Flushing, NY (My Sportsbook) - Free-agent pitcher Tom Glavine visited the New York Mets on Thursday in his pursuit to find a new home for the 2003 season.

Glavine and his wife, Christine, met with the Mets and were given a tour of the area, including a special visit from New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

"It was a nice touch," said Mets' senior vice president and general manager Steve Phillips. "We're hoping adding a pitcher like him (Glavine) will take us over the hump."

Glavine, an ace left-hander and two-time NL Cy Young award winner, has spent his 16-year career with the Atlanta Braves and is considering a reported three-year, $31-million offer from the Mets.

The 36-year-old Glavine finished the 2002 campaign with an 18-12 mark and a 2.96 earned run average. He owns a lifetime record of 242-143 with a 3.37 ERA and 2,054 strikeouts.

"We're very serious and very interested in this," said Phillips, who stated that a deal will not happen before the Thanksgiving holiday but an agreement could be in place by mid-December.

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies will host Glavine and his wife Thursday night and Friday. They are scheduled to attend a Flyers game against San Jose in Philadelphia on Thursday.

The Phillies have reportedly offered Glavine a three-year deal worth $27 million but could make another offer by Friday.

Atlanta has offered Glavine a two-year, $18 million contract with a $9 million option for 2005 if he reaches incentives. Glavine also has drawn interest from the Boston Red Sox.