Joel Sherman of the New York Post has a New York Mets trade and free agent rumors post on his Hardball blog. Amongst his bits and pieces:
* The Mets want to sign one starting pitcher and let Jon Niese pitch as the #5 starter a la Mike Pelfrey last season. Contra Mr. Sherman's opinion, this appears to be a good idea to me.
* Closer Francisco Rodriguez has the persona to survive the back pages of the New York tabloids. Brian Fuentes doesn't give the same vibe.