Mets Morning News: Former Yankees getting ready to fly the coop

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The Curtis Granderson saga continued yesterday as the Mets and the outfielder duked it out over a pivotal guaranteed fourth year. New York has reportedly offered three years, $45 million, and perhaps a vesting option, but Granderson wants a guaranteed fourth year.

Although the sides appear to have some ground between them, MLB insider Jon Heyman reports that there is "optimism" that an agreement will be reached. That's based on the Mets being the most interested party in Granderson's services.

Meanwhile, other outfield options are flying off the market, as the Brewers traded Norichika Aoki to the Royals in exchange for left-handed pitcher Will Smith.

As for outfielders that are currently on the Mets, Juan Lagares tweeted in Spanglish that he is headed to New York to have his knee looked at. Hopefully it's just for precautionary reasons.

The Mets probably don't want Ruben Tejada to be their Opening Day shortstop, but their options are getting thinner. Rafael Furcal was just snatched up by the Marlins.

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The courting of top free agent Robinson Cano has been one of the surprises of the winter so far, mainly because it appears that he might not return to the Bronx. The latest is that the Mariners have reportedly offered an Albert Pujols-like nine years and $225 million.

Cubs right-hander Jeff Samardzija has been the subject of trade rumors for a while, but it's now being reported that Chicago is offering him an extension worth around $55 million over five years.

As for a player the Mets might be interested in, Carlos Beltran is still out there, and a deal between him and the Royals is reportedly not close to happening. Maybe Sandy Alderson can make something happen during the winter meetings.

Sam Fuld was recently non-tendered by the Rays and is reportedly a hot commodity. The Mets already have Eric Young Jr., though, so they will probably pass.

Bullpen news! The Red Sox have signed former Cardinals close Edward Mujica for two years and $9.5 million. Also, Brian Wilson is returning to the Dodgers

Yesterday at AA

Chris McShane looked at Ronald Belisario as a potential non-tendered target. About a minute later, he was signed by the White Sox.

On this date in 1989, the Mets dealt Randy Myers to the Reds in exchange for future franchise icon John Franco.