In a report for ESPN New York, Wallace Mathews says Scott Hairston is deciding between the Mets and Yankees, and a decision could come in a matter of days.
'I think he's a good fit for either team,' Hairston's agent, Casey Close told Mathews. 'But there are different roles at each place and Scott is deciding which is the best option for him.'
In late December, Matthews of said Hairston would prefer to return to the Mets where he could play everyday.
Jan. 8, 7:30 am: Hairston has been seeking a two-year deal, Mike Puma reminds us in the New York Post.
However, one official from a non-New York team told him, 'At this point, I'd have to think he would consider a one-year deal at the right number.'
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.
