Winter Meetings Day 1: Pertinent Mets News & Notes

The important parties arrived last night, and the Winter Meetings get underway in earnest today.

Dec 9, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; A Christmas tree is decorated for visitors in the lobby of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort at MLB Winter Meetings. Mandatory Credit:

-USA TODAY Sports

Things have been quiet so far, but there should be lots of news/notes/rumors popping up today (and the rest of the meetings).

Anything that’s Mets related will be noted here, with the newest items at the top:

8:13 PM – Joel Sherman says the Mets are interested in reliever Mitchell Boggs as a “buy-low” candidate.  Boggs, 29, spent all of 2013 in the minors.

8:09 PM – Per the team’s beat writers, the Mets are interested in free agent reliever Chris Perez.

7:34 PM – According to Mike Puma, the Orioles’ interest in Ike Davis is “distant.”

5:37 PM – Mike Puma of the New York Post says that the Mets have inquired about Cesar Izturis, and that they’ll likely meet with his agent Tuesday or Wednesday.  For thoughts on why that makes no sense, click here.

4:54 PM – Marc Carig tweeted that, according to a source, Bartolo Colon “likely won’t fit” within the Mets’ price range.

4:30 PM – Anthony DiComo of Mets.com said that the Mets and Brewers met today to discuss the availability of both Ike Davis and Lucas Duda.  DiComo said there’s “mutual interest” between the clubs.

4:14 PM – Joel Sherman said on Twitter that the Rays are not the team that’s close to acquiring Logan Morrison.  If true, that would keep them in play for Ike Davis or Lucas Duda.

3:34 PM – According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Bartolo Colon market is heating up.  Heyman says the Mets, Orioles, and others are involved.

3:01 PM – Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports is reporting that talks between free agent pitcher Bronson Arroyo and the Twins are heating up.  The Mets have been linked to Arroyo, but at his price (likely $10 million or more for three years or more), the Mets shouldn’t be involved.

2:46 PM – Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish notes that during his media address, Rays manager Joe Maddon cited that acquiring a left handed bat at first base is “the preference.”  The Mets and Rays have long been linked, and this tidbit should keep that going.

2:34 PM – According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, free agent shortstop Stephen Drew‘s market isn’t “as extensive as previously thought.”  Cafardo notes that the Red Sox “feel they have a good chance” to re-sign Drew.  Yesterday, Sandy Alderson said the Mets would likely need to manipulate the payroll in order to afford a player like Drew.  It’s been reported that the Red Sox don’t want to offer more than two years for Drew, so It’ll be interesting to see what he ends up getting – both in terms of guaranteed years and average annual value.

1:24 PM – According to Sweeny Murti of WFAN, the Mets had a meeting today with the agent for free agent starting pitcher Bartolo Colon.  It’s likely that Colon is seeking a one year deal at a high salary, so the Mets signing him would probably eat up (pun intended) the majority of the rest of their budget.

For expanded thoughts from Rising Apple on the Mets and Colon, head here.

1:08 PM – Jon Morosi of FOX Sports says the Pirates are looking to acquire a first baseman, and that they’re discussing both Adam Lind and Logan Morrison.  Not sure what the Pirates are looking to deal in exchange, but the Mets should get on the horn with Pittsburgh about Ike Davis or Lucas Duda.

12:25 PM – Ken Rosenthal, while speaking on the MLB Network, says that Elvis Andrus is available, but terms it a “longshot” that Texas will deal him.  The Mets are in need of a shortstop, but Rosenthal says it would take a “big” package to get Andrus.  Parting with top flight pieces and taking on Andrus’ huge contract doesn’t make much sense for the Mets.

11:06 AM – According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, Roy Halladay will retire after signing a one-day contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.  The Mets were one of the teams mentioned as a potential landing spot for Halladay.

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