Mets Notebook: Pedro goes live

Mets Notebook for March 16 - Pedro Martinez throws to two minor leaguers, Cliff Floyd's kidneys are healthier than first thought, David Wright is written up as a budding matinee idol and more...

Last game: Mets 8, Nationals 5. The Mets traveled north to Space Coast Stadium in Viera, Fla., winning their ninth game of the spring against six losses. Aaron Heilman started and put up four scoreless innings, scattering three hits and striking out three while walking none.

Chris Basak was the offensive star, putting up three RBI in a 2-for-2 day that also saw him score two runs. Victor Diaz and Sandy Martinez each homered.

Good news all around: For those who skipped the hour-plus bus ride to Viera and hung around in Port St. Lucie, it was a rather positive day.

Pedro Martinez finally got on the mound against live hitters, throwing 61 pitches against minor leaguers Corey Coles and Rafael Arroyo. The Mets were pleased with Martinez's stamina in the effort, and pitching coach Rick Peterson called it a "big step forward."

And perhaps more importantly, test results on Cliff Floyd's kidney proved far better than originally believed. After being told his kidneys were operating at 48 percent efficiency as a result of a preliminary team physical, Floyd was sent for further testing. The results of those tests showed him at 65 percent and Floyd said that means there is "nothing unusual."

Floyd has changed his diet and has increased his water intake, which all reinforces the idea that he'll be on the field for Opening Day.

On the air: Tonight marks the first game for SportsNet New York, the Mets' new television network. However, SNY is still not assigned channels on numerous cable systems, although those negotiations appear to be ongoing.

Well, yes...: David Wright could be the Mets' franchise player, the one who re-energizes the fan base and renews a crosstown rivalry with the Yankees, USA Today's Paul White writes.

The Jake: Mike Jacobs, dealt to the Marlins in the Carlos Delgado trade last November, apparently is being talked up to the Florida faithful. A glowing profile ran today in the Palm Beach Post.

Move it on over: The Mets assigned four pitchers - Anderson Garcia, Tim LaVigne, Alay Soler and Mike Venafro - to minor league camp.

Coming up: The Mets are at home against the Braves on Thursday, which should bring no end of stories pitting Tom Glavine against Atlanta GM John Schuerholz following the release of excerpts from Schuerholz's tell-all book, "Built to Win."