July 2008 - New York Mets Wiretap

The Mets have offered the free-agent pitcher Derek Lowe a three-year contract for about $36 million, according to people who have been briefed on the discussions. The Mets are not willing to offer Lowe more than a three-year deal. Boras would not comment specifically on the Mets, but said, ?Obviously, we?ve taken offers from a number of teams.? Boras said he was still in the process of establishing Lowe?s market. Lowe is believed to be seeking a five-year, $90 million deal.

The Mets and Dodgers discussed a deal involving outfielder Andruw Jones at the winter meetings, but New York's interest has reportedly dwindled. A person familiar with those previous discussions said Monday "nothing is ongoing, and nothing [no trade] is going to happen." The Mets had reportedly approached the Dodgers about a trade built around second baseman Luis Castillo-for-Jones.

The Mets expect to have a better read on what their 2009 starting rotation will look like at the end of the week. They intend to make offers early this week to at least two and probably three free-agent pitchers -- Derek Lowe, Oliver Perez, and Randy Wolf. Their goal is reportedly to sign at least one. The club still views Lowe as the most attractive of the remaining free-agent pitchers.

The Mets are trying to add a starting pitcher through free agency, but general manager Omar Minaya claims that nothing is imminent. "We're talking, we're having discussions, but nothing's going to happen in the next day or two," Minaya said Wednesday. Several reports online had the Mets close to agreement on a four-year deal with righthander Derek Lowe, but Minaya claims that Lowe is just one of the pitchers they are targeting. Oliver Perez and Randy Wolf are also on their wish list.

The Mets are reportedly hoping to ink free agent pitcher Derek Lowe for three years. New York has had Lowe and Oliver P?rez, both represented by Scott Boras, atop their off-season wish list for starting pitching. Lowe, who reportedly had been seeking $18 million annually and a five-year deal, may settle for three years with a vesting option.

The Mets and free agent pitcher Derek Lowe have continued deep negotiations, but no deal is reportedly imminent. Lowe is a top priority for the Mets, and significant progress is expected on the talks next week. If the Mets aren't successful in their pursuit of Lowe, lefthanders Oliver Perez and Randy Wolf would likely be their top targets.

People familiar with the organization claim that the Mets will not make a play for free agent slugger Manny Ramirez. Ramirez isn't considered a target of the Yankees after they landed Mark Teixeira on Tuesday afternoon. Mets' GM Omar Minaya loves Ramirez and wants him badly, but he reportedly hasn't been able to sell him to ownership.

According to a baseball source, the New York Mets appear to be closing in on a deal for free-agent pitcher Derek Lowe. The deal is believed to be four years in length, or three years with a vesting option. The contract is estimated to be worth between $14-16 million per season. Lowe just finished up a four year deal, $36 million deal with the Dodgers.

The Mets and Derek Lowe are deep in negotiations, according to a source, and while an offer has not yet been made, he is highly coveted by the club. The Boston Red Sox had mild interest in Lowe, and losing out on Teixeira might prompt them to strongly consider bringing back Lowe for a second tour of duty in Boston. But indications from Red Sox sources point to less costly options than Lowe, who originally sought a five-year, $90 million deal but has scaled back his demands in recent weeks.

The Mets are hoping to fill the void left behind by free agent Pedro Martinez with a low-cost option. They are expected to sign a cheap veteran, perhaps someone like Freddy Garcia or even Eric Milton.