Mets interested in Willingham

Add the Mets as one of the teams who have interest in Nationals left fielder Josh Willingham, according to a baseball source. The Giants, Mariners and Braves are the other teams who reportedly are willing to acquire his services.

The Mets had problems finding a regular left fielder this past season. They used nine players in at the position and hit a combined .276 with 12 home runs and 76 RBIs. Willingham started the 2009 season on the bench, but became the everyday left fielder starting in June and hit .260 with  24 home runs and 61 RBIs.

Willingham is not only an outfielder. He can play first base and go behind the plate in emergency situation.

“Willingham is the only player on the Nationals [the Mets] are interested in,” the source said.

Don’t look for the Nationals to give Willingham away. The Nationals most likely would want pitching in return. Who they want from New York is not known. If Willingham were to leave, Washington most likely will give Roger Bernadina or Justin Maxwell a chance to play left field. Don’t rule out the two players platooning at the position.