Baseball: Mets make offer to Beltran

The Mets are storming into the middle of the Carlos Beltran sweepstakes with a major offer that should make them bona fide contenders for the multi-talented centerfielder.

A high-powered contingent led by owner Fred Wilpon and general manager Omar Minaya hand-delivered an eye-opening offer to Beltran in Puerto Rico and perhaps established themselves as clubhouse leaders in the high-stakes game. Sources familiar with the negotiations indicated the Mets will finalize the details of their offer to Beltran today. A source said their opening bid will be in the range of $100 million.

While the Mets threaten to steal the entire offseason after locking up Pedro Martinez a month earlier, the game isn't over yet. The Astros, Cubs, Tigers and Yankees have shown considerable interest in the five-tool player. While several teams bid in the $90-million range previously, the Mets are setting themselves apart - at least for the moment.

Link...Newsday