The Mets engaged in brief talks with the Indians about Victor Martinez but remain a major long shot because they do not want to part with their prospects. The biggest names teams have been asking about are pitchers Jennry Meija, Brad Holt and Jon Niese, slugger Ike Davis and outfielder Fernando Martinez.

The Red Sox are still favored by Martinez, but they are also trying for Adrian Gonzalez. The Rays have been actively trying for Martinez, as well, but were not confident of accomplishing anything major before today's 4 p.m. deadline.

Mets GM Omar Minaya mentioned he turned down two offers of "big-time'' players without mentioning any names. One of those is surely Martinez, who'd be a decent fit for the Mets. Though the problem remains that they don't believe they are only one player away. That's why their earlier talks for Roy Halladay were so bief.

NY Baseball Digest reported Cleveland requested Holt and Mejia for Martinez. Mejia has moved to the top of the Mets' prospect list. "He's very good,'' said a competing scout. "He throws very hard and his ball moves.'' 

The Mets are more likely to land a lefthanded reliever than anything else.