The New York Daily News is reporting that the Mets are interested in free agent pitcher Joel Piniero. Piniero is expected to draw considerable interest this offseason, but no one is expected to seriously pursue him unless he lowers his asking price.

SI.com's Jon Heyman reports that Piniero is asking for a three year deal worth 30 million dollars. Piniero has been pretty inconsistent for most of his career, posting a 3.49 ERA in 2009 after a 5.15 ERA in 2008.

However, Piniero's walks-per-nine-innings rate (1.14) was the best among pitchers over the past four years who reacher 200 innings. The Daily News points out he even topped Roy Halladay's 1.32 rate. 

Piniero is probably looking at a Jason Marquis-like contract (3 years, 21 million) that he signed before the 2007 season. However, the way the market is expected to play out, he could be looking at a 3 year deal in the 15-18 million dollar range.