Diaz in AAA?

The buzz in Mets camp is that one final roster decision needs to be made. That decision is Victor Diaz. If the Mets decide to bring Victor Diaz it will require them only to bring 6 bullpen arms North, however if they send him to AAA they can bring 7 bullpen arms to Shea, but they will loose his power threat off the bench. Bringing Diaz North will provide a versatile player who can provide a good bat off the bench. However this will take away from his playing time, and will limit the depth of the Mets bullpen. As it stands, Billy Wagner, Duaner Sanchez, Chad Bradford, Jorge Julio, and Aaron Heilman are the locks for the pen. If the Mets decide to take a lefty and Diaz, that lefty will likely be Pedro Feliciano. If they decide to send Victor to AAA that opens up one more spot for guys like Heath Bell, or long relievers like Yusaku Iriki, Jose Lima, and Darren Oliver. Lima and Oliver have no intention of pitching in the minors. Lima feels that he does not need to prove himself, and Oliver may retire. Victor Diaz also said that he does not want to go to AAA, "I have nothing to prove in Triple-A". In my opinion the Mets have a solid bullpen as is. Aaron Heilman is a long man, who can get lefties out so he eliminates the need for a lefty or a long man. Sending Diaz to AAA would be wasting his talent. What they should do is hold on to Diaz and bring Heath Bell to Shea...But that is just my opinion.

PreGame: Mets vs Cardinals

The New York Mets will send Pedro Martinez to the mound to take on Mark Mulder and the St. Louis Cardinals. The game starts at 1:10 PM EST.Being that Mark is a left hander the Mets are projected to use the following lineup: Reyes LoDuca Beltran Delgado Wright Floyd Nady A. Hernandez (P. Martinez) The game will be broadcasted on ESPN, SNY, MLB.TV, and can also be viewed on MLB Scoreboard. Good luck Pedro, and LETS GO METS!!!

Morning Papers

Interesting possibility March 31 Boston Herald (scroll down): "One of the players piquing the interest of many teams is Cleveland Indians infielder Brandon Phillips, who was once regarded as a can’t-miss prospect... Acquiring Phillips would necessitate moving someone like Alex Cora, who has drawn interest from the New York Mets." Lima won't go to Triple-A March 31 Newsday (scroll down): "ose Lima, who is trying to win the long-relief job, allowed four hits and one run in two innings. He has said he will not go to Triple-A Norfolk, meaning a demotion would end his stint with the Mets..." Arms race March 31 Palm Beach Post (scroll down): "While Lima is confident he will make the team, Oliver has said he may retire if he fails to make the final cut. Neither player is interested in going to Class AAA Norfolk." Wagner: Finger 'Normal' March 31 New York Post (registration required): "Billy Wagner had another bullpen session yesterday and again came through it with no finger issues." The lowdown on Lo Duca March 31 New York Daily News columnist Vic Ziegel: "The Mets' new catcher needs the answer to a geography question. Paul Lo Duca spent the first two years of his life in Brooklyn, Ave. U and E. 2nd St., he tells me." Nady back on right track March 31 Newsday: "Nobody has seemed more anxious at the plate lately than Nady, who entered yesterday's game against the Cardinals in a 1-for-28 freefall." As Mets Ponder Final Cuts, Roster Has International Cast March 31 New York Times (registration required): "On a recent morning, Jose Lima cranked up some merengue music and started moving his arms and legs in a way that only he knows how to do." Hell To Victor March 31 New York Post (registration required): "The NCAA is down to its Final Four. The Mets are down to their final 30. And the biggest name on the bubble is Victor Diaz." Benson cheated, sez sexpot Anna March 31 New York Daily News: "Sexpot Anna Benson and her ex-Met hubby are headed for Splitsville after she caught him fooling around with one of her friends, the Daily News has learned." Mets day March 31 Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "Pedro Martinez makes his second start of the spring when he is scheduled to toss four innings today against St. Louis. "

Heilman To Tampa???

According to the Tampa Tribune, the New York Mets and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays are in discussions about SP-RP Aaron Heilman.The Rays will likley offer Julio Lugo to the Mets for Heilman. It has also been reported that the Rays fancy Heath Bell.

PreGame: Mets vs Cardinals

The New York Mets are set to take on the St. Louis Cardinals at Tradition Field. The game starts at 1:05 PM EST. According to multiple reports the Met bullpen will pitch the entire game.

Morning Papers

Carlos In Charge March 30 New York Post (registration required): "Earlier in spring training, left elbow tendinitis was an issue for Carlos Delgado. But to the slugger, it's hardly a concern now." Pedro isn't ancient, but he must toe line for Mets March 30 New York Daily News: " And that means Martinez and Glavine, who have a combined 33 seasons of major-league experience, will need to stay healthy and effective in order to halt the Atlanta Braves' streak of division titles at 14." Glavine Braves it March 30 New York Daily News: "A spring outing against the Braves means increased scrutiny for Tom Glavine, plus a two-hour bus ride and potential overexposure to the Mets' NL East nemesis." Run And Gun March 30 New York Post (registration required): "Wagner runs it and then he does it - to one of the highest standards possible. The Mets' new closer has struck out more batters per nine innings (11.99) than anybody who has thrown at least 500 innings in the majors in the last 50 years." Delayed start for Bannister March 30 New York Daily News: "Brian Bannister's debut will have to wait a bit. While announcing the rotation for the season's first two series, Willie Randolph confirmed yesterday that the rookie won't take the mound until Game6." The Kid Is Now the Man March 30 New York Times (registration required): "That Hernandez will start at second base and bat eighth on opening day Monday against the Washington Nationals at Shea Stadium is the worst-kept secret in these parts." Mets top 5 March 30 New York Post (registration required): "1 Jose Reyes takes a step closer to being both an All-Star and Gold Glove winner. Neither will come this year, but Reyes' work ethic, positive nature and commitment to a stretching program that now keeps him on the field all will help his obvious talents continue to flourish." Mets Set To Crash The Playoff Party March 30 New York Post (registration required): "The next step has to come this season. In 2006, the playoffs need to be at Shea, and the Mets surely know that." Scouting the Mets March 30 New York Daily News: "Paul Lo Duca (two years, $12.5 million) became a cost-effective alternative to free agents Bengie Molina and Ramon Hernandez. " New Mets network makes it a triple play March 30 Trenton Times columnist Harvey Yavener (registration required): "There had been stories about a new Mets network moving closer to being available on various systems around New York, but who knew it was coming to New Jersey's capital?"

Morning Papers

Mets Make Bannister's Day; Heilman to Bullpen March 29 New York Times (registration required): "In one corner of the Mets' clubhouse, Brian Bannister fired off blissful text messages to friends and family back in Arizona, preparing for his first workout as a genuine major leaguer." The Buzz March 29 Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "The naming of Brian Bannister to the starting rotation created quite the hubbub. But several players were sent packing yesterday. " Hopes fade for Lima, Iriki March 29 Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "While Bell worked out in the morning at Tradition Field and spent the afternoon with his family, Jose Lima and Yusaku Iriki may have pitched themselves right out of the Mets' bullpen plans." Nady does nada for his cause March 29 New York Daily News: "Xavier Nady's prolonged slump seems to be paving the way for Victor Diaz to make the team." Wagner Reports 'No Problems' In Bullpen Session March 29 New York Post (registration required): "Billy Wagner threw his first bullpen session yesterday since suffering tendon sheath stiffness and came out of it in one piece." Skill at job he dislikes lands Heilman in pen again March 29 Newsday: "The bullpen phone rang for Aaron Heilman shortly before 9 a.m. yesterday, when the pitcher formerly known as the Mets' No. 5 starter was called in to the manager's office and told that his job title had changed." Mets banking on Bannister March 29 Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "Bannister, who moments earlier had been named to the Mets' starting rotation with Aaron Heilman returning to the bullpen, continued to answer questions as Glavine walked closer to the scrum."

Bannister Makes It

The NY Mets have now made there decision as to who the fifth starter will be. There decision is Brian Bannister. Much to his dismay Aaron Heilman will be moved to the bullpen. He will more likely than not be given the 7th inning to work with as the 8th will go to Sanchez, and the 9th to Wagner. Heilman will not start today's game as was noted before, but will appear in the game. Congratz to Brian.

PreGame: Mets @ Marlins

The New York Mets are set to make the trip to Jupiter Florida to take on the Florida Marlins. The game is set to start at 1:05 PM EST. Aaron Heilman is set to make the start for the Mets. This is his last outing of the spring, and could be his last as a starter. Heilman needs to pitch well, if not Brian Bannister can bump him to the bullpen. Yusaku Iniki and Jose Lima will follow Heilman. The game will be broadcasted on SNY and MLB.TV. Good luck Aaron and LETS GO METS!!!

