The Mets have significant interest in free agent Randy Wolf as well. They also are keeping in touch with Tom O'Connell, the agent for Tim Redding, who was non-tendered by the Nationals.

Among established starting pitchers, the Mets have just Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey and John Maine under their control. And Maine is coming off surgery to have a bony growth on his right shoulder blade shaved down.

The organization has anointed rookie Jon Niese as the favorite heading into spring training to claim the No. 5 spot in the rotation, although they plan to sign a low-cost pitcher in January to compete with Niese. Rookie Bobby Parnell may be part of that competition, too, but he is expected to wind up in the bullpen.

That leaves one slot in the rotation to fill. Lowe appears to top the Mets' list, but team officials have privately said they don't intend to spend $15 million a year over a long-term deal for Lowe's services.

Minaya, during the winter meetings in early December, labeled the odds of re-signing Perez as "50-50." Perez flourished once Dan Warthen took over as pitching coach in June, but the left-hander can be maddeningly inconsistent. Wolf would be a lower-cost alternative, and he provides leverage in negotiations with Boras about Lowe or Perez.

Mets officials have indicated they intend to devote most of their available resources this winter to pitching. They could have as few as one new position player in 2009. With backup infielder Damion Easley unlikely to be re-signed, the Mets have set their sights on free agent Alex Cora to back up in the middle infield. And while Manny Ramirez has a fan in Minaya, Mets officials are adamant the free agent outfielder won't be pursued.