"Scott Kazmir's release by Anaheim Wednesday created an intriguing opportunity for 29 teams--lefthander, only 27 years old, once started a World Series Game 1--but it was particularly interesting for the Mets, who will consider signing him.

New York infamously traded Kazmir, then their top pitching prospect and a first round draft choice, to Tampa Bay in 2004 for pitcher Victor Zambrano. It was a low moment for the fan base, excited about Kazmir's potential.

Kazmir enjoyed several strong seasons for Tampa, but has endured Oliver Perez-type struggles for Anahaim, the team that acquired him in 2009. The Angels released Kazmir, who held a 17.02 earned run average in five Triple-A starts."