Buried in his latest scrawl for FOX Sports, Tracy Ringolsby drops this tidbit:

Jeff Francis, who underwent shoulder surgery early in the 2009 season and wasn't fully recovered in 2010, has been offered a chance to return to the Rockies, but it would be on a minor-league deal. The New York Mets have emerged as a strong contender for Francis, who they have offered a big-league contract and a legit shot at a spot in the rotation.

Francis is a moderate groundball pitcher with shoulder issues plus low walk and strikeout rates. He'll turn 30 in January. A much better bet than John Maine to be sure.