Morning Papers

Wagner To Pitch 1 More March 28 New York Post (registration required): "It's possible that Billy Wagner's next game could be right before the Mets fly home to New York." Delgado buries hatchet a year after Latino pitch soured him on Mets March 28 Philadelphia Daily News (registration required): "When Mets general manager Omar Minaya was busy signing free agents Pedro Martinez and Carlos Beltran before the 2005 season, Carlos Delgado was the one that got away." For starters, not Heilman March 28 New York Daily News: "Aaron Heilman went to winter ball in the Dominican Republic to prove he could start, and went 4-1 with a 2.27 ERA. He has continued his strong pitching in the Grapefruit League, allowing two runs in 14 innings." Heilman likely to start in pen March 28 Newsday: "As one person familiar with the situation said yesterday, rookie Brian Bannister's success this spring coupled with the fact that Heilman was a dominant relief pitcher last season makes keeping both a no-lose situation." Some Decisions Remain, but Mets Seem to Be on Track March 28 New York Times (registration required): "Spring training is generally a time for optimism, and as the Mets plow toward playing a game that counts in the standings, they find many reasons to be encouraged, Trachsel included." Lima long on hope, short on time March 28 Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "Jose Lima remains convinced things are going to turn out well for him with the Mets." Starting To Click March 28 New York Post (registration required): "Coming into camp, the rotation was a massive issue, with a question of some sort about each spot. But now the Mets' starting hopes appear to be peaking." Franco still hitting the league's best pitchers March 28 Palm Beach Post: "Stories? You want stories? Everybody's got a story about Julio Franco, because — let's be honest — when you stick around as long as Franco, tales tend to pile up." Mets again are rich in potential March 28 Philadelphia Daily News (registration required): "With that, once again, the Mets became a trendy pick to unseat the Braves at the top of the division." Mets day in camp March 28 Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "Sandy Koufax, a high school buddy of Mets owner Fred Wilpon, made his annual visit to camp."

Morning Papers

Red Sox' Graffanino, Mohr aren't playing for keeps March 27 Providence Journal (registration required): "Graffanino, who came into yesterday's game hitting .182, hit a home run to left in the first inning... The Sox have offered him around all winter, and a number of teams -- including the Mets, Cardinals, Cubs and others -- have expressed an interest." Martínez's Toe Holds Up in Spring Training Debut March 27 New York Times (registration required): "During the first inning of the Mets' game against the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday, a woman seated behind home plate held aloft a cardboard sign that read: 'Pedro — Are you gellin'?'" Wagner closing in on return March 27 Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "Billy Wagner will play catch again today and should pitch in an exhibition game before the Mets head north on Saturday." Bannister's moving up March 27 New York Daily News: "Brian Bannister seems to have emerged as the favorite for the fifth starter's spot over Aaron Heilman, though team brass officially remains noncommittal." "Morning Papers" provided by www.ProSportsDaily.com

Sad To Say

Mets Planet is sad to say that one of our writers will be leaving the site. Justin Saslaw will be leaving the site. He is unable to post regularly and for this reason he will leave. Justin will still make updates to his own site, 20 Years In The Making... We are currently looking for a new writer to replace Justin, if you are interested write to me at triples388@optonline.net or make a comment to this post with your contact information. Once again Justin we are sorry to see you go, and we wish you the best of luck.

Post Game Summary: Mets vs Orioles

The New York Mets combine great pitching, with timely hits to shut down the Baltimore Orioles. Pedro Martinez started the game. He pitched 3 successful innings allowing just one hit and 3 strike outs. Victor Zambrano came in for Pedro in the 4th inning. He pitched 6 marvelous innings. He gave up 4 hits, and 2 walks while recording 4 strikeouts. The Met offense dominated as they were able to score 8 runs. Carlos Beltran walked several times throughout the game. Delgado continued to hit the ball very well. Despite only getting 2 hits, Diaz hit the ball hard in all 5 of his at bats. The Mets next game is against the Dodgers and will take place at Tradition Field.

PreGame: Pedro vs Benson

The New York Mets are set to host the Baltimore Orioles at 12:10 PM EST. Pedro will go take the Mound for the Mets.This will be the first spring appearance of the season for our Ace. He has thrown 11 times in side sessions or batting practice. He is scheduled to go 3-4 innings. He will have one more start before the beginning of the 2006 season. His counterpart for the day will be former Met, RHP Kris Benson. Today's game should be interesting to watch for two reasons, one it will allow us to get a good glimpse at the bullpen, and two Pedro is pitching, when Pedro pitches it's always interesting. The game will be broadcasted on the WB11, WFAN 660, and Gameday Audio. Good luck Pedro and Lets Go Mets!!!

PreGame: Mets @ Astros

The New York Mets will travel out to Kissimmee Florida to take on the Houston Astros.The game will start at 1:05PM EST. Brian Bannister will take the hill for the Mets. Bannister hopes to solidify a spot on the starting rotation with this outing. He currently has a 0.64 ERA with 9 strikeouts, 1 walk, 5 hits, and 2 runs scored against hit (1 earned). The Astros will send Andy Pettitte to the mound. The game will be covered on MLB.TV, and the WB11. Enjoy the game and Lets Go Mets!!!

The Cliff Floyd Foundation

Mets LF Cliff Floyd is creating his own foundation to help bring baseball back to the "hood". Cliff feels that baseball has died down in African-American communites. "I have a good life because of this game. I have things," he says, "I never would have had because I can play baseball. It's a good game for us. But we don't play it anymore. That's sad." The foundation will start small and work its way up. It will provide young players with the equipment, and place to play the game that was once so rich in African-American communites. This is Cliff's way of trying to clean up the hood. "Expose the 'hood to the game. ... Let them know it's a good game and a good life. Kids don't know that, they don't see it. You can live the way I live in basketball and football. But you can with baseball, too. I have time at home. I love what I have, I love being in this game. But I'd like to see more of my people in it." To read more on the foundation and Cliff's ideas check out Marty Noble's article on Mets.com.

PreGame: Mets @ Cardinals

The New York Mets are scheaduled to take on the St.Louis Cardinals in Jupiter Florida at 1:05 PM EST.The Mets will send Tommy Glavine to the mound, to face of against the Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter. Glavine will make his third start of the spring season, he currently has a 6.43 ERA with no wins or losses. Carpenter will make his 5th start of the season, he currently has not allowed a single run over 16 innings. The game will be broadcasted on SNY, and MLB.TV. Enjoy the game...and Lets Go Mets...

Morning Papers

March 24, 2006 Remedies Abundant, but Wagner Bides Time New York Times (registration required): "Billy Wagner will try anything to heal the ailing middle finger on his pitching hand. Well, almost anything." Second Thoughts New York Post (registration required): "Kazuo Matsui again failed to ascend to those mild requests. Anderson Hernandez has. So the Mets now are all but set to go with a 23-year-old with one major-league hit as their second baseman when the season begins. " Matsui feels he's ahead of schedule Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "Matsui, who has missed 123 of a possible 324 games since joining the Mets prior to the 2004 season, said he still believes he'll be back sooner than the three weeks that the Mets predicted for him. " No place to go Bergen Record (registration required): "From his locker in the Mets' clubhouse Kazuo Matsui can see Anderson Hernandez readying for a game, packing for a road trip." Reyes is comfy with Kaz's sub New York Daily News: "Reyes once again will be at short in '06, but he may have a new target, at least for the short term, since Matsui's knee is injured: Anderson Hernandez, a 23-year-old Dominican who played just six games at second at the end of last season." Milledge Happy With Camp New York Post (registration required): "Among the 21 position players left in Mets camp, every one has spent at least some time in the majors or is a legitimate candidate for the 25-man roster. Except Lastings Milledge." Lastings impression New York Daily News: "Wednesday night, Lastings Milledge whacked the game-winning hit against the Dodgers, and yesterday he was penciled in to make the road trip south for a night game against the Marlins." Lasting a bit longer Newsday: "By now, the Milledge family RV, which follows Lastings everywhere, is usually headed for points unknown. But Milledge remains with the Mets, with the RV anchored in the Tradition Field parking lot, and that raises the probability both could arrive in Flushing at some point this season." Milledge going to Triple A but remains charged up Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "When the Mets pull out of Port St. Lucie a week from tomorrow, provided none of their outfielders gets injured, Milledge is headed for Triple-A Norfolk. No questions asked." Milledge's joy ride is continuing Bergen Record (registration required): "The Mets are aware of his potential, as is the rest of the league, with almost every phone call from other general managers starting with Milledge as the most desirable piece." Numbers game for new Met Journal News: "For those thinking of drafting the Mets' Xavier Nady, the thinking is what his numbers would have been if he had gotten 600 at-bats. Nady wonders, too." Mets' Peterson uses science to improve pitching Palm Beach Post: " Earlier in his career, before he became a convert, even Peterson bristled at the notion of using science to understand pitching. Yet the Mets signed him to a three-year deal before the 2004 season precisely for days like this." 60 seconds with Brian Bannister Palm Beach Post: "Staff writer Joe Capozzi spoke with New York Mets pitcher Brian Bannister, who also is involved in photography." Play Ball! Cablevision Adds Mets New York Times (registration required): "Cablevision agreed yesterday to carry SportsNet New York, ending worries by Mets fans in the metropolitan region that the team's new channel would not be available in time for opening day on April 3." Cablevision, SNY Agree New York Post (registration required): "Cablevision yesterday reached an agreement to clear SportsNet New York, the Mets' new cable network, starting last night, mostly on Cablevision system's Ch. 60." Cablevision sets Met net New York Daily News: "Mets fans among Cablevision's three million subscribers could breathe a sigh of relief yesterday when the area's largest cable system reached a multiyear agreement with SportsNet New York, the team's new TV home." Mets to be aired on Cablevision Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "A week after the launch of the new Mets'-owned network, Sportsnet New York, Cablevision Systems and SNY executives announced the two sides had come to an agreement to put the channel on Cablevision's expanded basic cable system." Joy in Mets' world Bergen Record (registration required): "The regular season doesn't start for another 10 days, but Mets fans in Cablevision territory already have chalked up a key victory." Mets fans can tune in again Journal News columnist Jane McManus: "Yesterday SNY and Cablevision announced they had signed a long-term agreement, and the network appeared on Channel 60 in time for the Mets' preseason game against the Marlins, which, ironically, was rained out." Mets covering Hispanic bases Newsday columnist Neil Best : "The advertisements certainly stood out; in fact, they initially looked like mistakes. They were printed in English-language newspapers over the past two weeks, but they weren't in English."

