Jonathon Niese

The New York Mets have reportedly declined the option of Jonathon Niese, ending the player's second stint with the franchise, per Jon Heyman of Today's Knuckleball and Matt Ehalt of the Record.

With the Pittsburgh Pirates suddenly having an abundance of starting pitchers to choose from, Jon Niese is emerging as a potential trade candidate.   

Continue for updates. 

New York Mets assistant general manager John Ricco said the team is open to trading starting pitcher Jon Niese, per Adam Rubin of ESPN.com.

Continue for updates.

The February 15 spring training report date for the New York Mets is right around the corner, which will officially kick off their mission of becoming a winning baseball team in 2014.

This article was originally posted on TheSheaFaithful.com.

The New York Mets are facing the dreaded "R-word" that's practically a forbidden phrase in New York: rebuilding.

Week one of the 2011 fantasy baseball season is just about in the books. Some of you may feel quite optimistic; while others may be a bit discouraged. Just remember that the fantasy baseball season is long, just like the MLB regular season. If you panic now, you're probably not cut out to play fantasy sports.

Week one has already been an interesting one. There have been some key injuries including Tampa Bay 3B Evan Longoria, who just so happens to have been my own first-round draft pick. It appears like he will be out for around three weeks with a strained oblique.

Throughout the offseason, some of the moves GM Sandy Alderson made were in attempt to bolster the Mets starting staff.  He's acquired pitchers Chris Capuano, and more recently, Chris Young.  Here's a look at what the Mets starting rotation might look like in the 2011 season.

1. Johan Santana (LHP)

In a year where we saw ‘Prevention and Recovery,' hirings and firings, and even some crazy top 10 plays, our New York Mets couldn’t put together a winning ball club and now our eyes are set on the promising future.

With a new regime in place that stands for almost everything opposite from the last boss, we take one last look at 2010 with the knowledge that our team will improve in 2011 and years to come. 

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The Mets were officially eliminated from playoff contention on Tuesday. However, with 10 games left in the season, fans should not stop supporting the team. I am completely aware that it is football season and there are two exciting teams in New York. The Jets, behind Rex Ryan (you either love him or hate him), are looking to improve on last season's AFC Championship game appearance.

As the fantasy baseball trade deadline approaches, its getting closer and closer to the time when you need to lock-in your rosters. As always, benching the bad and starting the good can keep your team atop the standings for your stretch-run into the playoffs. Let’s take a look at some players you can acquire through trades or just through free agency.

Start ‘Em