Mets rumors: New York talking R.A. Dickey trade

The New York Mets have begun holding preliminary trade discussions with other teams regarding right-hander R.A. Dickey, reports Andy Martino of the New York Daily News:

Talking to a few other execs here, they back up Alderson's claim Dickey trade talks not too intense, more preliminary.

— Andy Martino (@SurfingTheMets) November 8, 2012

General manager Sandy Alderson acknowledged the trade talks, but he told reporters that he doesn’t expect them to accelerate much during this week’s GM meetings. It sounds as if the Mets are laying the groundwork for a potential trade, and Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com adds that New York would seek outfield and catching help in any deal involving Dickey.

Heyman also says the Mets haven’t "abandoned hope" of an extension, which supports what Martino is hearing regarding talks being preliminary.

The Mets have expressed interest in re-signing Dickey, but he’s an interesting extension case given his age, 38, and impressive production.

Over 34 appearances, including 33 starts, for the Mets last season Dickey maintained an ERA of 2.73 with 8.9 strikeouts per nine innings compared to 2.1 walks per nine innings. He’s posted an ERA of 2.95 over the past three years with the Mets.