MLB

Mets GM admits outfield a weakness, ‘not a lot’ of ways to improve it

The Mets are still wrestling with planning for the future and trying not to embarrass themselves in 2013.

While they have so far built their offseason around moves such as trading R.A. Dickey for prospects and hanging on to the 11th overall pick in this year’s draft, they are tempted to go after the biggest free agent still on the board, center fielder Michael Bourn, to solidify what it is currently a mess of an outfield.

“We continue to look, but I think, realistically at this point, there’s not a lot left on the shelf,” general manager Sandy Alderson said on Sirius XM’s MLB Network Radio yesterday. “So at some point we have to realize that, well, perhaps the outfield is not the strength of our team. But at least going into spring training we may be looking at what we have and not being able to make an addition.”

Alderson added he would be “reluctant” to give up the first-round pick the Mets would likely have to surrender if they sign Bourn. If the Mets could get the pick protected — since it was originally the 10th overall pick until the Pirates moved up because they failed to sign their top pick a year ago — the likelihood of Bourn coming to the Mets would increase.

Like Yankees GM Brian Cashman, Alderson is still working the trade market for help in the outfield, but other than Justin Upton’s trade to Atlanta, there has been little sign of movement. Because Scott Hairston is now with the Cubs, the remaining free-agent options are limited.

Alderson was more optimistic about adding a pitcher for the bullpen, since there are several significant, available arms, though most are past their prime. Among them is former Giants closer Brian Wilson.

Alderson and pitching coach Dan Warthen watched Wilson throw in California recently and the GM said he expects to see Wilson again “in the next several days.”

The Mets are hesitant to hand Frank Francisco the closer job again after an ugly first year in New York that was followed by elbow surgery. Wilson is coming back from Tommy John surgery last year.