The Red Sox might be closer to acquiring the pitcher that originally topped the Yankees' wish list.

	Colón

	Hillenbrand

The New York Times reported Saturday that the Red Sox, the Mets and the Expos are discussing a three-way trade.

Citing an unnamed official of one of the three teams, the deal would send Boston third baseman Shea Hillenbrand to the Mets, while Montreal would send either Bartolo Colón or Javier Vazquez, both starting pitchers, to the Red Sox.

Hillenbrand, 27, would solve the Mets' problems at third base, batting right-handed and making less than $500,000. The Red Sox had reportedly offered Hillenbrand for Colon, but Montreal general manager Omar Minaya also wanted left-hander Casey Fossum, whom Boston wouldn't deal.

According to The Times, Minaya spoke with Red Sox GM Theo Epstein on Friday, and also said that Mets general manager Steve Phillips had contacted him, but Minaya has yet to return the call.

The Yankees were very interested in Colón when he first came on the market, and offered first baseman Nick Johnson. But with Roger Clemens re-signed, the Yankees have eight starters and don't really need Colón and they are no longer offering Johnson, an official told The Times.