I’m glad to see Martinez playing so well and exhibiting a better understanding of the strike zone and pitch recognition. He is having a great spring, as he usually does, and I have no doubt he’s a better player than what we saw last season.
That said, it still may not be evidence enough that he can handle the task at hand. The enormous pressure and expectations that would be immediately placed on him could make him unravel, especially under the watchful eyes of the New York media. - link
Maine, who is coming off shoulder issues, said the best thing was that he had no pain, and that he's anxious to get back out there again Saturday in a regular starting role.
As a result of Friday's rainout in Fort Myers, Oliver Perez grabbed Maine's starting slot Saturday. Maine usually beats himself up pretty good after a bad performance, so in a way this may be progress.
That's how pitching coach Dan Warthen, who could use a Master's in psychology to deal with his pitchers, looked at it, saying of Maine, "He's maturing." - link
The Marlins will be facing what could be the Mets opening day lineup today, right down to starting pitcher Johan Santana.
The Marlins, meanwhile, have John Baker as the designated hitter in the B game and will give Cody Ross the day off after serving as the DH Saturday in Port Charlotte.
Ross (groin) is expected to play RF Monday against the Twins. Baker (right forearm) will play catch today from 60 feet and he will continue to get at bats this week, some coming in minor league camp. He is still about a week away from catching in a game. link
When talking about the Mets fifth spot it normally is a discussion about Jonathan Niese or Fernando Nieve. Even Nelson Figueroa, possibly the best one of all, is forgotten. So why would it make sense to throw Takahashi into that conversation? Well, Howard’s first point was the second lefty out of the bullpen. Takahashi is not a situational lefty as his splits in NPB baseball indicate he is better against RHP. The fact remains the Mets are going to need to get out a tough lefty more than once in a ballgame, especially if the opposition is Philadelphia. Putting Takahashi in the bullpen eliminates the ability to sign a second lefty, like Joe Beimel, to a contract. “Perpetual Pedro” Feliciano might benefit from some help every once in a while. -
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Havens doesn’t have Tejada’s speed, but he has more power potential. He batted .247 (89-for-360) with 14 homers in 97 games for Class A St. Lucie in the pitching-rich Florida State League. The homer total was even more impressive because he missed seven weeks of the season with quad problems and a bone bruise.
Signed for $1.419 million after being drafted 22nd overall in 2008, Havens will look to fine-tune his game – and stay healthy – at Binghamton. - link
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