From Newsday’s David Lennon and Ken Davidoff :

The Mets’ negotiations with Yorvit Torrealba collapsed on Saturday and the free-agent catcher will not be headed to Shea for next season after all.

The two sides already had agreed on a three-year contract worth $14.4-million and it appeared that the only remaining holdup to an official announcement was a physical. But a person familiar with the situation said Saturday that the Torrealba deal was dead and the team confirmed it.

“The Mets did not reach an agreement with Yorvit Torrealba,” Mets spokesman Jay Horwitz said, “and there are no current negotiations.”

Presuming the Mets aren’t willing let Ramon Castro strap on the tools of ignorance 162 times next season, the club’s remaining options outside of the trade market would be limited to Michael Barrett, Jason Kendall, or an undoubtedly pissed-off Captain Red Ass.

Before anyone writes in, I am aware that Mike Piazza is at present, unsigned. And I’m sure you’ll agree, there are better odds of the National League instituting the designated hitter by next April compared to the Mets reconciling with Boogie Shoes.