Mets seek pen help but view K-Rod and Huston Street as too pricey

Milwaukee, should it become a seller, has suggested they'd want acquiring teams to pay Francisco Rodriguez's full salary.

The Mets' main trade-deadline goal is to bolster a bullpen that ranks 30th of 30 teams, but have found most available relievers to fall into one of two categories -- "too pricey'' or "little upgrade.''

Huston Street and Francisco Rodriguez apparently fit the "too pricey'' category. The Brewers, who are on the cusp of the race and not committed to sell, are telling teams, including the Mets, that they wouldn't expect to pick up any of the $4 million on K-Rod's 2012 salary in addition to providing player compensation. Rodriguez also was moved into the closer's role by Milwaukee on Tuesday, replacing the struggling John Axford.

Other relievers who could be moved this trading season include the Royals' Jonathan Broxton, the Mariners' Brandon League, the Astros' Brett Myers and Brandon Lyon and the Rockies' Rafael Betancourt.

The Mets also are looking for a veteran catcher. They've talked to the Rockies but have indicated they'd rather not pay all of Ramon Hernandez's $3.2 million salary through next year. The Rockies could wind up keeping Hernandez to tutor young, hard-hitting catcher Wilin Rosario.