NewYork.Mets.com

By Kevin T. Czerwinski / MLB.com

Jaime Cerda went 1-1 with a 5.85 ERA in 27 games for the Mets last season. (Eliot Schechter/Getty Images)

The move also frees up a spot on New York's 40-man roster for Todd Zeile, who is expected to sign this week, possibly as soon as Tuesday, after passing a team physical on Friday. Sedlacek will be a non-roster invitee and join the pitchers and catchers when they report for Spring Training on Feb. 20.

Sedlacek, 27, was 4-11 with a 6.45 ERA in 27 games for Triple-A Omaha of the Pacific Coast League in 2003. He also made five starts for Double-A Wichita of the Texas League, going 1-2 with a 5.60 ERA. He should compete for a spot as New York's fifth starter or possibly the long reliever.

Sedlacek pitched against the Mets on June 23, 2002, at Shea. He had a no-decision in a 5-4 New York win. Shawn pitched six innings, allowed five hits, one run, earned, with one walk and four strikeouts.

Named Kansas City's Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2000 by Baseball America, Sedlacek spent part of the 2002 season in the Major Leagues, going 3-5 with a 6.72 ERA in 16 games (14 starts).

Dan Wheeler, Jason Anderson and Pedro Feliciano remain the prime candidates for the final spot, possibly two, in the New York pen.

Cerda, meanwhile, will get more of an opportunity with Kansas City. He went 1-1 with a 5.85 ERA in 27 games for the Mets last season, spending much of the year shuttling between Triple-A Norfolk and the parent club. He was 3-0 with a 1.67 ERA in 22 contests with Norfolk but put off some people in the organization when he chose not to play winter ball this year.

Overall, his 2003 season could be categorized as a disappointment after a strong rookie year. Cerda posted a 2.45 in 35 games in 2002, showing a surprising amount of poise. He got off to a slow start last year, however, and never recovered.

Kevin T. Czerwinski is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.