Mets Are Front Runners For Lohse

George King at The New York Post writes about Kyle Lohse and the Phillies backing out:

The Mets' primary competition for free-agent pitcher Kyle Lohse has dropped out of the bidding.

According to Phillies assistant GM Ruben Amaro, Philadelphia's refusal to go beyond three years for the right-hander ended their pursuit of Lohse, who finished last season in Philly.

It's believed the Mets have made an offer to the 29-year-old for four years, but it's not known if it is for the $10 million Per he is seeking.

Mets offer contract to Kyle Lohse

.....Woo Hoo 100th post....

According to Tim Brown at Yahoo! Sports, RHSP Kyle Lohse is considering offers from both the Mets and the Phillies 'both of which could go to four years.’ Last year,with the Phillies and Reds, Lohse pitched to a tune of 9–12 with a 4.63 ERA. Lohse is a very durable #5 starter but he is also very hittable. Spacious Shea Stadium would help his ERA a little bit, but id rather see Philip Humber or Mike Pelfrey in that rotation spot. Maybe the Mets are actually thinking about bringing Pelfrey up to the Majors to pitch in the Bullpen for a year?.. That way, he can get more time with Rick Peterson to work on his secondary pitches.. I'm still very hopeful that both Humber and Pelfrey can live up to the hype and become serviceable Major League starting pitchers.