MLB Trade Rumors: New York Mets Eyeing Overpriced Reliever?

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The Mets fans have been wondering, "Is the front office even trying to make an effort to change things?" Well the answer may be coming soon, if Joel Sherman of the New York Post is on to something.

Sherman believes that the Mets may be interested in acquiring an overpriced and struggling relief pitcher who they could acquire for little to nothing in terms of prospects. The team wants a reliever who could shake things up and give much-needed depth to the bullpen —but he also leaves open the possibility of acquiring a starting pitcher as well.

Sherman notes that ticket sales for the Mets are down 15 percent from last season, with the only two teams with worse declines being the Indians and Blue Jays. Sherman points out as well that September is the time when season-ticket renewals begin to get sent out, so if the team is still struggling and not in the playoff hunt, it could be a disastrous 2011 in terms of ticket sales.

An AL executive who has had frequent talks with members of the Mets' front office has reason to believe they are unwilling to trade their more valuable prospects, such as Jenrry Mejia , for pitchers like Jake Westbrook or Ted Lilly . The executive does believe that the club is one of the few out there willing to take on more salary but that they are more inclined to bring in smaller names who can still make an impact but won't cost much in return.

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