Post Game: Mets @ Marlins

The New York Mets and the Florida Marlins will not play tonight...It is pouring in Jupiter and the game has been cancelled. It will not be rescheduled...

Pre Game: Mets @ Marlins

The New York Mets are set to take on the Florida Marlins in Jupiter Florida at 7:05 PM EST. Jose Lima and Yusaku Iriki are to pitch for the Mets. They will battle against the Marlins Brian Moehler, Randy Messenger, Joe Borowski and Ryan Rupe. The game will be broadcasted on MLB.TV, WFAN (sports radio 660), and SNY. Due to this I will not be providing InGame notes, but join us after the game for a complete recap. LETS GO METS!!!

Cablevision and SNY Are In Sync

It has been reported that Cablevision and SportsNet New York have agreed to a long term contract.The channel will be avaliable today, and will be on in time for the start of the Mets vs Marlins game. SNY will air on channel 60 for most cosutomers, however for the Litchfield and Connecticut areas, it will appear on channel 62... Thank You Matt Cerrone for the heads up...

Morning Papers

One way or another, somebody's got to go March 23 Providence Journal (registration required): "One baseball executive yesterday suggested that unless the Mets make a move to deal for Alfonso Soriano, Graffanino is their most likely target." Al-Right Now March 23 New York Post (registration required): "Yesterday, though, Soriano may have moved even further away from both Met fantasy and Yankee reality when he took up his new position. In left field." Pedro A No-Go March 23 New York Post (registration required): "The first pitch of the Mets' season will be thrown by Tom Glavine, not by Pedro Martinez." Heilman Pitches in to Remain in Rotation March 23 New York Times (registration required): "The only time the rivalry between Aaron Heilman and Brian Bannister may become manifest is on a football field in South Bend, Ind., in the fall, and that will be the case no matter who wins the fifth spot in the Mets' rotation." SNY-Cablevision Still In Limbo March 23 New York Post (registration required): "A week after the new Mets network launched, and 11 days from the team's opener, SportsNet New York still has not reached a deal to be seen on Cablevision systems, serving three million area subscribers."

InGame Update: Mets vs Dodgers

Final 2-1 MetsHeilman allowed 2 back to back singles to leadoff the game. That resulted in Furcal scoring the only run. Heilman pitched 5 innings allowing 1 run, 6 hits, 1 HBP, and 3 strikeouts...LHP Darren Oliver came in for Heilman in the 6th and he dominated the inning...Heilman goes to the pen to get in some pitches...Jose Reyes has 2 hits and a stolen base...Paul LoDuca reaches 1st on a error in the bottom of the 6th, Delgado followed him with a single (his second of the night), Cliff Floyd drills the ball to right field, LoDuca tags and moves to 3rd, David Wright hammers the ball to right field, LoDuca tags and scores the 1st Met run of the game, Nady ends the inning on a slow grounder hit back to the pitcher... ...To start the top of the 7th inning the Mets make several defensive changes. Todd Self comes in for Delgado, Jeff Keppenger comes in for David Wright, Lastings Milledge comes in for Cliff Floyd, and LHP Pedro Feliciano comes in for Darren Oliver...Feliciano retires the first batter on strikes, gives up a hit to the second batter but gets out of the inning on a nicely turned double play by Jose Valentin and Anderson Hernandez...Eric Gagne comes in to the game for the Dodgers and does not allow a run... ...Joe Hietpas comes in to do the catching, Feliciano stays on to get the first out of the inning, and is then replaced by Chad Bradford, who retires Nomar Garciapara for the first out of the game, and finishes the inning by retiring the final batter on a grounder... ...Jorge Julio comes in to pitch the top of the 9th...He gets the first batter on a strikeout, retires the second batter on a fly out, gives up a 2 out hit and finishes a solid inning on a fly out...Jose Valentin reaches first on a 2 out error and Lastings Milledge steps up to the plate, he drills a 3-1 fastball to the gap for a game winning double.

Martinez Will Not Get The Nod

It has just been reported that Pedro Martinez threw over 50 pitches from the bullpen mound today. After the session Martinez said that he felt great. He will pitch in his first exhibition game of the spring on Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles. It has also been noted that Pedro will not take the risk of rushing himself to be ready for opening day, however he will be pitching in the second or third game of the season.

Pre Game: Mets vs Dodgers

The New York Mets are set to take on the LA Dodgers at Tradition Field. The Game Starts at 7:10 PM EST.Aaron Heilman will take the mound for the Mets and Brett Tomko will start for the Dodgers. Heilman is 1-0 with a 1.00 ERA. He hopes to solidify his rotation spot tonight. Check back later for InGame Updates as well as a final recap after the game.

Morning Papers

No Sori for Mets March 22 New York Daily News: "Mets insiders yesterday speculated there won't be a second coming of Alfonso Soriano in New York, a day after the former Yankee created a furor by refusing to play left field for the Washington Nationals." Soriano is offensive -- just why Mets need him March 22 Newark Star-Ledger columnist Dan Graziano (registration required): "Alfonso Soriano is acting stupid, immature, selfish and unprofessional. And the Mets should trade for him. " Soriano's Refusal Could Be 'Landmark Case' March 22 Washington Post (registration required): "The New York Mets are flush with cash and have a weak second baseman in Kazuo Matsui. But the Mets reportedly would want to unload Matsui, and the Nationals aren't in position to add a second baseman." Soriano would like to return to Yankees March 22 Newsday: "Alfonso Soriano's dream is to return to the Yankees, where he had his greatest glory, people familiar with his situation said yesterday. But while Soriano's days with the Nationals appear to be dwindling, his chances to move to either the Yankees or Mets appear remote." Soriano a Cub? Unlikely March 22 Chicago Tribune (registration required): "General manager Jim Hendry wasn't commenting Tuesday, but Soriano likely will be traded after refusing to start Monday's spring game in left field. The Mets also are a possible destination for the All-Star second baseman, whose defense is questionable."

Mets @ Orioles

The New York Mets are in the process oof taking on the Baltimore Orioles. The game started at 1:05 PM EST. The Mets send Victor Zambrano to the mound to face off against former Met Chris Benson. This is Zambrano's first strat of the spring. Thus far Zambrano has allowed 1 run, Melvin Mora hit a HR. Jose Reyes, Carlos Delgado and Carlos Beltran both have 1 double with 1 run scored, Beltran also has a single, and Cliff Floyd has a sac fly RBI. The Mets lead 3-1 at the end of the 3rd. Check back in later for a complete recap of the game.

