The Mets have reportedly been linked to free agents Shaun Marcum, Carl Pavano, Chris Young and Joe Saunders, as well as a possible trade with the Dodgers for either Chris Capuano or Aaron Harang.

4:00 pm: The Rangers, Pirates and Padres are among the teams pursuing Marcum (Morosi, FoxSports).

Jan. 13: The Mets are still in preliminary discussions with their pitching targets (Carig, Newsday).

Jan. 11: Saunders and Marcum are still seeking long-term deals, and are both waiting to see what happens with the Pirates and Francisco Liriano (Cerrone, MetsBlog.com).

Jan. 10: The Mets think they can sign at least one familiar name, maybe two, before the start of Spring Training (Davidoff, New York Post).

Jan. 6: The Mets have had preliminary discussions with Pavano, and there is mutual interest (McCullough, Star Ledger).

Jan. 4: Sandy Alderson is looking to replace R.A. Dickey’s innings, not necessarily acquire an ace to replace his stature (Cerrone, MetsBlog).

Jan. 4: The Mets are  interested in bringing Young back, but are also considering Marcum and Pavano, as well as a deal with the Dodgers for Harang or Capuano (Davidoff, New York Post).

Jan. 2: They have the money to pay any of the above, but would prefer not to give more than a one-year contract. They’re using New York City, their pitcher’s park and a guaranteed spot in the rotation as bait (Cerrone, MetsBlog.com).

Dec. 22: The Mets are considering signing Saunders (Carig, Newsday).