As Met GM Steve Phillips heads to Anaheim for the winter meetings this weekend, he faces a dizzying array of choices on how to fill the large void left by John Olerud’s departure.
One of the easiest and most attractive options will be to sign free agent David Segui. Another free agent Phillips has contacted is Dave Nilsson, who can also catch; and Jeff Conine is a distant possibility, too.
Carlos Delgado, whom the Mets had been interested in acquiring, does not now seem an option because a major-league source said the Blue Jays want offense in return.
The source also said that Diamondback first baseman Travis Lee is available, and the Mets will surely investigate. Lee Stevens was made available during the GM meetings last month.
Orel Hershiser’s brief stint with the Mets is essentially over. Phillips did not offer him salary arbitration, which means he cannot negotiate with the 41-year-old pitcher until May.
Phillips did offer arbitration to Kenny Rogers and Shawon Dunston. While Dunston could accept, it is assumed Rogers will refuse in order to seek a multi-year deal elsewhere.