Morning Papers

Soriano Refuses to Take Left Field March 21 Washington Post (registration required): "So if there is no trade, and Soriano doesn't have a change of heart, the most likely resolution is a trip to the disqualified list. An interesting wrinkle to that possibility is the fact that Soriano would not earn service time if he were disqualified." Graffanino could be on move March 21 Boston Globe (scroll down): "This presumes the Sox will deal Tony Graffanino, who is expected to bring a decent prospect, probably someone who ranks in the No. 6 to No. 10 range on another club's prospect depth chart. Logical suitors: Mets, Marlins, Cubs, and Orioles." No Leftovers March 21 New York Daily News (scroll down): "Because Oliver indicated he would retire and Feliciano probably would join Bobby Valentine's team in Japan if they didn't get major-league jobs, both could be ticketed for Flushing in a seven-man pen, unless Heilman gets pushed to relief. " Xavier Is a Household Name. At Least It Is in the Nady Household. March 21 New York Times (registration required): "Xavier Nady's father calls him Junior, as his father did, as his father did, as his father did and as his father did." Heilman, Bannister Vie For Final Rotation Spot March 21 New York Post (registration required): "They have two strong candidates for the fifth starter in righties Aaron Heilman and Brian Bannister, and they need to figure out what works best." Bradford, Myers are bent on success March 21 Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "Diversity and deception -- the idea of throwing different looks at hitters in the course of a game -- were also part of what Minaya wanted to assemble in the Mets' relief corps for 2006, which is why he signed submarining right- hander Chad Bradford." Orosco to Carter in opener March 21 Newsday: "Jesse Orosco will throw the ceremonial first pitch to Gary Carter before the April 3 opener at Shea Stadium, kicking off a season-long celebration of the 1986 Mets on the 20-year anniversary of their world championship."

Morning Papers

Pedro: Opener isn't a priority March 20 Newsday: "But for Martinez, it was just another day at his temporary office as he continues to work himself into pitching shape and get used to dealing with the lingering effects of an injured right big toe." Carlos: Elbow OK March 20 New York Post (registration required): "Until yesterday, March 3 had been the last time Carlos Delgado had swung a bat for the Mets. But the first baseman was in the lineup yesterday." Mets' Julio Feeling for His Old, Sure Stride March 20 New York Times (registration required): "Power arms like Julio's are hard to find, and at his best, he has proven that he is one of the more intimidating pitchers around. But at his worst, Julio is erratic and inconsistent, his body language — drooped shoulders and sluggish strides — suggesting that he is one pitch away from combusting on the mound. " Bannister starting to crowd Heilman March 20 New York Daily News: "Brian Bannister acknowledged one point of contention with Aaron Heilman. It had nothing to do with their competition for the final spot in the rotation, however." Glavine Declines Face-To-Face Talk With Atlanta GM March 19 New York Post (registration required): "Glavine said he was not going to see Schuerholz - even though the GM left a message on the pitcher's cell phone on Friday alerting him he'd make the trip. Glavine told reporters he hadn't checked his cell messages and preferred not to comment." Mets Q&A: Martinez a man of the soil March 19 Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "The three-time Cy Young Award winner, who guards his privacy fiercely, sat down with The Star-Ledger in the Mets clubhouse the other day and talked about the Pedro few outside his inner circle really know."

Post Game: Mets vs Marlins

The Mets take a crushing loss, as they are unable to turn hits into runs... Pitchers: Bannister allowed his first run of the spring on a leadoff off double followed by 2 sacrifice flys. Dominated in the second. Strikes out the leadoff batter in the third, making him look stupid. Follows that up by striking out the pitcher Scott Olsen. Finishes the third with a fly out. Bannister dominates the 4th inning. Bannister gives up the second hit of the game in the 5th. A run scores on an error by Anderson Hernandez in the 5th. Bannister finishes the day pitching 5 innings, 2 runs, 1 earned, 2 hits 3 strikeouts, 0 walks. Bannister is well on his way to being a Major League Starter. LHP Pedro Feliciano come in to start the 6th inning. He retires the leadoff hitter. He faces Jeremy Hermidia (a lefty) and strikes him out. He strikes out Cabrera, but an error is made behind the plate and Feliciano now has to face lefty Mike Jacobs. He retires Jacobs on a ground out. RHP Jorge Julio comes in to pitch for Feliciano in the 7th. This is his first outing since returning from the WBC. He gets the first batter to pop up. The second batter grounds out to 3rd. Julio hits the next batter (Robert Andino). Strikes out the next batter to end the side. Julio stays in to start the 8th. He walks the first batter of the inning. The next batter sac bunt the runner to 2nd. Julio gets a strikeout against the next batter. Wes Helms drills one through the hole, Milledge plays it, makes an excellent throw to the plate, and Martinez cannot hold on to the ball, one run scores, Wes Helms moves to third. Mike Jacobs drills a HR to right field. Julio finally gets the next batter to retire the side. The Mets are down 5 to 0. RHP Bartolome Fortunato comes on to pitch the 9th inning. He gets the first batter on a ground out to Hernandez. The second hitter gets a single. The next hitter, hits into a force play. The final hitter for the Marlins pops up to end the side. Fortunato had an excellent palm ball that just fooled the hitters. Hitters: Batting Lineup: SS Jose Valentin C Paul LoDuca 1B Carlos Delgado LF Cliff Floyd 3B David Wright RF Xavier Nady CF Lastings Milledge 2B Anderson Hernandez P Brian Bannister Delgado got the first hit of the game for the Mets, keeps his perfect spring alive. Milledge got a single, but was picked off trying to steal (the pitcher actually balked but the umpires did not notice). Bannister hits a single up the middle in the third inning. For the first time all spring, in the bottom of the 4th inning, a pitcher was able to retire Carlos Delgado. David Wright bloops on a 2 out single in the 4th and is picked off to end the inning. Julio Franco pinch-hits for Feliciano in the 6th and he lines out to right. Delgado walks and Victor Diaz comes in to pinch-run for him. Floyd grounds out to first and advances Diaz. David Wright lines out to right. Nady walks. Milledge grounds out to end the inning. Hernandez singles to lead off the 8th inning. The next hitter grounds into a double play. Tike Redman gets a pinch-hit single. Sandy Martinez continues his horrible day by flying out to end the 8th. Diaz gets plunked to start the bottom of the 9th. Todd Self, who took over at first earlier in the game, bloops one into left field. Endy Chavez hits an infield single. The bases are loaded. Chris Basik, who took over at 3rd earlier, steps up and hits into a force play, no runs score, bases still loaded. Lastings Milledge strikes out. Anderson Hernandez steps up, 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th, bases loaded, and he flys out to left to end the game. Defense: David Wright earns himself a spot on the top ten plays on ESPN in the 4th inning. He dove and stopped a ball then threw out the runner at first. Anderson Hernandez tries to make a spectacular play, and does everything right but he threw the ball too hard and Delgado was unable to react to it, and the ball gets by him, Hernandez is charged with the error. Sandy Martinez comes in for LoDuca in the 6th. Feliciano strikes out Cabrera, and Martinez cannot hold on to the ball, he throws down to first and it takes a funny hop over Delgado, Martinez is charged with an error. Final: Marlins 5 Mets 0. Bannister takes the loss.

PreGame: Mets vs Marlins

The Mets are set to play against the Marlins today at 1:10 PM EST in Port St.Lucie. Brian Bannister is going to take the mound for the Mets. He has pitched in 3 games, 1 start, for nine innings allowing 3 hits, 1 walk, 6 strike outs and no runs. Bannister is expected to pitch 5 innins. Jorge Julio, Chad Bradford, and Billy Wagner are set to follow Bannister. He will match up against the Marlins Scott Olsen. The game will be broadcasted on the WB11. FIrst pitch is at 1:10 don't miss it! On a side note Tommy Glavine is expected to pitch in a minor league game in St. Lucie.

After yesterdays 7-7 tie against the Dodgers the Mets are set to play split squad games against two division rivals, the Braves and the Nationals...Mike Pelfrey will start against Atlanta at Port St. Lucie and Yasaku Iriki starts against Washington in Viera. The game against the Nationals will not be broadcasted, but the game against the Braves is sceaduled to be the Mets-WB11 2006 debute. It will also be broadcasted on WFAN (660) and WADO (1280). Good luck to both Pelfrey and Iriki, and LETS GO METS!!!

Morning Papers

Kaz goes from 2nd to none March 18 New York Daily News: "Kaz Matsui won't be the Opening Day second baseman for the Mets after all. Willie Randolph estimated Matsui would be held out of baseball activities for three weeks because of a sprained ligament in his right knee." Mets may stand pat March 18 Newark Star-Ledger (scroll down) (registration required): "It's possible that the Mets could get involved in trade discussions for an available second baseman such as Boston's Tony Graffanino, the Cubs' Todd Walker or Tampa Bay's Julio Lugo. But it's far more likely, especially with Matsui due back in April, that they will now take a longer look at such in-house candidates as Anderson Hernandez and Jeff Keppinger. " A second chance for all March 18 Newsday: "There are some trade possibilities, notably Tony Graffanino with the Red Sox and perhaps the expensive Alfonso Soriano once he returns to the Nationals from the WBC. However, the Mets aren't likely to pursue Soriano now that their offense has been beefed up with the addition of Carlos Delgado in the offseason."

