MLB FLEECE FACTOR: Providing MLB rumors and deciding who gets FLEECED.

Will the Mets get that long-coveted SP? David Lennon of Newsday thinks it might happen.

Seems like the Mets have all but bowed out of the Johan sweepstakes - admitting to themselves and their fans that they just don’t have the chips. So, let’s turn our attention to Oakland for the usual suspects of Haren and Blanton.

Minaya and Beane seemed to be linked together every offseason and trade deadline. Perhaps, it is because there is this perception out there that Beane loves Lastings Milledge. Or maybe it is because the Mets have desperately needed SP since the Hampton/Leiter combo helped get them to the Series in 2000.

Can the Mets get Haren? I don’t think so, unless they are willing to potentially fleece themselves. The Angels, D’Backs and Dodgers are all interested in Haren as well and the Mets farm systems are nowhere near any of the aforementioned teams.

Blanton is a more realistic target, but is sorta “more of the same.” He throws 200 innings every year, which is a need, but he kinda fits the Maine/Perez/Duque-type of a good pitcher but not the stopper. If Blanton is the upgrade, Minaya will need to strengthen the pen big time for this team to be dominant.

UPDATE: John Harper of the NY Daily News is reporting that the Mets are getting together their offer for Johan as we speak.

Oh, and Ken Rosenthal reports that the Mets made a “strong run” at Erik Bedard at the GM meetings.

Work them phones, Omar!