swamp fox

NEW ORLEANS -- The New York Mets hope to snare Mike Cameron by the time they
head home from the winter meetings.

The two-time Gold Glove center fielder is in town, according to Mets general
manager Jim Duquette, who would love to see him in the outfield at Shea
Stadium next season. Oakland and other teams are also interested.

"I think we've done what we can in items of trying to educate him about the
organization and convince him to sign here," Duquette said Friday. "We had
discussions about what our plan is for next year, how he fits in, how he can
help us to turn around quickly."

Cameron, who turns 31 next month, replaced Ken Griffey Jr. in Seattle when
he was acquired from the Reds after the 1999 season. Cameron hit .253 last
season with 18 homers, 70 RBIs and 17 steals.

Duquette said Cameron would be meeting with teams this weekend.

"In the next couple of days, he should be making a decision," Duquette said.

Cameron has power -- he hit four homers in four consecutive at-bats at
Chicago in May 2002 -- but that's not what attracted the Mets' interest.

"His defense if the thing that really stands out, one of the main reasons
that he's a good fit here," Duquette said.

He also is searching for a closer. The Mets have talked to Keith Foulke,
whose decision appears to be between Boston and Oakland.

In his first winter meetings as GM, Duquette is trying not to be overtaken
by events.

"That's how we went awry in the past," he said. "We're going to continue
focusing on the plan we put in place."

swamp fox

NEW ORLEANS -- The New York Mets hope to snare Mike Cameron by the time they
head home from the winter meetings.

The two-time Gold Glove center fielder is in town, according to Mets general
manager Jim Duquette, who would love to see him in the outfield at Shea
Stadium next season. Oakland and other teams are also interested.

"I think we've done what we can in items of trying to educate him about the
organization and convince him to sign here," Duquette said Friday. "We had
discussions about what our plan is for next year, how he fits in, how he can
help us to turn around quickly."

Cameron, who turns 31 next month, replaced Ken Griffey Jr. in Seattle when
he was acquired from the Reds after the 1999 season. Cameron hit .253 last
season with 18 homers, 70 RBIs and 17 steals.

Duquette said Cameron would be meeting with teams this weekend.

"In the next couple of days, he should be making a decision," Duquette said.

Cameron has power -- he hit four homers in four consecutive at-bats at
Chicago in May 2002 -- but that's not what attracted the Mets' interest.

"His defense if the thing that really stands out, one of the main reasons
that he's a good fit here," Duquette said.

He also is searching for a closer. The Mets have talked to Keith Foulke,
whose decision appears to be between Boston and Oakland.

In his first winter meetings as GM, Duquette is trying not to be overtaken
by events.

"That's how we went awry in the past," he said. "We're going to continue
focusing on the plan we put in place."