Jon Heyman in his latest article on SI.com writes how the Mets cannot afford to sit on the sidelines when it comes to Francisco Rodriguez.

The Mets seem reluctant to get involved in the Francisco Rodriguez Sweepstakes since they’ve already committed $11 million to the injured Wagner. However, they may have to re-evaluate that stance. K-Rod would cost them $15 million a year probably for five years, a gamble for a “maximum effort guy” who’s lost a few miles off his fastball. But the Mets really can’t afford to sit out those sweepstakes now.

Heyman also writes that the Mets are unlikely to break up the Beltran-Wright-Reyes core.

I think the Mets are more likely to pursue him than they lead on. There is simply no way they enter that new stadium without a bona-fide closer. Not the way the last two seasons ended. They may talk a big game about fiscal responsibility now, but I believe it is a smokescreen.

The Mets may not have all that much competition for K-Rod’s services anyway, with the Yankees sticking with Mariano Rivera, and Joba in the wings, the Cubs with Kerry Wood, and the Dodgers unwilling to spend money. It may wind up between the Mets and Angels, the only remaining teams who could seem to afford him.