The Sun-Sentinel is reporting the Mets and Yankees both have interest in Reds outfielder/first baseman Jeff Conine. Conine is currently batting .276 with six home runs and twenty-four RBIs in a limited role with the Reds. Rumors are circulating that he will be one of the many players dealt this summer in what most expect to be a fire sale in Cincinnati. Conine is a career .286 hitter, and while he really has no power, Conine could find a role on the Mets. As far as the Yankees go, I’m not so sure.

On the Mets, Conine would be a cheap option to give Carlos Delgado a break at first base (looking at his slump, a few days off might not be a bad idea), and help out an outfield that hasn’t had a break due to injuries. Aside from that, down the stretch you can never have too many bats on the bench, especially in the National League.

I’m not sure how Conine would fit on the Yankees. The Yankees are in need of an every day first baseman, but Conine isn’t the best fit. A platoon of Andy Phillips and Conine would fill a need, especially if Miguel Cairo is needed at third base due to A-Rod’s hamstring. If the Yankees were to acquire Conine, it could be the first step in the Yankees not making the big deal at the trade deadline to chase down the Red Sox.