Mets make an offer to Rivera

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA — FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Having failed in their quest to obtain a full-time shortstop, the New York Mets now are thinking of platooning at the most critical defensive position.

While they continue to talk with the Cleveland Indians about Omar Vizquel and Mark Lewis, they have made an offer to 30-year-old free agent Luis Rivera.

Jim Bronner, one of the agents representing Rivera, confirmed the offer yesterday and acknowledged that his client stood a better chance of playing regularly with the Mets than with any of the other clubs who have expressed an interest in Rivera.

At the same time, however, the Mets were considering a platoon that would include Tim Bogar.