Reyes-???-Delgado; 6-4-3

It was reported that 2B Kaz Matsui has sprained the MCL in his right knee. Now the 2B position will actually be up for grabs. But who will step up and take the job? Kaz is expected to be out for at least 3 weeks. The regular season starts less than three weeks from today...this suggests the Matsui will not be starting on opening day. Two guys are currently in camp with the Mets. These two kids can fill the position as adequate or more adequate than Kaz Matsui can. The names of these two men are Anderson Hernandez, and Jeff Keppenger. Now these two guys have great skills but in different departments. Hernandez is said to de a defensive wiz kid, while Keppenger is said to be an excellent contact hitter. Hernandez has hit well in the minors and can put up some mediocre numbers in the majors while providing a great glove. Keppenger can put up some slightly above average numbers, but will commit several errors along the way. So the question the Mets need to ask themselves is "what do we want, a defensive wiz with okay numbers or good numbers with an okay glove?" And the answer for me is a defensive wiz. Considering the fact that we have Delgado at first, who in no way, shape, or form is a golden Glover, we need all the defense we can get on the infield. Also, more likely than not, the second baseman will be hitting in the 8 hole, so a good bat is not a necessity. This is just my opinion; we will see what direction Willie and Omar head in over the next few week. However one thing is for sure both of these guys are upgrades to what we have seen from Matsui over the last two years.

Morning News

Banged-Up Knee Hurting Mets' Kaz March 17 New York Post (registration required): "Matsui sprained the MCL in his right knee during an awkward slide in the first inning of the Mets' 6-5 victory over Atlanta, and he's scheduled for an MRI today." Matsui hurt once again March 17 Newsday: "Matsui, the Mets' likely Opening Day second baseman, suffered a sprained MCL (medial collateral ligament) in his right knee sliding into second base in the first inning of last night's game against the Braves at Tradition Field." Matsui's knee injured in slide March 17 Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "Kazuo Matsui left last night's game against the Braves after two innings with an injury described as a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee." Heilman's 1.00 ERA not enough? March 17 Bergen Record (registration required): "So now Heilman, promised a shot at the starting rotation, has delivered a 1.00 ERA in three starts. And what he has gotten is just a promise of two more weeks of competition." Mets greet World travelers March 17 New York Daily News: "The Mets welcomed back the Venezuelan contingent yesterday. The Puerto Ricans arrive today." Mets getting back together March 17 Journal News: "With their 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience over, it is time to get back to work for the Mets who participated in the World Baseball Classic." Old friend Franco March 17 Atlanta Journal-Constitution (registration required): "Julio Franco, determined to play until he is 50, wanted to stay with the team that rescued him from the obscurity of the Mexican League. But when the New York Mets offered the 47-year-old first baseman a two-year contract worth more than $2 million, it was an offer the Braves couldn't match in more than just monetary terms." Shop talk March 17 Rocky Mountain News (scroll down): "The Yankees, Mets and Dodgers have expressed interest in Oakland left-hander Barry Zito, but if they want the Athletics to listen seriously, the teams are going to have to overpay. " Metwork Has Bumpy Start March 17 New York Post (registration required): "SNY had some colossal opening night jitters, including the loss of audio for nearly 15 minutes in its first 90 minutes, misspelled ID graphics and many instances when the picture and sound simply vanished." Tough start for SNY March 17 New York Daily News: "Sportsnet New York got off to a rough start yesterday, losing its sound and picture frequently during programming leading up to its Braves-Mets Grapefruit League telecast." Some Absences at 'Mets TV' Party March 17 New York Times columnist Richard Sandomir (registration required): "SportsNet New York's debut yesterday was so much different from the YES Network's in 2002. To celebrate, the Mets' network gave itself a party on the plaza outside its studio on Avenue of the Americas." SNY makes error-Filled debut March 17 Newsday columnist Neil Best: "The best thing that can be said about the debut of SportsNet New York was this: At least it was not April 3. " Sex arrest for intern March 17 New York Daily News: "The Port St. Lucie Sheriff's Department has arrested an intern with the Mets training staff for allegedly soliciting sex from a 14-year-old girl via computer. " Mets Day In Camp March 17 Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "The place was buzzing with the cast and crew of Sports Net New York, as last night's game marked the launch of the Mets' TV network."

In Game: Mets vs Braves

Bottom 9th: Lastings Milledge leads off the inning and rips a double, Tike Redman pinch hits and bunts Milledge over to 3rd, Jeff Keppenger walks, Endy Chavez gets nailed by a pitch and trots down to 1st, bases are loaded, 1 out, Victor Diaz steps up and after a great at-bat flys the ball 400 ft to centerfield, the ball is cought, Milledge tags and scores the other runners hold...The Braves bring in Michael O'Conner to pitch...Ramon Castro steps up at the plate, there is a passed ball, runners advance, and Ramon Castro drills a single to score the winning run...Final Score: Mets 6 Atlanta 5. Top 9th: Billy Wagner comes on to pitch...he retires the first batter on a grounder...he ritires the second batter on a grounder...he walks the third batter...and retires the fourth batter on a fly out Bottom 8th: Bassic, who took over for Wright flys out to right, Todd Self strikes out, 2 outs...Woodward fouls out Top 8th: Gonzalez comes back for his 4th inning of work, strikes out Brian McCann, gives up a single, and will come out of the game as Chad Bradford comes in for the Mets...Gives up a single to the first hitter he faces, runners on first and second, 1 out...another single, bases are loaded, 1 out...batter hits a grounder to Keppenger, Keppenger boots the ball and can only get the out at 2nd, 1 run scores, runners on 1st and 3rd with 2 outs...another grounder hit to Keppenger and he makes the back hand grab, throws on to second, side retired... Bottom 7th: Chavez leads off with walk, Victor Diaz steps up for his first at-bat of the night and hits into a double play, Ramon Castro follows with a groundout to end the inning. Top 7th: Ramon Castro comes in for LoDuca, Todd Self comes in for Franco, Endy Chavez comes in for Cliff Floyd, he moves to center and Milledge moves to left...Gonzalez gets a groundout, 2 strikeouts to end the side. Bottom 6th: David Wright leads off with a walk...Floyd after a great atbat drives a 3-2 pitch over the center field wall, and the Mets cut the Braves lead down 4-3...Nady rips a ball down the left field line for a double...Julio Franco walks, runners are on 1st and 2nd with no outs, Woodward bloops a ball in for a single, Franco is thrown out at 2nd, runners are on the corners with 1 out. Milledge hits into a force play, Nady scores, Gonzalez gets a single, Milledge moves to 2nd, 2 outs... Keppenger hits into a force play to end the inning, but the Mets are able to tie the game 4-4. Top 6th: Gonzalez finishes the inning without giving up a run My MLB.TV is giving me a bunch of problems so the updates may come a bit slower, please bare with me... Bottom 5th: The Pitcher leads off with a walk...Keppenger hits into a double play...LoDuca grounds out to end the inning Top 5th: Jeremi Gonzalez gives up a ground rule double to Pete Ore...the next batter bunts him over to 3rd...the next batter hits a single to score Ore, Braves up 3-1...Adam LaRoach hits a single, runners on first and 3rd, 1 out...McCann hits one off Keppengers glove, a run scores, LaRoche moves to third, 1 out, the next batter hits into a double play. Bottom 4th: Cliff Floyd leads off with an infield single...it has just been reported that Kaz Matsui has sprained the MCL in his right leg, he is listed as day to day...Xavier Nady lines a single into left field...Franco flys out to center, the runners hold...Woodward flys out to right, Floyd tags up and advances to second...Milledge pops up to end the inning, the Mets strand 2. Top 4th: Lima gives up a home run the score is 1-1...Adam LaRoach hits a double through the hole between 1st and 2nd...Brian McCann hits a home run but foul, and Lima retires him on a fly ball, Adam tags up and moves to 3rd... runner on 3rd 1 out...Lima walks the next batter...the following batter hits into a force play, 1 run scores...Chris Woodward is charged with an error, and the inning continues...Lima gets the next batter to ground out to end the inning... Bottom 3rd: Keppenger grounds out to start the inning...LoDuca grounds out...David flys out to center Top 3rd: Jeff Keppenger comes in to play 2nd base, Matsui comes out the game...Lima gets 3 groundouts to start and end the inning. Bottom 2nd: Julio Franco goes back up the middle for a leadoff single...Chris Woodward grounds into a double play...Lastings Milledge goes the other way and hits a grounder through the hole...Jose Lima hits the ball well but is put out for the final out of the inning. Top 2nd: Lima gets the first batter of the inning to pop out...Brian McCann gets a single...the next batter grounds into a force play, 2 outs...the next hitter drops one into centerfield, Milledge makes an error, runners advance, the next hitter lines out to Milledge, 3 outs. Bottom 1st: Kaz Matsui leads of with a single...Paul LoDuca bloops one into center field...David Wright hit into a double play....Matsui moves to 3rd base....Cliff Floyd bloops one into left field, Matsui scores...Floyd steals second...Xavier Nady grounds out to end the inning. Top 1st: Jose Lima starts for the Mets...he retires the first 2 batters on pop-ups, and strikes out the final batter.

