ESPN's Jayson Stark says the Mets have decided to pass on Raul Ibanez with the Mariners asking for Jon Niese and a second prospect.
The Mariners also wanted Felix Pie back from the Cubs for Ibanez. Niese for Ibanez and the likelihood of two draft picks would hardly be a bad trade for the Mets. GM Omar Minaya, though, seems hesitant to part with any of his remaining few legitimate prospects.
I don't know too much about Niese to speak intelligently about this one. Maybe ljshorty can help. I know the M's shouldn't just give Raul away because he is a very good, very cheap OFer who can DH and play first.