The New York Mets are continuing to look at low-budget, veteran options to compete for spots in their 2011 starting rotation. The latest rumors have the Mets pursuing former Toronto Blue Jays and Milwaukee Brewers starter Dave Bush.
Bush, 31, is a classic journeyman type with a 56-68 record and 4.66 ERA over seven seasons and 1104 innings. He went 8-13 with a 4.54 ERA in 31 starts and one relief appearance in 2010.
The Mets recently added pitchers Chris Capuano and Taylor Buchholz to their staff as general manager Sandy Alderson tries to find options for new manager Terry Collins.
The Mets have also signed former Florida Marlins left-hander Taylor Tankersley to a minor-league contract. A relief pitcher, Tankersley, who will be 28, has a 4.58 career ERA over 118 innings. He missed 2009 with a stress fracture in his pitching elbow, and had a 7.50 ERA in 27 innings last season.