According to ESPN's Jayson Stark, free agent hurler Jon Lieber is garnering interest from the Royals, Astros, Reds, Mets, and Rangers. Lieber is expected to be ready for Spring Training after a foot injury.

Might be worth the risk, however I don't think he fits the type of player that Omar is looking for. Read More...

FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Mets are on the verge of acquiring utility player Jeff Conine from the Cincinnati Reds for two Class-A position players.

Conine will serve as a right-handed hitter off the bench, filling in at first base and possibly the outfield, replacing the injured Damion Easley who was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Sunday with a sprained left ankle.

The Mets pursued Conine before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, but he was not considered a top priority at the time.

Conine is batting .265 with six home runs and 32 RBIs in 80 games this season for the Reds.

My question is why? Conine is 41 years old. Is this guy really considered a threat anymore? Sure he will give Delgado some time off against lefties, but there has to better options out there than Jeff Conine.... Read More...

JEFF CONINE

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that the Mets and the Cubs are interested in the Reds' Jeff Conine, a professional pinch-hitter who can play both first base and the corner outfield spots.

Jeff Conine has a .368 average (7-for-19) as a pinch-hitter in Cincinnati and is hitting .303 since the All-Star break. The Cubs reportedly could get Conine for a mid-level prospect and he could back up Derrek Lee and spell Cliff Floyd in right at times. Since he makes only $2 million, whoever acquires Conine would only have to pay him about $600,000.

ERIC GAGNE

THe Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal is reporting that the Brewers have joined the Mets, Yankees, and Red Sox in bidding for Texas closer Eric Gagne. Milwaukee GM Doug Melvin would only say "no comment" Monday night when asked specifically about his interest in Gagne.

Gagne has a no-trade clause, which should work in favor of the Mets and other contending teams. However, Texas seems to be asking more than any of the potential suitors are willing to give up, and Gagne is reluctant to go anywhere that he won't remain a closer.

SAMMY SOSA

The New York Mets have spoken with the Texas Rangers about Sammy Sosa, who could platoon in right field with Shawn Green. But the Newark Star-Ledger reports that the Mets are wary of bringing him in because of the controversy that surrounds him. Read More...