The Early Bird Gets the Worm

Spring training is around the corner, as pitchers and catchers will be reporting within a month. How long are the Mets willing to wait on Ollie?

We all know Omar has an itch that can only be scratched by Oliver Perez. Here's the problem...If the Mets wait too long, in hopes that the available pitchers on the market price continue to free-fall, there's a real risk of being left standing when the music stops.

Scott Boras is in no rush, in fact, he's punching up digits and talking to however will listen about Ollie. Boras always seems to have a mystery team in waiting and is not likely to accept bargain basement prices.

David Lennon of Newsday, maps out the Mets wish list hierarchy. Perez remains the top priority, Sheets appears to be a wild card, and Randy Wolf and Jon Garland are next in line. The Mets also are among four teams in the hunt for Freddy Garcia, who could pick one this week, according to a person familiar with the situation. The other three are the Yankees, Rangers and White Sox.

Here's what the Boston Globe is reporting:

Ben Sheets, RHP, free agent: While Texas appears to be considering Sheets, don't be shocked if Philadelphia has interest as well. The Phillies have been arbitration-strapped, with a huge outlay likely headed Ryan Howard's way. The Phillies are trying to find a way to get someone of Sheets's caliber on their staff.

I'm not sure if the Met faithful can take another free agent being gobbled up by a competitor in our division...Certainly, not one with the talent of a healthy Ben Sheets.