Vaughn-for-Appier Deal Could Be in Works

The New York Mets have expressed interest in Angel first baseman Mo Vaughn, and they might be willing to part with pitcher Kevin Appier in a deal for the former American League most valuable player. New York first baseman Todd Zeile and a number of Met prospects have also been discussed in trade talks.

The Angels also signed veteran reliever Dennis Cook, who split last season between the Mets and Philadelphia Phillies, to a one-year, $1.25-million contract Wednesday, a move that should bolster their bullpen from the left side.

Vaughn, 34, missed the 2001 season because of a ruptured biceps tendon, and it seemed doubtful any team would trade for him until he proved in spring training that he was in top shape. But the Baltimore Orioles expressed an interest in Vaughn at the recent winter meetings, and now the Mets are making a run at him.

“It’s my understanding that the teams have talked, and it seems there is an interest on the Mets’ side,” said Jeff Moorad, Vaughn’s agent. “But at this point, Mo prefers to ignore all that is not real and stay focused on playing for the Angels.”

Vaughn, who grew up in Norwalk, Conn., about half an hour from New York, has three years and $50 million remaining on a six-year, $80-million deal, and it’s believed the Angels would be willing to absorb up to $10 million of the contract in a trade. The Mets are one of six teams, selected by Vaughn and the Angels, that Vaughn can be traded to.

Though Angel General Manager Bill Stoneman and Manager Mike Scioscia have publicly supported Vaughn, even after the slugger recently voiced a strong desire to return to the Boston Red Sox and the East Coast, several sources say the Walt Disney Co., which has been trying to sell the Angels for two years, would love to get rid of Vaughn’s contract.

But the Mets, who have upgraded with the addition of second baseman Roberto Alomar and outfielder Roger Cedeno, are looking to shed some of their $95-million payroll before taking on another high-priced player such as Vaughn or free-agent outfielder Juan Gonzalez.

Appier, who went 11-10 with a 3.57 earned-run average last season, has three years and $32 million remaining on his contract, and Zeile, who hit .266 with 10 home runs and 62 runs batted in, will make $6 million next season before becoming a free agent.

The Mets would like one more potent bat to protect Mike Piazza in the lineup, and though Appier is one of their top three pitchers, New York has a surplus of starters and could part with the 34-year-old right-hander, who has a 147-115 record and 3.63 ERA in 13 seasons.

If Vaughn is traded, the Angels could move center fielder Darin Erstad to first base and look to sign or trade for another outfielder, or they could go with Scott Spiezio at first.

As of late Wednesday afternoon, Stoneman said any speculation about a trade for Vaughn was “just a rumor. We do not have a deal to send Mo Vaughn anywhere.”

There have been concerns about Vaughn’s weight--he was recently listed at 275 pounds--but he weighed 268 pounds during a recent checkup with the Angels. “He’s in outstanding shape,” Moorad said.

Scioscia is convinced Vaughn will be committed to the Angels if he remains in Anaheim.

At least one Angel dismissed speculation that Vaughn wouldn’t be welcome in Anaheim because of his desire to return to Boston.

“I won’t think anything different about Mo; I’ll still love him as a person and as a player,” Erstad said. “He spoke from his heart. So, he likes the East Coast. Big deal. When he goes onto the field, he plays to win. He has more pride than anyone who goes out there. I think he’s going to have a great season.”

The Angels are hoping to get a better season out of Cook, the 39-year-old who struggled after being traded from the Mets to the Phillies on July 27. Cook, who has played for eight major league teams, including the Phillies and Indians twice, in 16 years, went 1-1 with a 4.25 ERA in 43 games for New York and 0-0 with a 5.59 ERA in 19 games with Philadelphia.