Morning Papers

Pedro: Manny, Sox a fine pair February 23 New York Daily News: "Pedro Martinez doesn't believe Manny Ramirez will be a Met. He came to that conclusion way back in November when Omar Minaya obtained Carlos Delgado." Pedro to miss first round WBC February 23 Newsday: "Pedro Martinez's lingering right big toe injury will keep him out of at least the opening-round games of the World Baseball Classic, Newsday has learned." Kaz is well prepared for the new challenge he faces this spring February 23 Newsday: "Kaz Matsui is painfully aware of his tenuous situation on the Mets. As the Japanese infielder said yesterday, 'I read the papers.'" Matsui takes it 'Personal' February 23 Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "Either way, Matsui -- who said all the right things in a brief chat with reporters before vanishing -- seems to be distancing himself from the Mets at a time when he should be trying to entrench himself." Spotlight Won't Daunt Delgado February 23 New York Post (registration required): "Delgado yesterday became the final high-profile Met to report to camp, and the new first baseman is ready to immerse himself in his new city." Delgado stands up February 23 Palm Beach Post columnist Charles Elmore: " In his first day in a Mets uniform, Delgado did not have to be reminded of the fans who booed because he passed up the Mets for the Marlins in 2005. Some sang God Bless America when he came to bat in Florida teal." Big Papi on the money about Manny February 23 Boston Herald: "David Ortiz has not spoken with Manny Ramirez since it was announced the Red Sox left fielder would report to camp a week behind the rest of the position players, but he’s confident his teammate will show up... Francona, who is entering the final season of his three-year contract (although the club holds an option on 2007), declined to discuss if negotiations on an extension have begun. " Manny has always had a free pass February 23 Providence Journal columnist Bill Reynolds (registration required): "The only surprising thing is it's only February, thus we have roughly seven more months of the ongoing soap opera that long ago became Manny Ramirez in Boston. Wasn't it last November when he said he wasn't going to play for the Red Sox this year, that if he wasn't traded he simply would not report to spring training?"