May 20, 2006 11:53 AM EST

As is always the case, the price for pitching is very high. First the Marlins asked the Mets for David Wright in a swap for Dontrelle Willis. And if the Mets want Livan Hernandez, the Nationals say it will cost them Lastings Milledge.

Two baseball officials confirmed Friday that the Mets were told any deal for Hernandez must include Milledge, their top prospect, and that pretty much ended the discussion. At least for now.

Washington's new ownership group, headed by president Stan Kasten, will meet Wednesday, and it is believed that trimming payroll will be at the top of their agenda. Hernandez makes $8 million this season.

"We are going to have discussions with our staff on the options that are available to us inside and outside the organization," GM Omar Minaya said.

Via Newsday