Last game: Mets 11, Orioles 4. No problems for the Mets in this one. New York put
up a nine-spot in the fourth inning and coasted from there, with Brian Bannister shining over
four shutout innings. Bannister struck out two and allowed one hit over that span, and
appears to be a candidate to head to New York if the Mets decide Aaron Heilman would be
better served in the bullpen - a decision that is still not set in stone.
Lastings Milledge contributed a diving, face-first catch in center field and a run-scoring
single to the effort. Cliff Floyd had four RBI, including a three-run homer, and David Wright
added a solo shot and three RBI.
Ben Shpigel of The New York Times has a nice
feature on Bannister and his chances.
Talk of the town: The words Mets fans do not want to hear Pedro Martinez
say, regarding surgery -- "Right now,
maybe I should."
That Martinez's right big toe remains a painful proposition is no great surprise; in fact, as
a result of Martinez's violent pitching motion, insiders maintain that Martinez will never
again pitch without pain. It's the Mets' job to find a way to limit his discomfort, and
surgery apparently wouldn't even help much.
Having thrown 83 pitches in a simulated game on Saturday, Martinez does appear to be getting
closer to the track for Opening Day.
Making waves: Lastings Milledge is profiled again, this time by Mike
Vaccaro of the New York Post.
In this interview and in seemingly all of his others this spring, Milledge has shown candor
and an honest approach that reflects well on him and his playing style. He's confident in his
own abilities but not outright cocky - a mix that should play well if and when he gets to New
York.