Report: Mets' Niese cussed out manager in final start

Jon Niese was already the subject of trade rumors heading into the winter, but a report that surfaced Thursday is adding fuel to the fire.

Niese reportedly cussed out manager Terry Collins in his final start of the season after he failed to get down a bunt.

The dialogue included some vulgar language, according to players and coaches who were there.

Collins: "What the (expletive) was that?" 

Niese: "They were coming down my throat so I tried to slash."

Collins: "Next time get the bunt down like we told you."

Niese: "Fuck you. Take me out if you don't like it."

Collins denied Niese used the F-word and backed his left-hander when asked about the situation.

"I know Jon like the back of my hand," Collins said. "He's so wired during a game, when you say something to him in a situation like that he snaps."

The Mets have made their desire for an upgrade at shortstop public this offseason, and if Niese is troublesome in the locker room he could be shipped out as part of a potential deal.

Niese went 9-11 with a respectable 3.40 ERA in 30 starts for the Mets last season.