The Mets are making it clear to other teams that they're looking to move relievers Francisco Rodriguez, Tim Byrdak, and Jason Isringhausen, two sources tell Andy Martino of the New York Daily News.
"They are really trying to move Isringhausen, and also Byrdak and K-Rod (before the trade deadline)," said one of the sources. "Those guys have pitched well, and they could help somebody."
Their actions, Martino writes, do not yet indicate that they're giving up on this season. The club could trade a reliever or two and still claim to be serious about this year. However, it does seem that they will look to sell and build towards the future.
Rodriguez's situation is complicated by his 2012 contract option, which vests if he finishes 55 games. At present, K-Rod is on pace to finish 61 games this year. The right-hander will earn $17.5MM in '12 if his option kicks in but can be bought out for just $3.5MM if he falls short of the mark.
