Newsday: Tejada Likely Mets 2014 Shortstop

Marc Carig of Newsday had this to offer of the bleak outlook for the Mets hope to upgrade their shortstop position:

But as the new year approaches, the Mets seem prepared to begin the 2014 season with Tejada as their starter at shortstop. The about-face has been brought on by a market that has presented few alternatives.

The Mets remain in contact with Scott Boras, the agent for shortstop Stephen Drew, according to a person with knowledge of the talks. But the source likened the situation to the Mets' pursuit of outfielder Michael Bourn late last winter. Bourn ultimately landed with the Indians, but not before the Mets made a serious run at signing him, mostly because he had lowered his asking price as the season drew near.

Drew remains the only free- agent shortstop who would be a clear offensive upgrade over Tejada, who hit .202 with no homers and 10 RBIs in 208 at-bats. But the Red Sox reportedly have interest in bringing back Drew, who hit .253 with 13 homers and 67 RBIs and helped Boston win the World Series...

Carig goes on to list the weak chances and weaker market for the Mets to improve at short through the trade market.

Let me lead most fans in saying, "Crap." Short was a massive hole last year in the lineup, and this team still needs to see boosts at this position and first base if it plans to make any noise in the 2014 season. Given the Mets tenuous relationship with Scott Boras, the Drew signing has always been a bit of a long shot. I'm still pulling for it to happen, but the longer this goes on the more I feel it's a lost cause.