Mets interested in Ohka

Ken Davidoff at Newsday, writes about Tomo Ohka, the Mets and how they might be interested in adding him to the rotation:

Now, in putting together the 2007 roster of the Mets, Minaya is considering another name from his past. Righthander Tomo Ohka, one of the top remaining free agents, is negotiating with two National League East teams, his agent Jim Masteralexis said Tuesday.

While Masteralexis declined to specify the two clubs, a person familiar with the Mets' thinking confirmed Minaya's interest in Ohka to firm up the Mets' thin starting rotation. The righthander, who turns 31 in March, was with the Expos during Minaya's run there as GM, from 2002 through 2004.

During that time, Ohka went 26-27 with a 3.63 ERA. He put up a solid season in 2005, going 11-9 with a 4.04 ERA while pitching for the Nationals and Brewers, although his trade to Milwaukee was sparked by his defiance of Washington manager Frank Robinson.