According to multiple reports, the Mets continue to pursue free-agent OF Scott Hairston, who has reportedly been seeking a two-year deal'
Jan 9, 2:53 pm: The Mets could give Hairston a two-year deal (Rubin, ESPN New York).
Jan. 9, 9:00 am: Yankees no longer seem as involved with Hairston as they once were (Heyman, CBS Sports).
Jan. 8, 12:05 pm: The Yankees are pessimistic about ending up with Hairston, since he is likely to get more at bats with another team (Marchand, ESPN New York).
Jan. 8, 7:30 am: Hairston is seeking a two-year deal, but a team official thinks he will consider a one-year deal if the money is right (Puma, New York Post).
Jan. 7, 10:00 pm: Hairston is deciding between the Mets and Yankees, and a decision could come in a matter of days (Matthews, ESPN New York).
Hairston hit .263 with a .299 OBP, 20 HR, 25 doubles and 57 RBI in 377 at bats for the Mets last season, during which he hit .286 in 189 at bats against left-handed pitchers.
To read analysis on Hairston, click here...
Michael Baron, MetsBlog.com:
As of today, Hairston's best chance to start would be with the Mets. That could change if the Mets acquire another outfielder. If they don't, I really worry about Hairston in a regular role. He is a career .229 hitter against right-handed pitching and his OPS is 121 points lower against righties than it is against lefties. I like Hairston and the Mets need someone like him, but he is more valuable as a platoon player, not just for the Mets, but for any team that signs him.
Matthew Cerrone, MetsBlog.com:
I feel the same, but bet he ends up a platoon player with the Mets any way. At this rate, unless the Mets make a surprising trade, the early-season outfield is likely to be some rotating combination of Lucas Duda, Mike Baxter, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Hairston, Andrew Brown, Colin Cowgill and anyone else who owns a glove and flip-up sunglasses.
