Trade deadline buzz: Mets busy as deadline nears

The Mets offered a package of pitcher Oliver Perez and second baseman Luis Castillo for pitcher Carlos Zambrano, but the Cubs have not accepted. They may be more amenable to Perez-for-Zambrano straight up.

The Mets turned down a request of pitcher Bobby Parnell and catcher Josh Thole for Houston pitcher Brett Myers.

The Mets also checked in on Rockie pitcher Aaron Cook, but there isn't anything happening there right now.