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."