Former catcher Mike Piazza is interested in owning part of a major league club in the future, and he says he has been approached about possibly joining groups looking to buy a franchise.
Piazza, though, would neither confirm nor deny if any of those groups are eyeing the financially troubled New York Mets, one of Piazza's old teams.
"Let's just say I've talked to some people who have interest in getting into the game. It doesn't cost anything to talk, thank God. At least not yet," Piazza told reporters Saturday, according to ESPNNewYork.com and The New York Times. "Things start with ideas. And you have to dream a little bit, and you just never know. So we'll see. But as far anything right now -- any talks or putting together any groups -- no, I'm not involved in anything specifically."
Piazza was at the Mets' complex in Port St. Lucie, Fla., on Saturday as a member of the Italian national team's coaching staff. Team Italy played an exhibition against a squad of Mets minor leaguers.
Piazza had kind words for the current Mets ownership group, which has borrowed millions of dollars as it deals with a lawsuit related to the Bernard Madoff fraud case. The Wilpon family has said it would consider selling a minority stake in the team.
"When I was there, the Wilpons treated me great," Piazza said. "I feel bad what's going on. I'm sure when everything gets ironed out, hopefully things will work out well for them."
Piazza also seemed surprised when reporters told him former Mets manager Bobby Valentine may be trying to put together an investor group to buy the Mets.
Baseball commissioner Bud Selig told SI.com that the sport is in "uncharted waters" with regard to the Mets. "We just have to hope it works out," Selig was quoted as saying.
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