TRADE WINDS

METS BUZZ

Contrary to the denials that made the rounds Monday, officials from both teams say the Mets have contacted the Red Sox about Manny Ramirez and are interested in pursuing a deal for him if Boston decides to make him available.

The Red Sox suspect that GM Omar Minaya wants Ramirez more than Mets ownership does. Regardless, the Mets are reluctant to part with top-prospect talent in exchange for outfielders like Adam Dunn, Raul Ibanez and Randy Winn, but they (rightly) consider Ramirez a far superior hitter to those in that group, and they would discuss players in a Ramirez deal that they would not discuss in others. What remains to be seen is whether a Ramirez deal is too complicated to come together in time for the deadline.In the meantime, a National League team official familiar with the Mets' plans said they were talking about deals that would "overhaul" their bullpen. They have discussed trades that would send pitchers such as Aaron Heilman and Scott Schoeneweis out of town even as they bring in bullpen arms from other organizations to replace them.

Names that have come up in their pursuit range from the top end of the available relief spectrum (Huston Street, Brian Fuentes) to the middle (Arthur Rhodes, Jack Taschner) to the relatively obscure (Scott Downs).

The thought is that Schoeneweis and Heilman have pitched well lately and are at peak value and the team may need a fresh arm or two for its setup corps if Duaner Sanchez's recent troubles indicate a fatigue-induced decline that could hurt the Mets in the pennant race. If they knew they had replacements coming, they could deal some of their relievers for prospects that could help restock their minor leagues.

PLAYER OF THE DAY



MARK TEIXEIRA, Atlanta 1B

Looking way up at three other teams in the National League East and trailing by double digits in the wild-card race, the Braves have decided it's time to move on, and they were in discussions with several teams yesterday about Teixeira, the switch-hitting first baseman they acquired from Texas just a year ago in the hopes of making the playoffs in 2007 and 2008.

The Arizona Diamondbacks, L.A. Angels and Boston Red Sox are three of the possible landing spots for Teixeira -- Boston especially if they're serious about and successful in trading Manny Ramirez. But Atlanta is unlikely to get as much in return for Teixeira as it gave up to get him a year ago, since the slugger is eligible for free agency at the end of this season and his stated determination to hit the open market means any team that acquires him can only be assured of having him for two months.



Key stat: The Braves were 56-51 when they acquired Teixeira at last year's deadline. Since then, they are 77-83.





AROUND THE HORN

The Kansas City Royals could be quiet at the deadline, in spite of interest they've received in some of their pitchers (Zack Greinke, Brian Bannister). One pitcher they would move is lefty reliever Ron Mahay, but the market for left-handed relief pitching is so flooded that it's tough to know when and if all of the available guys will go.

The Dodgers continue to look everywhere for a shortstop, and tons of names have come up in connection with their search. They don't seem likely to land the Pirates' Jack Wilson, but they're scouring other organizations for options, having touched base with Toronto about John McDonald, the Yankees about Alberto Gonzales, the Twins about Adam Everett and even the Rangers about Michael Young, though it's unclear whether or why Young would be available. Guess it never hurts to ask.