The New York Post’s Andrew Hale reports that the Mets, along with their division rivals, are competing to win the services of the recently released Reds reliever, Danny Graves.

As it is, the Mets are at least one of the three finalists for Graves. An online report yesterday afternoon said the Mets were competing with the Braves and Marlins ” and Graves’ agent, Alan Nero, confirmed the three finalists to The Post yesterday.

Nero added that Graves was expected to make his decision by this afternoon and said that several factors will come into play in Graves’ decision.

“I think it’s just a matter of feeling comfortable with the organization,” Nero said, “and finding a place where not only he can contribute to their success but they might help him get back on track as well.”

The 31-year-old Graves struggled this season before being released by the Reds, posting a 7.36 ERA. In 2004, the righty saved 41 of 50 games and notched a 3.95 ERA.

Though I don’t think Graves is nearly as bad as his performances with Cincinnati showed this year, I’m also not so confident that he’s capable at present of doing any better than Mike DeJean or Manny Aybar. That said, the Mets, Marlins and Braves all have bullpen weaknesses that need addressing, and unlike, say, Matt Herges, they’ll not have to give anyone up to acquire Graves.

(UPDATE : It’s official now – Graves is a Met and the next time he flips the bird it’s as likely to be on the way to Shea as anywhere else. )