Meet the Mets
It took a little while, but Carlos Beltran finally made his Spring Training debut, knocking a single in his first at bat as the Mets' designated hitter. The Mets will try and treat Beltran carefully with that balky knee, so, of course, Chip Hale sends him home on a potential play to the plate, forcing Beltran to instinctively make his first slide of the spring. Just in case you weren't feeling nervous enough about Beltran, here's Ted Berg describing Beltran's batting practice boo-boo against Scott Moviel.
We've got ownership stories to pass along too this morning. Mike Piazza was in Port St. Lucie over the weekend, leading his Italian national team to a thumping at the hands of the Mets farm system. But, there was more: Piazza wants in on an MLB team ownership. There was nothing linking the interest to the Mets, however.
Joel Sherman has sources saying that the Wilpons are going to be forced to cut salaries significantly; think $70 million payroll.
You know, the Mets could get a cash infusion and a lesson in winning if Charlie Sheen were willing to buy the team.
Interesting legal stuff to pass along from the kosher vendor's law suit against the Mets. The federal judge assigned to the case has recused himself after being spotted wearing a Mets hat in public.
I salute Chris Carter for following in my footsteps and marrying a nurse named Emily.
Ted Berg is skeptical of Nick Evans' chances of making this squad.
Around MLB
The Phillies' only obstacle in their path to another NL East title may be karma and it could be starting to bite them already. Star prospect Domonic Brown has a broken hand and is expected to miss several weeks for a surgery. Meanwhile, second baseman Chase Utley has already received a cortisone shot in his right knee.
Jason Marquis has had a rough time recently on the field. The latest is a swarm of "like 10,000" wasps attacking him while on the mound against the Braves.
Details from Coco Crisp's DUI arrest are pretty hilarious.
Murray Chass yells at us young kids to get off his lawn and lay off his 20 game winners.
Frank Catalanotto has retired.
And, finally, Deolis Guerra is the final piece from the Johan Santana trade still with the Twins and he is finally showing some signs of life.