Mets likely to pass on Holliday, Bay

Sporting News staff reports According to the New York Daily News, free-agent outfielders Jason Bay and Matt Holliday likely are out of the Mets' price range. They might instead pursue a second-tier free-agent outfielder, or explore the trade market. Newsday speculated the Rays' Pat Burrell could be a target. In other Mets news, the newspaper reported shortstop Jose Reyes is walking without crutches, less than a month after having surgery to repair a torn hamstring. Reyes, who didn't play after May 20 this season, is expected to be ready for spring training. Similarly, left-hander Johan Santana, recovering from surgery to remove bone chips from his pitching elbow, is progressing well. He expects to do his normal winter throwing program.