Your Monday morning dose of New York Mets and Major League Baseball news, notes, and links.
Meet the Mets
As the annual winter meetings get underway in San Diego, Jon Heyman is reporting that one of either Bartolo Colon, Jon Niese, or Dillon Gee is likely to traded soon.
The CBS baseball insider also reminds us that Jimmy Rollins does not wish to be traded to the Mets. The Yankees on the other hand...
John Harper of The Daily News thinks the Mets ought to shell out nearly $50 million for four years of Yankees closer David Robertson.
While most Mets fans are looking for the team to add a shortstop during the winter meetings, Sandy Alderson says it's "more likely than not" that Wilmer Flores will start at the position on Opening Day.
That doesn't mean that Alderson isn't looking for an upgrade, though. Adam Rubin reports that the general manager has had discussions with the Mariners regarding young shortstops Chris Taylor and Brad Miller. The Mets' own Matt Reynolds may be invited to spring training, but is still likely to start April in Las Vegas.
Andy Martino speculates that the Mets can spice things up by trying to trade Curtis Granderson in order to free up some salary space for Justin Upton or Matt Kemp.
Around the National League East
After trading incumbent second baseman Tommy La Stella to the Cubs, the Braves are reportedly interested in Georgia native Stephen Drew to fill the keystone.
Washington is considered likely to trade ace reliever Tyler Clippard. The right-hander is set to make over $9 million in arbitration next season.
Around the Majors
Starlin Castro may be someone whom the Mets should try to acquire, but the Cubs are apparently telling clubs that the shortstop is not available.
Another rumored Mets target, Yoenis Cespedes is coveted by the Padres in an exchange for Ian Kennedy. The Red Sox think they can do better.
A new shortstop challenger approaches: Korea's Jung-Ho Kang may be posted next week.
The Mets aren't the only team that knows how to trash a player on his way out the door. Word out of Phoenix is that Didi Gregorius is "mentally fragile." He needs more grission if he's going to succeed in the Bronx!
Yesterday at Amazin' Avenue
On this date in 1977, Jon Matlack was traded by the Mets to the Rangers. In 1978, Jerry Koosman was shipped to Minnesota.