Your Thursday morning dose of New York Mets and MLB news, notes, and links.
Meet the Mets
The biggest story involving the Mets right now is their pursuit of outfielder Curtis Granderson. Reports suggest that talks between the Mets and Granderson have intensified, and that there is growing optimism he signs with the Mets. The Mets want to give him a three-year deal, but he is holding out for a fourth year. Other potential suitors for Granderson may include the Red Sox, along with the MarinersandWhite Sox.
The Mets have reportedly "cooled" on the idea of signing Nelson Cruz, although he remains a backup plan to Granderson.
On the shortstop front, the Mets will send scouts to watch 23-year-old Erisbel Arruebarruena. The Cuban defector profiles as someone with a great glove and a less than great bat.
Around the Majors
The Yankees refuse to budge on their current offer to second baseman Robinson Cano. That could lead Cano to the Mariners, who met with him in Seattle on Tuesday and are reportedly going "guns-a-blazing" in their attempts to sign him.
Along with Cano, the Mariners are targetingDavid Price in a trade, and seem willing to part with top pitching prospect Taijuan Walker in order to get him. Other suitors for Price include the Dodgers, Pirates, Rangers, Diamondbacks, Blue Jays, and Angels.
Nippon Professional Baseball has agreed to MLB's request to change the rules for the posting system. The new rules include a $20 million max for bids, and also allow the player being bidded on to choose between teams if they each put up the highest bid. Masahiro Tanaka's team, the Rakuten Golden Eagles, are opposed to the change and as a result, may not post Tanaka.
The A's and Diamondbacks discussed a trade that would have sent Yoenis Cespdes to Arizona, and Tyler Skaggs-A.J. Pollock to Oakland along with others.
Free-agent first baseman James Loney is looking for a three-year deal in the $27-30 million range.
The Cubs plan to shop Jeff Samardizja at the winter meetings
The Orioles are interested in Cruz, along with Shin Shoo Choo and Ubaldo Jimenez.
Yesterday At AA
Ari Berkowitz went over the Mets potential internal outfield options for 2014.
Rob Castellano picked out the 12 best moments of Justin Turner's Mets career.
Zack Drisko reviewedJuan Lagares' 2013 season.
Dan Lewis looked at the Cardinals model of success and how it relates to the Mets.
Chris McShane examined another non-tender target for the Mets, John Axford.
If you read an article or find a link that you think would be a great addition to a future edition of Mets Morning News, please forward it to our tips email address tips@grission.com and we'll try to add it in.