FOX SPORTS' Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Mets have made contact with free agent infielder Jerry Hairston and catcher Bengie Molina. Rosenthal points out that Hairston is the only remaining free agent who can play both shortstop and center field, positions the Mets need depth at with Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran coming off surgery.
In 131 games between the Yankees and Reds, Hairston hit .251 with 10 home runs and a .328 on-base percentage. He is a career .259 hitter in 12 professional seasons.
John Paul Morosi is reporting that the Mets are closing in on a deal with free agent Bengie Molina. Molina is closing in on a two year deal with the Mets, which should be finalized by early next week. The additon Molina gives the Mets an experienced catcher who can hit at least 20 home runs, something that has been absent the past couple of years.
The addition of Molina leaves free agent Yorvit Torrealba likely heading to the Bay to sign with the Giants. Torrealba held out for a multi year deal with the Rockies, who instead signed Miguel Olivo.
Torrealba will have to take a one year deal with the Giants, in large part because the Giants expect top prospect Buster Posey to be ready to start full time by the end of the 2010 season or the start of the 2011 season.