"I want to continue to be on a team that can win and to play in front of great fans - and we know that the Yankees fill both of those," Damon said. "I think everyone knows my desire to come back. Still, every time I've been a free agent, I've ended up switching teams. It's the nature of the beast. If people are interested, I'm going to listen." Damon would reportedly be open to a shorter deal with New York, however he would want a higher annual salary.

The Mets are considering a list of secondary pitchers in the event that they are unsuccessful to sign John Lackey -- Joel Pineiro, Randy Wolf, Jason Marquis and even Ben Sheets -- however Harden isn't one of them, according to a source. The 27-year-old right-hander was 9-9 with a 4.09 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 2009, posting a 10.91 K/9 in 141 innings, however the Mets may be a bit gun-shy given his injury-history.

Crawford has just one year remaining on his current deal. He's given the Rays excellent production for the last several seasons and hit .305/.364/.452 in 2009 with a career-high 60 stolen bases. The price tag will be very high, but he is well worth the investment.

The deal comes with an invitation to spring training. McPherson, who at one time was a highly touted prospect, has battled injuries throughout his career and is now 29 years old. He has 150 home runs and a .586 career slugging percentage in 608 minor league games but also carries a lousy .245/.298/.458 career batting line on the major league level.

Madden says the Mets are certain to reduce their $147 million payroll and should be counted out of the Lackey, Holliday and Bay sweepstakes. Madden goes on to say that second-tier free agents should be their focus with priorities being left-field and two starting pitchers, naming Jason Marquis specifically. We're not sold that the Mets will walk away from the premier free agents just yet.

Sheffield's family wants him to reach 3,000 hits for his career (currently at 2,689) and Sheff wouldn't rule out cranking 40 home runs next year. Delusional much? With the overall shift to younger players, Sheffield may not find the playing time he wants next year -- certainly not for a drive to 3,000 over the next few years. Looks like Sheff will be forced into retirement kicking and screaming at some point.

The Mets would reportedly only consider Guillen if they miss out on Jason Bay and Matt Holliday. With $12 million remaining in the last year of the contract, the Royals would have to eat a significant chunk of salary to even get the Mets to return phone calls. If there's a fit, the Royals would like a young outfielder in return and are eyeing Angel Pagan. We don't see a fit here; the Mets can just sign a second-tier outfielder for short money and retain Pagan either way.