"After operating below the surface on Monday, the Mets ratcheted up their efforts to find bullpen help for 2012, and inked reliever Jon Rauch, their first player acquired during these Winter Meetings Tuesday.

The two sides agreed upon a one-year deal worth a reported $3.5 million, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The person requested anonymity because the deal was pending a physical.

Rauch, 33, figures to be the first prong in a multi-player revamp of the bullpen, which was a serious drain on the 2011 team's hopes. He posted a 4.85 ERA for Toronto last season. While he could close, the team is likely to pursue further relief help. "