The Mets tried to trade for Freddy Garcia last December, but the Phillies made a better offer and got the hulking righty from the White Sox. The Mets, though, remained interested and now that Garcia is a free agent, they've called his representative several times to discuss signing him. Garcia, 32, is rehabbing from shoulder surgery on his labrum and rotator cuff and should be ready to pitch by midseason, perhaps as early as June. "The Mets have shown considerable interest in him and some other teams, too," said Peter Greenberg, Garcia's agent. "Omar (Minaya, the Mets' GM) has called several times. Omar likes him. The Mets were one of the top contenders when the Phillies got him."