Kelvim Escobar, Jesus Flores, Nick Evans, Mike Pelfrey... and Steve Matz

Kelvim Escobar:


According to Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News, Johan Santana said that reports of Kelvim Escobar having trouble gripping a baseball is "untrue." This contradicts a source who told Craig Calcaterra of NBC Sports that oft-injured right-hander Kelvim Escobar (shoulder) is unable to grip a baseball. In any case, Escobar is being slowed by shoulder soreness early in camp. While that's not out of the ordinary for any pitcher this time of year, it's especially troubling given Escobar's injury history. - link

Jesus Flores:

According to Bill Ladson of MLB.com, catcher Jesus Flores (shoulder, elbow) threw from 45 feet without pain on Thursday. Ladson underwent season-ending surgery for a torn labrum last September, as well as arthroscopic surgery on his elbow. His goal is to be ready for Opening Day, according to Ladson, however the Nationals plan to take it slow with their young backstop. Ivan Rodriguez and Wil Nieves are expected to open the season as the team's primary catchers. - link

Nick Evans:

Nick Evans isn't sure if the organization considers him primarily a first baseman or an outfielder, but is hoping he can show the Mets enough this spring to warrant consideration for a role off the bench. Evans joined Daniel Murphy last week in receiving tutoring from Keith Hernandez at first base. - link

Mike Pelfrey:

Big Pelf took a big step backwards last year. He was inside his own head far too much, could not pitch with guys on base and allowed too many balks. Pelf needs to realize he’s a big league pitcher now. His job is to get guys out and let your infielders and outfielders worry about the guys on base. - link

Steve Matz

LHP, Melville HS (NY), #72 Overall: Matz was considered a unanimous first-day talent, and the Mets got him in the late second round. He had a projectable body coming from the left side, and a good fastball-changeup combination, though he hadn’t settled on a breaking ball. This was a solid pick, though it came with the inherent risk in cold-weather prep pitchers. Following players selected: Max Walla, Cameron Garfield, Kelly Dugan. Signing bonus: $895,000. -  - link