Mets Not Interested in "Big 3"

[Mr Met]

UNBELIEVABLE! Why wouldn't they be interested in any of them. I understand Manny, but why not Zito or Sori. Manny is not a good fit on this team. Plus I hate Manny's attitude.

www.nypost.com/seven/10272006/sports/mets/source__mets_not_gunning_for_big_3_mets_mark_hale.htm

October 27, 2006 -- ST. LOUIS - Two big names - Barry Zito and Alfonso Soriano - will be free agents this fall, and a third big name, Manny Ramirez, could available in a trade. But right now, according to a source familiar with the situation, the Mets are not interested in pursuing any of them.

The Mets' agenda this offseason still can change, as the team will have organizational meetings shortly. But the strong initial indication, according to the source, is that the Mets are not targeting any specific position player unlike last year when they went after closer Billy Wagner.

The Mets will need a top starter and possibly a second baseman and left fielder, but they apparently are not interested in Zito, Soriano and Ramirez, three big names who have been linked to the Mets over the past few seasons.

Zito is represented by Scott Boras, and the Mets - according to the source - estimate the left-hander will soar out of their price range. Zito could get at least $70 million over five seasons.

Zito, 28, went 16-10 with a 3.83 ERA this season with Oakland, fanning 151 and walking a career-high 99.

As for Soriano, the source indicated the lack of interest would not be because of money. Rather, the person said the Mets have not pursued Soriano that much in the past.

Soriano, a five-time All-Star who turns 31 in January, hit .277 with a career-high 46 homers and had 41 stolen bases this season with Washington while playing left field. He played second base in his first five seasons in the league.

Mets second baseman Jose Valentin and left fielder Cliff Floyd will be free agents, but the Mets have looked at free-agent infielder Julio Lugo since July 2005.

Lugo, who ended the season with the Dodgers, told The Post in September earlier this year that "playing [for the Mets] for me would be a dream come true."

Last year, Ramirez reportedly wanted to be dealt. The Mets, though, didn't pursue Ramirez hard last winter.

Boston, knowing that Ramirez and David Ortiz represent its strength, would move Ramirez only if a team paid the rest of his hefty contract and also traded the Sox multiple top young players.

Boston also would have to know it could find a big bat to hit behind Ortiz. Accomplishing those three items is unlikely, the Red Sox believe, which means Ramirez will likely stay in Boston.