Francisco Rodriguez returning to Mets remains possibility

Are the Mets ready to go another round with K-Rod?

Put it this way: they aren't against the idea, and a person familiar with the situation said Tuesday that Francisco Rodriguez is among the relievers currently being considered to add bullpen help. The New York Post first reported the Mets' interest in K-Rod, and it appears his past transgressions in Flushing won't get in the way of a possible reunion.

Rodriguez, who earns $8 million this season on a one-year deal, is presently underperforming in a setup role for Brewers closer John Axford and might soon be available.

The Mets could probably get him by taking on most of the money -- down to $4 million by now -- rather than giving up a valuable prospect, something that Mets general manager Sandy Alderson is very reluctant to do.

"He knows all the guys already," the person said, "and he's pitched in New York."

The Mets dealt Rodriguez to the Brewers on July 12 last year thanks to a technicality -- his former agent forgot to file the paperwork that included Milwaukee on his no-trade list. K-Rod was coming off a 2010 season marred by his arrest at Citi Field for allegedly punching his girlfriend's father. He later pleaded guilty to assault and avoided jail time.

Alderson pokes Panda

Still simmering over Pablo Sandoval beating out David Wright, Alderson took to Twitter to lash out at Giants fans. His tweet: "ASG election of 'Kung Fu Panda' shows the value of a cute nickname. Surprised Giants fans didn't elect a 'ball dude' to start at 3B."

Halladay making progress

Roy Halladay, on the DL since May 28 with a strained back muscle, threw a 56-pitch bullpen session at Citi Field and could return shortly after the break. "I don't know where he'll be when he gets back," Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee told The Associated Press. " . . . The signs are leading that he's doing very well."