Mets Rumors: Hairston Likely to Stay in NY

Despite a recent offensive tear that has seen New York Mets outfielder Scott Hairston's trade value spike, manager Terry Collins believes the outfielder will not be traded prior to today's deadline, reports Adam Rubin of ESPN:

"I’m really hoping he’s in uniform, and I have no reason to believe he won’t be," Collins said. "I know if he is moved it’s for a piece that’s going to genuinely help us -- make us get better. So I hope he’s still here."

Hairston has done nothing to lessen his trade value in the past week. The 32-year-old is 9-for-20 in his last five games with three doubles and four home runs, boosting his overall line for the season to .264/.303/.537 with 14 home runs.

The slugging outfielder also hopes he will remain a Met past today, but told Rubin he did not want to dwell on trade speculation:

"I’m expecting to be in the dugout tomorrow. Definitely. I really can’t foresee the future. I’m just going to go back to the hotel and relax and watch a little TV and not think about that, pretty much. That’s the plan right now."

Several teams have been on the lookout for bench and outfield help as the deadline approaches, including the Giants, Tigers, Rangers and Braves, though Atlanta may be out of the running now that they have acquired Reed Johnson.

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Should the Mets hang on to Hairston?

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