SNY Is On The Air, Or Is It?

SportsNet New York, the new home of the New York Mets, was set to air at 5:00 PM EST today. And they did not disappointed...Well they did not disappointed those customers with Time Warner or Comcast, but those customers with Cablevision and satellite are very much disappointed. I have contacted Cablevision 3 times today and all 3 times the representatives told me that Cablevision plans to air all the Mets games for the season but they will not air Spring Training games unless they reach an agreement before the season starts. Today at 7:10 PM the Mets are set to take on the Braves. Lucky for those of us who are not Time Warner/Comcast customers the games will air on MLB.TV, Gameday Audio, and the mlb.com scoreboard will be available. For those of you who do not have MLB.TV or Gameday Audio, I will provide in game notes. First pitch is at 7:10 so be here.

Morning News

Martínez and Floyd in Better Health March 16 New York Times (registration required): "Martínez forged ahead in his recovery, throwing batting practice for the first time this season. Afterward he said that he felt great and that he intended to throw another session before pitching in a game toward the end of next week." Mar-toe-nez Aces BP Test March 16 New York Post (registration required): "Yesterday, though, Martinez threw batting practice at Tradition Field. The Mets ace, suffering from an ailing right big toe, faced minor leaguers Corey Coles and Rafael Arroyo and fired 61 pitches without a problem." Pedro puts best toe forward March 16 New York Daily News: "Martinez, whose normal preparation has been slowed this spring by a nagging injury to his right big toe, officially put himself on the clock in the race to ready himself for Opening Day after throwing 61 pitches of batting practice to the two low-level prospects on Field 2 yesterday at Tradition Field." It's big for Martinez, kids March 16 Newsday: "Yesterday's media vigil was created because Martinez threw to hitters for the first time in spring training. His opponents were two minor-leaguers: outfielder Corey Coles, a lefthanded hitter, and catcher Rafael Arroyo, a righthanded hitter." Martinez faces hitters, delivers positive report March 16 Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "No, what mattered most to the Mets had taken place a couple of hours before that game's first pitch on wind-swept Field No. 2, where Pedro Martinez -- the alpha and omega for a team with big plans this season -- finally faced hitters for the first time this spring." Pedro looks good March 16 Bergen Record (registration required): "Martinez, with an L-shaped protective screen in front of him, threw 61 pitches to Coles and minor league catcher Rafael Arroyo." Mets' Martinez feels good after 61-Pitch session March 16 Journal News: "On a day that started with the potential to shape their season in a bad way, the Mets received encouraging news on two health fronts yesterday when Pedro Martinez threw to hitters for the first time and Cliff Floyd's second-opinion kidney exam brought relief to the outfielder." Pedro's good word boosts Jacobs' career March 16 Palm Beach Post: "From the father he barely knew to the high school coach who always believed in him, Mike Jacobs credits a lot of people for molding him into a baseball player. But he admits that he might not have been in line to win the job at first base for the Florida Marlins if Pedro Martinez hadn't gone to bat for him last summer." Floyd's Kidneys Fine March 16 New York Post (registration required): "Cliff Floyd's kidneys now appear to be in good condition." Floyd gets healthy report March 16 New York Daily News: "Cliff Floyd received the news he expected, but the Mets outfielder clearly was relieved after tests last week with a local specialist confirmed he is not in immediate danger of any serious kidney problems." Floyd pleased kidneys aren't as bad as thought March 16 Newsday: "Cliff Floyd said he had 'a good feeling' about the news that awaited him when he walked into the offices of kidney specialist Dr. Zeidy Roche yesterday morning." Good news boosts Floyd's sails March 16 Bergen Record (registration required): "Floyd had learned a week earlier that his kidney function had deteriorated to just 48 percent, setting off a stressful time for his family." Doctor's report relieves Floyd March 16 Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "Cliff Floyd nosed his Mercedes SL 500 as close to the Mets' clubhouse door as he possibly could, giving everyone the impression he wouldn't be staying long." New York's 'Other' third baseman making noise March 16 USA Today: "David Wright is the fresh-faced third baseman on the verge of proving the Big Apple can be the perfect ingredient for an apple-pie image. He's the 23-year-old who can make every play and signs every autograph. For the Mets." Graffanino frustrated March 16 Boston Globe (scroll down): "The Sox, Epstein indicated, are not close to moving man-without-a-position Tony Graffanino. And Graffanino, a gracious and likable teammate, is beginning to struggle with the unknown... The Cubs, Marlins, and Mets, among other teams, are believed to be interested in Graffanino." Wells sure to draw a crowd March 16 Providence Journal (registration required): "There figures to be plenty of interest in David Wells' outing today. Some of it will be on the part of the Red Sox; some of it will be on the part of teams interested in dealing for him... There's enough interest in Graffanino -- Marlins, Cubs, Mets -- that the Sox believe they can make a deal for him." Met Net Still Not Set Yet March 16 New York Post (registration required): "As of last night, the deal between SportsNet New York, the Mets' new network, and Cablevision still was not completed." Wilpon's station set for airwaves March 16 New York Daily News: "After years of being just a dream, an idea on a drawing board for Mets owner Fred Wilpon, SportsNet New York launches today, becoming the fourth regional sports network serving local fans." SNY agreement still not finished as launch nears March 16 Newsday: "SportsNet New York, the area's newest regional sports network, had not finalized a carriage agreement with Cablevision as of early last evening, less than 24 hours before its official launch." Network to debut, sort of March 16 Journal News: "When Mets fan Vinny Milillo watched Yankees fans with Cablevision suffer in 2002 when the YES Network struggled to gain carriage on Cablevision, he can admit it made him smile. But now the 30-year-old IT professional from Mahopac can offer some true compassion."

In Game: Mets @ Nationals

9th Inning: The Mets tack on one more run, and the Nationals make a push for a comeback. The Nats scored 3 runs but then got shut down. Final score Mets 8 Washington 5. 8th Inning: Once again the Mets answer the Nationals, but in a big way this time. They scored 5 runs to take a 7-2 lead...Sandy Martinez hit his second HR of the season...The Mets retired the bottom of the inning without allowing a run. 7th inning: Todd Self breaks up the 1 hitter, and the Mets are able to capitalize scoring their second run of the game. The Nationals come back with another HR. The score is 2-2. 6th inning: As the Mets head in to the top of the inning the game is tied 1-1. The Mets finish the side without a hit...Perez stays on to pitch...Perez finishes the side 1-2-3. 5th inning: Jon Rauch has been dominating the Mets thus far...i bet he is just imagining killing Victor Diaz as we speak...he finishes the Mets off 1-2-3. The Mets pull Heilman from the game and bring in Juan Perez. He allows a solo HR to Tyrell Godwin. First 4 innings: Aaron Heilman has pitched 4 great innings allowing only 3 hits. Offensively the Mets have only one hit, which was a solo shot by Mini Manny, Victor Diaz in the 2nd inning.

Morning Papers

Shopping around March 15 Boston Herald (scroll down): "The New York Mets are among teams looking for a second baseman, but sources indicated the Mets were far more interested in Sox utility man Alex Cora, who is playing for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. " Pedro's Lagging But Not Nervous March 15 New York Post (registration required): "Asked yesterday where he is now compared to where he usually is at this time, Pedro Martinez tried to explain that he's not alarmed." Learning Curve Is Steep at End of Mets' Rotation March 15 New York Times (registration required): "It is a testament to Bannister's perfectionism and analytical mind-set that he can recall a little-known hitter and, seven months later, offer a revamped scouting report." Brian's Song Is Sweet So Far March 15 New York Post (registration required): "With three outings and nine spring innings now, Brian Bannister has pitched the equivalent of one complete game. And it's been a gem." Make It Lastings March 15 New York Post columnist Mike Vaccaro (registration required): "Milledge sprinkles a lot of those too-good-to-be-true commentaries when he talks. Someone mentioned that we'll know he's ready to start seasons in New York when his spring training number, 65 for now, starts to shrink." Mets: Day In Camp March 15 Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "After a little over four days of mostly silence, Cliff Floyd talked with reporters following yesterday's game, ending his self-imposed media boycott." Hope for the future is on display March 15 Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "Brian Bannister pitched four scoreless innings to run his spring total to nine shutout innings and outfielder Lastings Milledge mixed in two diving catches in center field with a two-run single in the Mets 11-4 victory over the Baltimore Orioles at Tradition Field."

