Mets still in first round of GM interviews

PHILADELPHIA - The Mets have not completed their first round of interviews for the vacant general manager's position, a team spokesman said yesterday, but they are expected to start talking again with the finalists by the end of this week.

One potential holdup is the requirement to interview a minority candidate, and the Mets reportedly were rebuffed in their request to speak with Tigers assistant GM Al Avila. Another possibility is Dodgers assistant GM Kim Ng, but the Mets had yet to ask permission to talk with her about the job.

Rangers GM Jon Daniels also remains on the Mets' radar, but their ownership group seems committed to keeping him in Texas. The sale of the Rangers earlier this season gave the native of Bayside, Queens, an out in his contract, and the opening with the Mets represents a chance to come home again.

Publicly, Daniels insists he is happy in Texas, but there also is some anxiety on his part about the team's delay in offering him a new deal. With Texas in New York this week, it's a good opportunity for the Mets to invite Daniels in for an interview, if the Rangers grant them permission to do so.

The Mets have interviewed five candidates, with Sandy Alderson the favorite after Thursday's meeting with COO Jeff Wilpon and interim GM John Ricco. Contrary to reports, the Mets have yet to set up a second interview with Alderson, a person familiar with the situation said, but he likely is expected back as one of the top choices.