DALLAS – Met GM Omar Minaya yesterday talked with Kris Benson about the trade rumors involving the pitcher. Minaya tried to explain that this is just how the industry works – but he could not exactly give Benson a reason to relax.
“I didn’t give anybody assurances,” Minaya said yesterday. “I told him that we’re very happy with the job he did last year.”
The Mets have had trade talks about Benson and, according to one major-league official, also are shopping Steve Trachsel and Victor Zambrano. So there are several Met starters in play right now, and it would not be surprising if the Mets were able to move one and add a bigger name to the rotation. They do have interest in acquiring a top starter.
“[If] the opportunity comes to get a front-line guy, you have to at least explore it,” Minaya said.
The Mets have shown “consistent interest” in Arizona’s Javier Vazquez, according to one league source. But there are a number of teams in on Vazquez, so acquiring him may be difficult. Oakland’s Barry Zito also is believed to be available.
Although the Mets could trade Benson, Trachsel or Zambrano (or more than one), they would not have to move a starter before pursuing another. An ESPN.com report last night said the Mets were closing in on a deal that would send Benson to the Royals, who have been interested in the righty, for relievers Jeremy Affeldt and Mike MacDougal. But one person familiar with the situation said there was no deal imminent with the Royals.
Still, the Royals are interested in Benson, and Affeldt and MacDougal interest the Mets, so it’s possible that something could eventually get done. The Giants also are interested in Benson, and the Mets have had trade talks with the Orioles about him as well.
When asked about the likelihood of acquiring another big bat, Minaya said yesterday that, “I’ll be searching for it. Will we get there? I don’t know. … Getting the extra big bat is not a priority.”
Manny Ramirez would surely be a big bat, but any deal for Ramirez remains a longshot.
As The Post reported yesterday, the Mets talked about Ramirez with Boston on Monday. But there are many obstacles to the Mets putting Ramirez at Shea. The Mets have Carlos Delgado, so they already have gotten a big hitter. Also, Ramirez is owed $57 million, and the Mets don’t exactly have an ideal package of players to move to the Sox.
The Mets will have more talks with Boston about Ramirez, though, and considering Minaya’s affection for him, ruling out a deal can’t be done.
The Boston Globe and Boston Herald yesterday reported about a possible three-team trade in which Ramirez would be sent to the Angels, and the Sox would end up with slugger Troy Glaus. That scenario remains alive, though it’s not believed talks have advanced very far.
The Mets also could use second-base help, and they are one of four teams in on free agent Mark Grudzielanek. The others are the Cardinals, Red Sox and Rangers. The Mets also like free agent Tony Graffanino.
Regarding bullpen arms, Toronto’s Miguel Batista could potentially be available in a trade, and the Mets continue to talk to Roberto Hernandez’ agent. They are not actively pursuing a return for Braden Looper.
mark.hale@nypost.com
