Alderson characteristically patient at Meetings

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson discusses the team making progress as the market begins to heat up during the Winter MeetingsNATIONAL HARBOR, Md. -- When the Mets signed outfielder Yoenis Cespedes -- their top offseason priority -- last week, general manager Sandy Alderson noted that the speed with which he completed that deal could slow other pursuits. Rather than rush into a trade of Jay Bruce, for example, Alderson would have the luxury of taking things slowly.

So it went this week in National Harbor, where the Mets engaged various clubs on a trade for Bruce as well as various agents on bullpen deals. The Mets walked away from Maryland with no new players, but plenty of leads.

"I think…