quote:

---

Money hampering Mets' maneuverability

NEW YORK -- The New York Mets don't seem likely to add Juan Gonzalez as part of their offseason makeover.

"It's probably still a long shot at this point for any premium free agent," general manager Steve Phillips said Wednesday.

Gonzalez, the top hitter left on the market, is thought to be seeking $10 million to $15 million a season. The Mets are believed to be willing to offer a two-year package worth about $10 million.

Phillips is still talking with Jeff Moorad, Gonzalez's agent. Moorad did not return a telephone call seeking comment Wednesday.

"The conversations I've had have been conceptual in nature," Phillips said.

Gonzalez earned $10 million from Cleveland last year under a one-year contract and rejected the Indians' offer of salary arbitration. He may continue to negotiate with Cleveland through Tuesday.

Phillips has said he wants the Mets' payroll to be about $95 million. He has been hampered in revamping by an inability to trade Todd Zeile and his $6 million salary.

Zeile has no spot in the lineup following trades that brought first baseman Mo Vaughn and second baseman Roberto Alomar to New York. Zeile plays first and third, and Alomar's arrival will cause Edgardo Alfonzo to move from second base to third.

"I think right now we're probably a million-and-a-half under budget," Phillips said. "We have some small flexibility, but not the type that would allow us to go out and sign a premium free agent."

Since the end of the season, Phillips has revamped a woeful offense that scored just 642 runs, the fewest of any major league team last year. Phillips still would like to improve his outfield, which right now has Jay Payton in center with free agent Roger Cedeno in one corner and Benny Agbayani splitting time with Timo Perez in the other.

The dealing has left New York with a rotation that includes four left-handed starters: Al Leiter, Shawn Estes, Bruce Chen and Glendon Rusch. Right-hander Steve Trachsel is the fifth member of the rotation.

"I don't feel as bothered as it seems most are by the number of left-handers we have," Phillips said.

---

If I'm gonna be called it, I might as well be it.

quote:

---

Wilpon: Mets can increase budget

NEW YORK -- Steve Phillips has said all along that he wouldn't pursue a big-ticket free agent this winter unless circumstances change. Well, circumstances have changed and it appears the Mets' general manager has zeroed in on slugger Juan Gonzalez.

One of Phillips' main concerns with signing a Gonzalez-type free agent was a cap on the budget given to him by Mets co-owner Fred Wilpon. Therefore, Phillips has actively worked the trade market rather than dip into the free agent pool. But that cap that limited Phillips -- which was in the $95-million range -- has been modified.

"I have given Steve permission to increase the budget," said Wilpon from his home Saturday morning. "We felt we have an opportunity, therefore, as I have said all along, that if Steve came to ownership and felt he had an opportunity that was a prudent investment, we would consider it. We've had a pretty good history of considering things over the years. We don't do it willy-nilly.

"What Steve [has] said was true and accurate, that he suspected he would make more movements by trades. But he didn't preclude that we would have more free agent acquisitions. The market is very fluid and we've had plans. Sometimes things fall through and you have to go to Plan 2. I think we're on Plan 82 right now. We'll see what happens, it may not work."

Wilpon never mentioned Gonzalez specifically, saying that talking about specific players was too hypothetical. But it has been widely reported in New York that with an expanded budget approved, Phillips has offered Gonzalez a two-year deal worth as much as $25 million.

Jeff Moorad, Gonzalez' agent, said that he expects the situation to be resolved quickly. The Rangers and the Orioles have also been courting Gonzalez. Moorad was in Texas on Thursday night meeting with Rangers owner Tom Hicks and general manager John Hart. Those talks apparently yielded little fruit, leaving Moorad and Gonzalez squarely on New York's radar screen.

Wilpon indicated that one way or another the situation should be resolved within the next couple of days.

"I'm very pleased," Wilpon said. "I think Steve and his staff have done a great job. They have made very good plans and have implemented those plans effectively."

Gonzalez, 32, is the top hitter remaining on the free agent market. He spent the first 11 seasons of his Major League career with the Rangers, winning the American League MVP award with Texas in 1996 and 1998. While with Cleveland, Hart signed Gonzalez after the 2000 season to a $10 million, one-year contract with the Indians and he responded by hitting .325 with 35 homers and a team-high 140 RBIs.

---

"Beat me if you can. Survive if I let you." - Taz (ECW)