From ESPN.....

Unable to reach agreement on a trade for Chad Cordero, the Mets and Nationals were said to be also talking to the Diamondbacks about a possible three-team deal. According to an official of one team that had spoken with those clubs, the Mets and Nationals ran into a hang-up over the Mets' refusal to include a second prospect in the trade. It's believed that the Mets were willing to trade highly regarded pitching prospect Phil Humber for Cordero, but when they were unable to agree on a second piece, the Nationals sought to expand the deal. However, the official said the Mets were adamant about making a one-for-one swap, so the chances of an expanded deal were described as unlikely.

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The Gagne sweepstakes was down to the Red Sox and Brewers by Tuesday afternoon. The Yankees and Mets signaled that by turning their attention to other deals, according to executives from multiple teams. The Mets said no on any of their young outfieldes -- Carlos Gomez, Fernando Martinez and Lastings Milledge. Read More...

Espn.com's Jason Stark is reporting that the Mets, Yankees, and Red Sox are all in on Eric Gagne. The Mets and Yankees have an advantage as Gagne can not veto a trade to either of them.Yahoo's Tim Brown confirms Boston's interest.

The Mets are being asked too much for both Chad Cordero and Octavio Dotel, causing them to take another look at Eric Gagne. Read More...

The Mets have optioned righty specialist Joe Smith to AAA New Orleans. There is no word on who will be called up, although most people are speculating righty Jon Adkins will take Smith's spot on the roster. I'm still hoping this means Cordero will be walking in the door tomorrow.

It's sort of sad to see Smith demoted after his brilliant start to the season, but anyone who has watched him lately could tell his stuff just hasn't been as good. I fully anticipate Smith will be back before September 1st and will be on the playoff roster, but that remains to be seen.
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