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Heyman: Mets Fly Under The Radar, Meet Secretly With Veteran Infielder Peralta

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- On a day when the mettle of the Mets fan was tested by one discouraging story after another, there was a ray of hope on Wednesday evening.

CBSSports.com and WFAN baseball insider Jon Heyman reported the Mets had a secret meeting with free agent shortstop Jhonny Peralta, who is believed to be at or near the top of their offseason wish list. No one affiliated with the Mets person would confirm there was a meeting with Peralta, but sources on other teams told Heyman he did meet with them.

Peralta was spotted in Orlando, Fla., where the GM Meetings are being held. Heyman said it was likely an orchestrated move by Peralta considering he might have some convincing to do with teams due to his link to the Biogenesis scandal. The 31-year-old was suspended 50 games during the season, but returned to help the Detroit Tigers push the Boston Red Sox to six games in the ALCS.

The Mets have not given up hope on Ruben Tejada, but they are intrigued by shortstops like Peralta and Stephen Drew, Heyman reported.

Peralta, who hit .303 with 11 home runs and 55 RBI last season, is a career .268 hitter with 156 homers and 698 RBI in 11 seasons.

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