Mets secretly meet with shortstop Jhonny Peralta

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Mets clandestinely met with free-agent shortstop Jhonny Peralta, according to league sources.

No Mets person would admit there was a meeting with Peralta, but sources on other teams said he did meet with them.

Peralta was spotted in town. While it is rare for players to attend the GM Meetings, it isn't a bad idea for a player with a Biogenesis link to meet face-to-face with teams.

Peralta, who batted .303 with 11 home runs and 55 RBI, is someone who interests the Mets, whose biggest need after a corner outfielder (or two) may well be shortstop. They're said to be getting better reports on Ruben Tejada, but they're still closely surveying the shortstop market. Stephen Drew is another shortstop who interests them, but his price tag would be considerably more.

Peralta suffered a 50-game suspension due to his Biogenesis link, but the Tigers welcomed him back and he wound up being one of their better hitters in the postseason as they advanced again to the ALCS.