Andy Martino, SNY.tv | Twitter |

The most important thing to remember about the Mets' search for direction is that it is still early to take any one piece of information too seriously. The organization is busy debating not only names, but types of candidates to lead baseball operations, and remains in more of a brainstorming phase.

Having said that, here are a few concrete bits of information: People around the team continue to point to Toronto Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro as a fit to lead the Mets, and -- as first reported by the New York Post -- the team has already asked Terry Collins to assume a larger role in the front office.

Shapiro, who publicly reaffirmed his commitment to Toronto after his name first surfaced in connection to the Mets job, is close with Omar Minaya. His father, highly respected veteran agent Ron Shapiro, is friendly with Fred Wilpon.

Shapiro was once GM and president of the Cleveland Indians -- an organization steeped in analytics. His resume and stature in the game lend him the gravitas to replace a towering figure like Sandy Alderson.

As for Collins: In the right role, the former manager could be a strong asset for any GM. None other than Paul DePodesta once called him "an absolute star in player development."

Collins has not yet decided what to do -- and won't likely do so until ownership chooses a GM or president of baseball operations. There are simply too many variables still in play, including the mystery of who he would report to.

To that end, Shapiro is a name to watch. Former Red Sox GM Ben Cherington, who works for Shapiro in Toronto, is another one, as is Baltimore GM Dan Duquette. All carry the experience necessary to run a team in New York.

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