Morning Papers

I really like Kevin Baxter's article in todays Miami Herald, he takes a look at how the Mets player developement program is geared towards Latin American culture. The idea of having our future stars, domestic and international, mixing and bonding during their developemental stage seems to be an excelent move by the front office. It is easy to see the direction of where the Mets are going, a program like this just allows the players to build a stronger relationships. Martínez on Hill, but Not in Shape March 1 New York Times (registration required): "Pedro Martínez finally threw from hallowed ground Tuesday — the rubber on a mound — but he said he needed to work much more before deeming himself ready to pitch competitively." Reyes starts off with a walk in the park March 1 New York Daily News: "So it was encouraging that Reyes walked in both of his plate appearances yesterday - fouling off a couple of pitches against Billy Wagner in the first inning to get to a full count - as the Mets tuned up for tomorrow's Grapefruit League opener." Mets must find right guy to hit behind Reyes March 1 Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "In yesterday's intrasquad game, David Wright batted second. But don't read much into that. Unless something changes drastically in the next few weeks, Wright, arguably the team's best hitter, will bat elsewhere -- most likely fifth." Breakfast at Julio's March 1 New York Times (registration required): "A few minutes before 7 a.m. Tuesday, Julio Franco greeted a visitor to his apartment with the news that he had eaten 14 egg whites for breakfast." 11 headed for Classic March 1 New York Daily News: "The Mets are expected to send 11 players to the opening round of the World Baseball Classic: Billy Wagner (U.S.); Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, Pedro Feliciano and Juan Padilla (Puerto Rico)..." Social Conscience March 1 Miami Herald (registration required): "Shortly after Rafael Perez joined the New York Mets as director of international development last March, he noticed the club's Dominican prospects seemed uncomfortable and out of sorts at the team's rookie league camp in Port St. Lucie." The Buzz March 1 Newark Star-Ledger (registration required): "One inning into yesterday's intrasquad game, fans were ducking for cover. A young child was clipped by a foul ball in the top of the first and, crying, was carried out by his dad."