Done deal

With an eye on October, the New York Mets acquired veteran outfielder Shawn Green from the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night.

The Diamondbacks sent the 33-year-old Green and slightly more than $6.3 million to the Mets for Triple-A pitcher Evan MacLane, a 23-year-old left-hander.

Commissioner Bud Selig had to approve the trade since more than $1 million changed hands.

Interestingly enough, the Mets are so keen on upgrading their outfield that they remain interested in star outfielder Moises Alou. News of their recent trade talks with the San Francisco Giants regarding Alou were first reported on SI.com Tuesday.

Green is to make about $2 million for the rest of this year, $9.5 million in 2007 and has a $2 million buyout on his 2008 salary.

Green has a no-trade clause but he signed off on the deal late Tuesday afternoon.

"I'm definitely excited for the opportunity," Green said, speaking from San Francisco International Airport. "I really like the Mets' chances to go to the postseason and have a chance at the World Series."

Green, who waived his no-trade clause, was hitting .283 with 11 home runs and 51 RBIs this season. The two-time All-Star once hit four homers in a game, and has four seasons of at least 100 RBIs. He expects to join the Mets as soon as Wednesday.

The Mets have been talking to the Diamondbacks for several days about Green and apparently had a monetary breakthrough Tuesday. The deal was first reported on MLB.com

The Mets are still eyeing Alou, who really fits their needs better than Green in that he's right-handed, although the impending acquisition of Green may slightly lessen the chances for an Alou deal. Alou is actually more desirable in that his contract expires at year's end. Alou has a .522 slugging percentage; Green is slugging .429.