Mets GM Alderson interviews Hurdle, Wakamatsu

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson checked off two more names from his interview list yesterday after meeting with Clint Hurdle and Don Wakamatsu. Next up is Ken Oberkfell, the Triple-A manager at Buffalo, and Alderson will interview him Thursday or Friday in the Dominican Republic, where he is managing a winter league team.

Perhaps just as important for Alderson is Saturday's visit in Puerto Rico with Carlos Beltran, who is hosting a fundraiser for his baseball academy. His health could be a major factor next season, as well as his feelings about moving to rightfield if his chronic knee problems persist.

Beltran was adamant about not making the switch when asked about it late last season. As a five-time All-Star, and a player who suffered a career-threatening collision with converted rightfielder Mike Cameron in 2005, Beltran has reason to be hesitant. But it is a discussion Alderson is likely to raise at some point, if not this weekend.

As for the managerial search, Alderson had anticipated wrapping up the first round of interviews by the end of this weekend, with callbacks to follow. The Bergen Record reported that Wally Backman, who was interviewed Saturday in California, has qualified for the second round, but the Mets insist no decision will be made until the first round of interviews is over.

Mets officials have suggested that Terry Collins is likely to get another interview, with chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon and possibly principal owner Fred Wilpon expected to take part.

Paul DePodesta, the newly hired vice president of player development and amateur scouting, raved Tuesday about Collins. He impressed the Mets as their minor-league field coordinator, showing energy and enthusiasm that reminded some of Bobby Valentine, but without the prohibitive salary demands.