Mets Eyeing Grudzielanek

Jim Malony at MLB.com writes about Mark Grudzielanek and how the Mets are viewed as front runners for him:

Royals second baseman Mark Grudzielanek continues to attract interest from other teams, with the Mets believed to be the front-runners for the 2006 Gold Glove Award winner. The Royals would want a strong player in return. The organization views Grudzielanek in very high regard because of his defense, solid hitting in the No. 2 hole and veteran leadership with Kansas City's many young players, including Tony Pena. Esteban German, similar to Grudzielanek offensively, is viewed as a serviceable everyday second baseman if Grudzielanek is traded. Grudzielanek has a $4 million player option that triggers if he gets to 500 at-bats this season -- a number that is well within range.