Of the players that are now coming across the sports news wire, these four players could be useful for the Mets.

Rich Harden – Cubs: I’ve been a fan of Harden ever since he broke into the big leagues. He’s coming off a rough year, but has a career ERA of 3.24 and a 1.24 WHIP.

Placido Polanco – Tigers: He just won a gold glove and in my opinion he could be a better fit than Orlando Hudson if the Mets trade Castillo.

Miguel Olivo – Royals: If the Mets are looking for a one year option until Josh Thole is ready, Olivo could be that guy.

Joe Beimel – Dodgers: The Mets still need a bridge to K-Rod, and Beimel has played that part with great success in the past.

More updates to come in what looks to be a busy Hot Stove Tuesday.

Today, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports that a source told him that the Mets would not pursue starting pitcher Rich Harden.

Bart Hubbuch of the NY Post, also adds that the Mets are in the hunt for Ben Sheets who missed all of last season after tendon surgery on his elbow.

Ben Sheets hasn’t pitched in the majors in more than a year, but that will not keep the Mets from keeping an eye on the former All-Star right-hander this winter. The oft-injured Sheets, who last pitched with the Brewers in 2008, has been sidelined since February because of surgery to repair the flexor tendon in his forearm, but he expects to be healthy by spring training.

A major-league source confirmed that Sheets, 31, would be among a group of second-tier, relatively low-cost starting pitchers the Mets will consider this offseason while continuing their pursuit of top free-agent starter John Lackey.

As much as I like the upside of 28 year old Rich Harden, I can certainly understand the reasoning of the Mets apprehension considering his inability to stay healthy. Still he may still be worth a flyer as a buy low candidate with a high reward.

Sheets is also someone who could give the Mets some value, but it’s important to note that it can sometimes take an entire season to come all the way back from elbow surgery. In other words, he may be ready to pitch by spring training, but will he be able to pitch as effectively as he did before the injury?