Questions Left to Be Answered...

Many of us look at this Mets team on paper and say that we have a great shot to win it all. Now while I agree with that very much, we still have many unknowns. One of those questions includes the bullpen. Yes that’s right the bullpen. After all the big moves the Mets made this off-season to bolster this bullpen, there is still one big question. Who will be our Left-handed One Out GuY (LOOGY)? The Mets only have one quality left-hander in Billy Wagner and believe me when I say to you he will be too busy this spring racking up saves. Last year Aaron Heilman and Juan Padilla were the only 2 Mets who were able to get left handed hitters out. But with Aaron Heilman looking to earn a job as a starter, and Juan Padilla out for the rest of the season, the Mets are stuck with a bunch of guys who will do whatever it takes to earn a spot on the team. This bunch includes lefties Matt Perisho, Darren Oliver, Royce Ring, Juan Perez, Mike Venafro, and Pedro Feliciano. Of this group I believe Royce Ring will emerge as the LOOGY. Last year in 15 games Ring had an ERA of 1.42. He was once prospected to be the future closer of the Mets, but for now the Mets hope he will step up and take this job as the LOOGY. Another must answer question for the Mets is who will play second base. The candidates for the job include Kaz Matsui, Andy Hernandez, and Jeff Keppenger. Keppenger has shown a great deal of promise both on the field and at the plate. This spring he is batting .316 in 19 ABs, recording 6 hits, 3 runs, and 3 RBIs. Despite this the Mets do not seem to want to give him a real shot. Anderson Hernandez and Kaz Matusi seem to be getting the better opportunity. This spring Andy has batted .296 in 27 ABs, recording 8 hits, 6 runs, and 1 RBI. Matsui has posted a .188 batting average in 32 ABs, 6 hits, 2 runs, and 3 RBIs. Being that Kaz has a contract worth over 5 million dollars the Mets are very reluctant to play him off the bench. He has shown some improvement with his glove and more concentration in his overall game play. So if I had to make a decision right now, Matsui will be the starter on opening day, and if he should falter, Hernandez will gladly step in. The next big question for the Mets is right field. Xavier Nady and Victor Diaz have great upside and either one can step up and take this job. Nady is the better glove of the two, however Diaz seems to have a bit more pop in his bat. This whole scenario can be decided based on what the Mets are looking for. If the Mets want a solid defensive outfielder or if they want to justify the trade for Cameron they will go with Nady. If they are looking for a guy with the potential to hit 20 HRs, and are willing to give up some defense to get it they will take a shot with Diaz. With Diaz playing this will give the Mets a good bench player in Nady, as he can play all 3 outfield positions, 1st base, and 3rd base. This one is a shot in the dark, but if I had to make a guess, and knowing the Mets I would say that Nady will get his shot to start on opening day, all because the Mets have this "need" to justify trades by playing a guy no matter how horrible he plays (Victor Zambrano). However if Diaz can show a sudden improvement in the field, he can and will make a strong case for himself. Speaking of Victor Zambrano, perhaps the biggest question the Mets have is their starting 5. Will Pedro be ready for opening day? They have 1 very open spot, and a semi open spot in the rotation, who will fill these spots? As the rotation stands it is Pedro, Tommy Glavine, Steve Trachsel, Victor Zambrano, and Aaron Heilman. Zambrano is almost a lock for the number 4 spot, but according to Willie Randolph if someone impresses them enough Zambrano will move to the pen. Aaron Heilman has been granted the opportunity to earn a spot. He competes with Brian Bannister, Alay Soler, Jose Lima, Yusaaku Iriki, and John Maine. Of all of these guys we can pretty much eliminate Alay Soler, and John Maine. Iriki, Bannister, and Heilman have all pitched equally well, and Jose Lima is a veteran who brings some more personality, to the Mets. Based on this I think Lima has to start pitching great to earn a spot or he will be sent off. If Iriki remains as good as he is, he will be sent to the bullpen, and given the opportunity to spot start. Heilman just has to continue pitching well in order to solidify his spot. And Bannister has to pitch like Roger Clements (which he has been doing so far) to bump Zambrano into the bullpen. If I had to take a shot in the dark I would say that Zambrano and Heilman gets the 2 spots, and Bannister will start his season in AAA with the Tides and be called up if someone goes down or as a mid-season call up. When it comes to Pedro, I think he will be ready. He is expected to do some live pitching either tomorrow or the next day. He has been working hard to get back to form and I think he will make it to Shea on April 3. If not Glavine will get the nod, and Pedro has assured us that he will pitch on the 5th day.

Post Game Summary: Mets vs Orioles

The final score in this game was Mets 11, Orioles 4.Brian Bannister pitched 4 scoreless innings, allowing only one hit in the first inning. So far this spring he has pitched an impressive 9 innings scoreless innings. Cliff Floyd and David Wright both hit their second HRs of the Spring. Wright's was a solo shot, while Floyd's was a three run bomb. Both came in the 4th inning, along with 2 run hits from Matsui and Franco, and a 2 run single by David Wright. Chris Woodward walked and got a hit, and both times he scored. Lastings Milledge went 1 for 4, scored a run and had an RBI. The Mets record this spring stands at 8-6.

In Game: Mets vs Orioles

I have to step out now so...check in later for a complete recap of todays game. Seventh Inning: Chad Bradford come on to pitch for the Mets...and both teams finish the inning in a quiet fashion. Sixth Inning: Heath Bell has come on to pitch for the Mets...Bell gives up a run before finishing the inning...the Mets do not score in the bottom of the inning and the score remains 11-3 Fifth Inning: After allowing 1 hit over 4 innings Brian Bannister has now left the game for LHP Matt Perisho. Perisho gets 2 outs, hits a batter, allows aa single, and follows that up with a walk. By the end of this inning the Orioles get on the board as they tattoo Perisho for 3 runs...The former Met Rickey Bottalico has come on to pitch for the Orioles and gives up a run...The Mets now lead 11-3 Fourth Inning: Bannister is still pitching and has thrown just about 50 pitches. He retires the side 1-2-3. Pedro Feliciano is warming in the bullpen... David Wright hit a home run to lead off the bottom half of the 4th, and gets the Mets going. The Mets bat around, score some more runs and Cliff Floyd comes up and bombs a home run. The Mets now have 8 hits 10 runs... First Three Innings: Brian Bannister has pitched all 3 innings well. He has only allowed one hit in the second inning. Offensively, in the first inning, Matsui popped out...Woodward doubled..Wright struck out...Floyd doubled to score Woodward... and Nady struck out to end the inning other than this the Mets have not scored...

Morning Papers

Mets May Be Big Buyers In 2007 March 14 New York Post (registration required): "And if you couple those prospects with some of the Mets' inexpensive key players (David Wright, Jose Reyes, Aaron Heilman) and consider their 2007 finances, the Mets should be in a position next winter to go after some of the free-agent gems. That means GM Omar Minaya could be making a bid for Barry Zito. Or Jose Contreras. Or both." Little time left for Graffanino March 14 Boston Herald: "If the Sox hold onto Graffanino but fail to deal him before March 29, they will incur an additional cost of roughly $170,000 to keep the player for another two weeks. As things stand, a number of clubs appear to have interest in the second baseman, including the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs." A sore Pedro knows he's not on top of the World March 14 Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "Explaining that 'everything's sore,' Pedro Martinez said yesterday he would delay his next scheduled bullpen session until tomorrow." Bad elbow ends year for Padilla March 14 New York Daily News: "Willie Randolph believed reliever Juan Padilla had a 'good chance' to make the Mets this spring. But the former Yankees farmhand won't pitch anywhere this season because he will have Tommy John elbow surgery today in New York, the team announced last night." Mets Waiting for Answers in the Bullpen March 14 New York Times (registration required): "The Mets' desire to keep a left-handed reliever not named Billy Wagner is akin to wanting to put another Italian restaurant in Manhattan. It would be nice, but there is not necessarily a need for one." Nady blasting away at rightfield job March 14 Newsday: "Xavier Nady's journey doesn't rival something out of a John Steinbeck novel, or anything dramatic like that. " SNY is another log on cable sports fire March 14 Newsday columnist Neil Best: "SportsNet New York debuts Thursday, and most avid Mets fans happily will pay to watch. " SNY is another log on cable sports fire March 14 Newsday columnist Neil Best: "SportsNet New York debuts Thursday, and most avid Mets fans happily will pay to watch. "

The Orioles Are On Deck

After todays win against the Nationals the Mets improve to 7-6 on the spring season. Tomorrow they are scheduled to play the Orioles at Tradition Field. The game will start at 1:10 PM EST. RHP Brian Bannister is sceaduled to start. From what I understand it will not be broadcasted so I will provide in game notes, but I will not start until 2:00 because I will be at school. Have a nice night and Lets Go Mets!!!

