The Mets reportedly have made an offer to Vladimir Guerrero, and now may have more than just a puncher's chance to snag the coveted free agent.
The Mets offered Guerrero a three-year deal, according to several published reports. The deal is worth $30 million, and could be worth up to $40 million if Guerrero meets all the incentive clauses, according to Newsday.
The Orioles have a standing offer of five years and $65 million, which is below what Guerrero expected to get on the open market. Since Baltimore has not upped its offer recently, the door may be more than slightly ajar for the Mets, even though they cannot match the Orioles in terms of money or years.
According to The New York Times, Mets officials are "not very hopeful, but who knows?" Mets general manager Jim Duquette refused comment on Guerrero's status during a conference call on Thursday. The Mets did not intend to go after any "big ticket" free agents this winter, but their success in adding Kazuo Matsui and Mike Cameron may have changed their thinking on Guerrero.
A source familiar with Guerrero told Newsday on Thursday that he has grown reluctant to sign with Baltimore.
The Mets believe the lure of playing in New York -- and staying in the National League -- would appeal to Guerrero, but they are not willing to move beyond a three-year offer after getting burned by the Mo Vaughn trade before the 2002 season. Vaughn's career is currently in jeopardy, after announcing Thursday that he will miss the entire 2004 season due to severe knee problems.
Both the Mets and Orioles have expressed some concern about the back problems Guerrero suffered last season.
Guerrero missed close to two months last season because of a herniated disk but was terrific after returning, finishing the season with a .330 average, 25 home runs and 79 RBI for the Expos.
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