"The Mets intend to check in on the three top free agents -- Jason Bay, Matt Holliday and John Lackey -- during the Winter Meetings, with the strongest hope that Lackey's price falls into a range to make him their No. 2 starter behind Johan Santana.

But more and more the Mets are thinking they may have to spread their approximately 25 million in available dollars around to address multiple needs rather than lure one major player, particularly if Lackey commands a contract north of A.J. Burnett's five-year, $82.5 million deal. The Mets think Lackey is less of a physical risk than many other organizations do, and they expect that his stuff would be even better in the NL. However, they would be hesitant to go beyond a four-year package for the righty.

That is why the Mets are looking at other options, including Royals starter Gil Meche. Omar Minaya and Royals GM Dayton Moore spoke several times before these meetings, and plan to expand on talks here. The Mets had no interest in a Luis Castillo-Jose Guillen trade with the Royals.

But they would consider Meche, who has two years at $24 million left on his contract at a time when the Royals are looking to trim payroll. The Mets might explore the possibility of moving Castillo as part of a Meche deal, possibly by taking another bad contract, such as those belonging to relievers Kyle Farnsworth ($4.25 million) or Juan Cruz ($3.75 million)."