[mase]

Another show stopper as reported by ESPN's Adam Rubin:

"The Mets and middle-infielder Ronny Cedeno are at a "critical" point in negotiations and there could be a verdict soon, but there has yet to be an agreement between the sides, a source familiar with the negotiations said.

That comment came as a Venezuelan-based report from Pendulo Latino maintained the Mets are closing in on signing Cedeno.

If Cedeno does come on board, Ruben Tejada and Daniel Murphy still would be projected as the starters, but Cedeno would be a viable alternative at either position should something occur.

Cedeno hit .249 with two homers and 32 RBIs in 413 at-bats for the Pittsburgh Pirates last season. He has played 548 major league games at shortstop and 81 games at second base over seven major league seasons."