In Game: Mets vs Nationals

The game was completed after this inning. It finished early due to power. The Mets defeat the Nationals 10-4. 6th Inning: Iriki pitched another hitless inning to start the 6th. And the Mets finished the inning by adding one more run to the board. 5th Inning: Glavine has left the game. He went 4 innings giving up 4 runs on 6 hits. His in game ERA is 9.00. RHP Iriki has come on to pitch for the Mets. Iriki retires the side 1-2-3. In the bottom of the inning the Mets tac on 4 more hits and 5 more runs. The Mets now lead 9-4 4th Inning: Surprisingly Glavine went into the 4th and pitched well. He got through without giving up a run. The Nats shut down the Mets offense for the first time all game. Third Inning: As the Mets lead 3-2 in the 3rd inning Tommy goes back out to the mound. The Nats tac on 3 more hits and 2 more runs. The Met offense once again retaliates as Xavier Nady hits his second HR of the spring to tie the game 4-4. Second Inning: Glavine goes out for his second inning of work and gives up 2 home runs. The Mets retaliate by scoring another 2 runs on 2 more hits. First Inning: After a successful first inning for Glavine, the Mets scored one on 2 hits in the bottom of the inning. Warm Ups: The Mets and the Nationals take the field at Tradition Field in Port St. Lucie, Florida to warm up.

Mets In The Classic

I took the liberty of looking up the stats for all the Mets players involved in the classic. Dominican Republic: SS Jose Reyes: Has a .200 batting average. He is 1 for 5, 2 runs, no strikeouts, 1 walk. I personally only saw one of his ABs and he looked good. He was patient and did not swing at balls in the dirt. Defensively he looked good, he threw the ball hard as usual and used his glove well. RHP Duaner Sanchez: Has a 0.00 ERA in 3 games, over 2.2 innings, Sanchez allowed 2 hits,and 2 unearned runs. In the games that I saw Duaner looked dominating. He has a K-Rod (Francisco Rodriguez) like delivery and even has the goggles like K-Rod. Puerto Rico: CF Carlos Beltran: Batting .357 with 5 hits, 6 runs, 1 double, 2 HRs, 4 RBIs, 4 walks, and 1 stolen base in 14 ABs. Beltran looks awesome. He is finally starting to look like the 3 hole hitter the Mets see him as. Hopefully he can bring this into the season with him. 3B Jose Valentin: Batting .250 with 4 hits, 3 RBIs, and a stolen base. Valentin is doing fine. He is working on his defense and looks good as he has ye to make an error. RHP Pedro Feliciano: Has a 0.00 ERA over 2 innings. He has also recorded a strikeout and a walk. Feliciano is one of those guys who needs to be in camp. He can only make this team by impressing Willie Randolph and he cannot do that if Randolph does not see him pitch. 1B Carlos Delgado: Has not played in a game because of injury. Do not be alarmed it is just a bit of tendinitis. He is in uniform and on the Puerto Rican roster. Venezuela: CF Endy Chavez: Batting .333 with 1 HR and 2 RBIs in 3 ABs. I do not care if Chavez hits a 1.000 with 25 HRs and 100 RBIs in this classic. By going to the classic he has just lowered his chances of making the Mets this season and has opened the door for Tike Redman. RHP Victor Zambrano: Is posting a 3.38 ERA. He has pitched in 1 game. He went 2.1 innings in relief, recorded 3 strike outs and 1 walk. Used a nice splitter or sinker that struck out all 3 batters. RHP Jorge Julio: Posting a nice 20.25 ERA. Over 2 games he has pitched 1.1 innings. He allowed 4 hits and 3 runs. This guy needs to get his butt in camp and work with Rick Peterson. I think I just about covered all of the players involved in this classic but if I missed anyone please inform me and I will add them.

PreGame: Mets vs Nationals

The Mets are set to take on division rivals, the Washington Nationals, at 7:10PM EST. The game will take place at Tradition Field. Tommy Glavine will start for the Mets, and will be followed by Yusaku Iriki. Pedro Astacio will start for the Nationals. The game will not be broadcasted... I will be providing in game updates so check back in for updates. Lets Go Mets!!!

Morning News

March 13 Keppinger Keeps Hitting, but Support Is Still Missing New York Times (registration required): "Keppinger seems to understand that Matsui is the incumbent, that the Mets have a big financial investment in him, and that the job is Matsui's to lose unless the Mets trade him — which may yet happen." Right Trach New York Post (registration required):" Trachsel was last year's projected fifth starter for the Mets, but with Benson a Bird now and Jae Seo a Dodger, he's been bumped up. Yesterday Trachsel delivered an excellent outing, continuing his improvement with each appearance this spring." Trachsel's back strong Newsday: "The sight of the place was enough to make Steve Trachsel wince. The last time he pitched at Fort Lauderdale Stadium, he had piercing pains in his back." Trachsel triumphs in return to scene of heartbreak Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "The pitcher's mound at Fort Lauderdale Stadium is where it all went so wrong for Steve Trachsel a year ago." Amazin's Picture Is A Bit Fuzzy New York Post columnist Mike Vaccaro (registration required): "If there is one team in all of baseball that could have used an old-fashioned spring training, that could have used six weeks of nothing but forced togetherness, it's these Mets. The individual pieces all look wonderful." O's Benson chirps about Mets New York Daily News: "The Bensons have moved on since the Mets traded Kris to Baltimore in late January, and the righthander now believes he's probably 'better off' if implications that his better half's outspokenness contributed to his departure are true." Benson sounds wistful Newsday: "Kris Benson does not call them hard feelings. In fact, he didn't call them anything." SNY Steps Up To Plate New York Post columnist Phil Mushnick (registration required): "Sportsnet New York, the new Mets network, will debut Thursday with a spring training game and a fabulous opportunity."

I would like to offer my apologies to all of our readers.I know that this site is supposed to be dedicated to bringing you information and lately we have failed you. My Internet was down all weekend and I have been very busy as of late. However I have fixed the problem and I am back now. You can look forward to seeing more posts throughout the spring and the season. I have updated the spring training stats, and by tomorrow night I will have the 40-man roster up to date. Thank you for your understanding and Lets Go Mets!!!

Open Chat

Today the Mets play split squad games. They will take on the Braves and the Marlins. The Marlins game is unavailable but the Braves game can be listened to on WFAN (sports radio 660).During the games this section will be open to all fans to chat via comments about the games, players, injuries, and everything Mets. Please do not use the "anonymous" way of posting comments. Please click "other" and use a name or create a blogger account. Thank You and Lets Go Mets!!!

Morning News

Braves GM: Glavine regretted Mets deal March 11 New York Daily News: "Tom Glavine didn't deny allegations in Atlanta GM John Schuerholz's new book that he attempted to strike a deal with the Braves due to family concerns in the days after agreeing to terms with the Mets before the 2003 season."

Morning Papers

Floyd OK to play despite kidney March 10 New York Daily News: "Cliff Floyd didn't even own a learner's permit 20 years ago when he drove his ailing father to a doctor to address kidney failure that ultimately required a transplant. So when the left fielder's spring-training physical showed Floyd had the precursors to similar trouble, the Met became alarmed." Pain Forecast March 10 New York Post (registration required): "So far in camp, the Mets have had health issues involving an ace (Pedro Martinez), an All-Star first baseman (Carlos Delgado), a starting catcher (Paul Lo Duca), a new outfielder (Xavier Nady), an effective reliever (Juan Padilla) and now a slugging left fielder (Cliff Floyd)." Mets' Beltran feeling patriotic March 10 Miami Herald (registration required): "New York Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran hasn't played regularly in the Puerto Rican winter league since 2001, the year before he signed his first million-dollar contract. So the World Classic has given him a rare chance to play in front of family and friends in his homeland." Bannister's Turning Some Heads March 10 New York Post (registration required): "So far in camp, the Mets' best pitcher has been Brian Bannister." Mets' day in camp March 10 Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "With the bases loaded with Astros and one out in the bottom of the ninth, a chant of 'Let's Go Mets' began to rumble through the stands. It ended quickly when Hector Gimenez singled to send the Astros home as 3-2 winners."