The Mets appear set to submit a bid for free-agent catcher Yorvit Torrealba, as his agent told The Post yesterday he was anticipating a contract offer from the team.
“We have talked to them a few times today and I’m waiting for an e-mail that is going to show an offer for Yorvit Torrealba,” agent Melvin Roman said.
Yesterday was the first day teams were allowed to offer contracts to free agents who aren’t their own, and considering Roman said the offer could “maybe” come last night, the Mets appear to not be holding back with their interest.
On Nov. 4, The Post first reported of the team’s interest in Torrealba, and last week Roman said the Mets had reiterated their interest on Nov. 6.
Last night, Roman said in an e-mail to The Post, “At this time we will not comment on anything regarding his contract until we reach an agreement with someone.”
The Mets had interest in Jorge Posada, with GM Omar Minaya and assistant Tony Bernazard having lunch with him on Monday. But Posada agreed in principle to a deal with the Yankees.
Torrealba batted .255 with eight homers and 47 RBIs this past season for Colorado, and Roman said yesterday that the Rockies have made an offer for the backstop (though he declined to reveal specifics).
The agent also said on Nov. 4 that Torrealba’s first choice was to stick with the Rockies.
The Mets have their own free-agent catcher in Paul Lo Duca, but his agent, Andrew Mongelluzzi, told The Post for yesterday’s paper that “it’s been real quiet” with the Mets.
“I just don’t see Paul being a priority with them right now,” Mongelluzzi said. “I feel like he’s more of a backup plan, more of an insurance plan with the Mets right now.”
Mongelluzzi didn’t return a message yesterday, but unless the Mets also were gearing up to submit an offer to Lo Duca, then it appears they prefer to see if they can land the 29-year-old Torrealba.
He caught 20 percent of runners trying to steal this past year after notching a 40 percent rate in 2006.
The Mets also have been in touch with the Rangers about catcher Gerald Laird, according to one MLB team executive. Texas isn’t looking to simply unload Laird, however – he batted .224 with nine homers this past season, though he caught 40 percent of runners stealing.
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Tom Glavine’s agent, Gregg Clifton, confirmed last night he is slated to meet with Braves GM Frank Wren today. The Braves haven’t made Glavine an offer yet.
Livan Hernandez’s agent, Greg Genske, said the Mets are among the teams who have shown interest in the free-agent right-hander. Hernandez, who is Orlando Hernandez’s half-brother, went 11-11 with a 4.93 ERA this past year with the Diamondbacks. It was the 32-year-old’s highest ERA since 2001. Hernandez has pitched at least 200 innings in eight straight seasons.
The Mets are also believed to be interested in Japanese righty Hiroki Kuroda, and one AL team official provided a scouting report to The Post, saying the pitcher’s fastball is “average to slightly above average” and that he has a “good forkball.” The official also said Kuroda “throws strikes and is a tough competitor.”
The Mets remain in talks with free-agent second baseman Luis Castillo, though they’re not close to a deal.