Mets should put a deadline on Zito

John Delcos at Lo Hud, writes about the Mets and how they should start thinking about giving Boras a deadline on Barry Zito:

The more I think about it, and the more I read, the less I am inclined to think the Yankees are interested in Barry Zito, even if they unload Randy Johnson. Again, if the Yankees really want him, they have the money to get this done right now.

Meanwhile, the Mets are either dragging their feet or playing chicken with Scott Boras.

Jeff Suppan is off the market, which takes away an option, but even without that, the Mets seem to hold most of the leverage. Reportedly, the Giants and Seattle are interested, but neither has made an offer, and neither want to give six years for a pitcher. No other teams have been mentioned, but then again do a roll call and see what teams are willing to pay that much.

Right, not many.

If I'm the Mets, I put my best offer on the table now and say ``take it or leave it.'' If Zito really wants the Mets, he'll come. As of now, Boras hasn't been able to play one team against another, and there's no guarantee he'll be able to entice the Yankees. If the market is coming to the Mets, they should push the envelope now.