Joel Sherman of the New York Post says Mets GM Omar Minaya has called the Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik to say that when left-handed pitcher Cliff Lee officially goes on the market, the Mets want to be in. Sherman says the Mets have had a scout at each of Lee’s past few starts and plan to keep up the scouting.

It was believed the Mets want to have a negotiating window available with Lee so that they can sign him to an extension. This traditionally happens if a team is going to send a significant prospect or prospects. They want to make sure the trade pays over a long period of time as opposed to just a rental. However, Sherman says the Mets would not need a negotiating window even if it includes top rookies Jenrry Mejia and Angel Pagan.

Other possible starting pitchers include the Houston Astros Roy Oswalt, Cleveland Indians Fausto Carmona and Chicago Cubs Ted Lilly. Sherman says Lilly is more to the Mets liking than the either Oswalt or Carmona.

Expect to see something happen from the wild card leading Mets in the weeks to come.