'Keep your eye on Texas. They're in it to win,' a rival executive told Andy Martino of the Daily News, in regards to the Rangers continued interest in acquiring R.A. Dickey.
According to Martino, 'Mets insiders said on Tuesday and Wednesday that they were not in a hurry to sign Dickey (to a contract extension), because they were waiting to see if other teams would increase their trade offers.'
Yesterday, CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman said on WFAN that multiple teams have offered at least one top hitting prospect for Dickey, but the Mets continue to hold firm asking for two top prospects.
However, as expected, the Mets are seeing more interest in Dickey since Zack Greinke signed with the Dodgers, and since James Shields was traded to the Royals, Martino reported on Wednesday.
Matthew Cerrone, MetsBlog.com:
I get the feeling from talking to people in baseball that if the Rangers re-sign free-agent OF Josh Hamilton, there is a good chance they quickly jump and meet Alderson's asking price for Dickey, mostly because he's awesome and earning just $5 million next year. I don't know if they give up Mike Olt and Leonys Martin, which was first reported by John Harper in the Daily News ' or if it includes someone else ' more from the Mets, more from the Rangers, who knows ' but it's clear these two teams have the best framework for a deal.
From what I can tell, the Orioles and Dodgers will not pay the freight, and Texas seems willing and able to offer more than Boston. I still contend the Blue Jays are more interested in Jon Niese, and the deal would require the Mets giving up additional prospects to get a combination of their young outfielders and catchers.
In other words, Martino's right, as he's been writing for a while, keep an eye on Texas. Because, at the very least, whether they end up with Dickey or not, they're actions will dictate much of how this plays out'