Morning Papers

Pedro to toe rubber - maybe February 28 New York Daily News: "Willie Randolph believes it's likely Pedro Martinez will pitch from the rubber today, the first time this spring the ace has done so." Martinez to step up mound program February 28 Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "Pedro Martinez is due back in camp and scheduled to throw today, and manager Willie Randolph said he expects Martinez to throw off the pitching rubber for the first time." The Arms Race February 28 New York Post (registration required): "Aaron Heilman, the front-runner for the No. 5 starting slot, will work today, as will a few players with a chance to push the righty: Brian Bannister, Jeremi Gonzalez, John Maine and Alay Soler." Woodward Isn't One to Say Keep Your Mitts Off Me February 28 New York Times (registration required): "A few representatives from Rawlings, the baseball glove manufacturer, stopped by last week to show off some new merchandise and take orders from a client base that included Chris Woodward, the Mets' versatile utility man." Heilman's goal: Stretching it out February 28 Newsday: "Aaron Heilman had a tough act to follow when he was asked to speak at the opening night dinner for Notre Dame's baseball program earlier this month." Willie takes cuts at order February 28 New York Daily News: "The Mets manager said he probably won't get a complete handle on how he'll fill out a lineup card until after March 20, when Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado return from the World Baseball Classic." Strawberry rejoins Mets to impart his expertise February 28 Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "Last spring, in his first year as a special instructor here at Mets camp, Darryl Strawberry didn't talk to Carlos Beltran. He did, however, speak with Cliff Floyd."