Ken Rosenthal’s latest column suggests that the Mets are interested in Rays starters Andy Sonnanstine and Edwin Jackson …. and why wouldn’t they be?

The Rays have yet to engage in serious trade conversations about right-handers Edwin Jackson and Andy Sonnanstine. The Mets are one of many clubs interested in the two pitchers, but the Rays are no further along with them than they are with the 28 other teams. …

The question, of course, is what in the world do the Mets have that the Rays would be interested in? With a surplus of pitching and a small budget, it’s doubtful they’d want to acquire the likes of Scott Schoeneweis. Aaron Heilman might be on their radar to take the place of free agent Dan Wheeler, but the Rays certainly would want more than Heilman for either Jackson or Sonnanstine. Young starting pitchers who can win 13-14 games in the AL East are pretty valuable. Would Fernando Martinez have to be included? Jonathan Niese?

Several teams are interested in Ms reliever JJ Putz

When it comes to free agents, the Mets have the advantage of deeper pockets than most teams — and there are few teams willing to consider the figure that Francisco Rodriguez will command. But if the Mets don’t get K-Rod (and hopefully, pass on Brian Fuentes), do they really have a chance to land a solid closer via trade?

Omar Minaya has insisted that the Mets “have the depth” to acquire a closer. But, number one, is he talking about a shaky closer (Kevin Gregg), a closer with plenty of question marks (B.J. Ryan), a closer who is coming off a bad year (J.J. Putz), or a legitimate, lights-out closer (Bobby Jenks)?

I don’t doubt that the Mets have the goods to trade for someone with closing experience. I’m just not sure that I’d (a) be happy with the “closer” acquired; or (b) judge the deal as fair for both sides.

The problem is that because most teams in the market for a closer can’t afford K-Rod, most are instead looking to make a trade. These are just a few of the teams likely in the market for a closer: Tigers, Angels (assuming they don’t re-sign K-Rod), Cubs (if they don’t re-up Kerry Wood), Indians, Rangers, Rockies (if they don’t sign Fuentes), Brewers, and Cardinals. In addition, the Braves may be looking to add, say, Huston Street, as a setup man or insurance against Mike Gonzalez. Similarly, the Diamondbacks may not be so convinced Chad Qualls is the answer as their 9th-inning man. The Dodgers are likely looking for an extra arm, with Joe Beimel a free agent and 38-year-old Takashi Saito no guarantee after a major elbow injury.

I’m not saying the Mets can’t compete with those teams in trade talks — rather, that the breadth of competition creates increased demand. So instead of the Mets trading, say, Jon Niese and Bobby Parnell for a J.J. Putz, the market condition bloats that package to include Dan Murphy and/or Fernando Martinez. Put another way, instead of getting a Kevin Gregg for a AA suspect (i.e., Michael Antonini), the cost is now an MLB-ready prospect or two (i.e., Niese and Parnell). In essence, paying double.

If my theory is correct, the Mets may be better off trying to sign someone like Brandon Lyon to a short-term, inexpensive deal (if that’s possible) — similar to what they did in the 2003-2004 winter with Braden Looper. In other words, get a stopgap, and hope that either the market conditions change, or someone from within (Brant Rustich? Brad Holt?) takes the fast track toward a 2010 / 2011 debut.

Add Baltimore lefthander George Sherrill to the list of “available” closers, according to Nick Cafardo of Boston.com / The Boston Globe.

Sherrill will be 32 years old when the 2009 season begins, and is coming off a 31-save year — his first as a full-time closer. However, his ERA was an unsightly 4.73 and his WHIP zoomed to 1.50 (it had been 0.98 in 2007, when he was used as a LOOGY). Sherrill’s ERA and WHIP are a good indicator of what will happen if someone decides to use Joe Beimel in an expanded role next year.

Sherrill’s 58 strikeouts in 53 innings were impressive, but his walk total — 33 — was not. Again I bring up good ol’ Braden Looper — though Looper didn’t walk nearly as many batters. There’s a good chance Sherrill will benefit from leaving the AL (B)East.

Also of note in that article: Phillies manager Charlie Manuel would love to reunite with Manny Ramirez. Great, so if the Phils don’t get Matt Holliday, Manny could be an option. Perish the thought.

Finally, Cafardo had a quick interview with Shea Hillenbrand, who is attempting a comeback. Hmm … righthanded hitter who can play all the corners. Maybe if he changes his first name to “Citi”.