I have been poking around trying to see what numerous people think about the Ben Sheets situation.

From what I have found out, the Mets clearly are targeting Ben Sheets as their #1 priority, with John Smoltz shortly thereafter. This, obviously, shouldn’t be a surprise as it has been reported via numerous outlets. The key is Texas, who recently was sold, and whether they have the necessary capital, or inclination to bring on Sheets.

I asked Frank Piliere of FanHouse his thoughts on the situation and he told me via twitter that he “thought originally they (Texas) would, but from what I’m told they are not one of the top contenders for him now with Harden on board.

It’s hard to gauge the Sheets market because we have heard all sorts of salary demands, as high as $12 million guaranteed. I think his market is more along the lines of a Rich Harden, maybe less since Harden at least pitched last season, but think 1 year $7.5 million, plus incentives for innings pitched. Even that price might scare away most teams in these soft economic conditions.

Sheets may be the Mets to lose if they overpay. I am thinking guaranteed $10 plus incentives. Hard to tell, but it’s clear they want Sheets. After the Beltran fiasco, losing out on Molina, and the grief they are getting from the fans, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Sheets/Smoltz over the next week to ten days.

The Yanks and Nelson Cruz

Piliere had another nugget regarding the Yankees gauging Texas interest in dealing left fielder Nelson Cruz. Earlier this offseason, NYBD contributor Matt Pignataro said the Mets had talked to Texas about the availability of Cruz. I agree with Piliere when he said the price would be “stiff” to pry Cruz away from Texas. Remember, he is making less than 500k and isn’t close to free agency.

Mike Silva is a freelance writer and radio host since March of 2007. This website is his own personal "digest" of New York Baseball He's also hosts NYBD Radio on Blog Talk Radio and 1240 AM WGBB. Check out his sports media commentary at www.sportsmediawatchdog.com. Check out his official website, www.mikesilvamedia.com

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Tags: AOL Fanhouse, Ben Sheets, Frank Piliere, John Smoltz, Nelson Cruz, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Rich Harden, Texas Rangers