the Mets also have compiled a list of other teams' backup catchers, with former Mets farmhand
Jesus Flores of the Nats and
Martin Maldonado of the Brewers being eyed by the Mets.
The non-tender deadline is midnight tonight, meaning more names will shake loose as free agents at both positions.
Two team insiders this week have now told ESPNNewYork.com it's likely the Mets achieve their needs through free agency rather than trades.