Newz Forum: BASEBALL: Mets reportedly trade for Astros' Hidalgo

NEW YORK (AP) - After falling out of favor with the Houston Astros, Richard Hidalgo apparently has found a new home with the New York Mets. The New York Daily News reported on its Web site Thursday that the Mets, looking to bolster a meager lineup, have acquired the veteran outfielder for reliever David Weathers.

According to the report, the Mets will receive $4 million in cash from the Astros, who are looking to rid themselves of Hidalgo's contract that pays him $12 million this season. Hidalgo is scheduled to make $15 million next season, but the deal includes a $2 million buyout which the Mets likely would exercise.

The 28-year-old Hidalgo is hitting just .256 with four home runs and 30 RBI in 58 games this season. Astros manager Jimy Williams informed him on Tuesday that the bulk of the playing time in right field would instead go to Jason Lane.

Hidalgo hit 44 home runs and drove in 122 runs for the Astros in 2000, but has not come close to those numbers since. He hit 19, 15 and 28 homers the next three seasons.

The Mets have been in the market to add more offense to a team that entered play Thursday ranked 15th in the National League with a .247 batting average. New York fired hitting coach Danny Walling on Tuesday and replaced him on an interim basis with Don Baylor.

Weathers, a 14-year veteran, has appeared in 32 games for the Mets and compiled a 5-3 record with a 4.28 ERA. The 34-year-old is in the final year of a contract that pays him $3.9 million this season.

He went hitless in his first two games for the Mets but he had a homer today.

the mets are a surprise team along with the devil rays this season.