Mets.com has a story about one of the team’s first equipment trucks leaving Shea Stadium for Port St. Lucie this afternoon.
The first truck actually was dispatched immediately following the post-season, when all leftover equipment was shipped to minor leaguers working out in St. Lucie.
…it’s a largely symbolic story, but the thought of the same truck [...]

Stephen Silverman of People.com
is reporting former Mets C Mike Piazza and his wife Alicia welcomed
their first child on Saturday.
Nicoletta Veronica Piazza was born at 4:07 am in New York City and weighed in at 5 lbs, 8 oz, and 19 inches long.
…congrats Mike…

The AP is reporting free-agent pitcher Rick Helling has announced he retirement.
Over his 12-year career Helling compiled a 93-81 record with a 4.68 ERA.
With the announcement of Helling’s retirement the number of free-agent pitchers available has dwindled to five.
Bruce Chen, Roger Clemens, Chan Ho Park, Mark Redman and Steve Trachsel are the only remainig free-agent [...]

At his blog for SNY, Ted Berg questions the Mets logic of inviting Ruben Sierra to spring training.
Berg understands the value of a veteran leader in the clubhouse, but
wonders if taking at-bats from young players during spring training is
worth it.
Berg writes…
I question the logic of dedicating somewhat
valuable Spring Training at-bats to Sierra when they could [...]

Several Mets prospects and one big leaguer are playing in the 2007 Caribbean World Series.
Here are the updated stats for each through the first three games of the series…
P Willie Collazo — Has not made an appearance for Puerto Rico.
P Pedro Feliciano — Appearing in one game for Puerto Rico, Feliciano has allowed 1 hit [...]

The following currently appears at Mets.com…
“An online registration is now open for the opportunity to buy tickets to the 2007 Opening Day and Yankees vs. Mets (”Subway Series”) games to be played at Shea Stadium.
“Individuals chosen through the random online drawing on mets.com or losmets.com will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to these selected [...]

Tommy Dee over at HotFoot has submitted a well-written piece on the “bumpy ride” that was the career of Mike Piazza as a New York Met.
Here is an excerpt:
“Fast-forward five years later from the day Piazza arrived. It was springtime in New York which every year signifies a city opening up after the cold and [...]

In the St. Petersburg Times, Marc Topkin suggests that the Devil Rays may eventually look to trade either 2B Jorge Cantu or infielder BJ Upton for relief pitching.
According to the report, “Team officials remain committed to upgrading the bullpen but are more interested in doing so by trade than picking through what’s left on the [...]

…apparently, my post from earlier today about Fernando Martinez’s age has set off a small chain reaction of research, which is nice to see…
At the Prospects Blog for Baseball America, Matt Meyers contacted Adam Wogan, the Mets farm director, who reaffirmed that Martinez was born on October 10, 1988.
…this is great and all, but the [...]

Keith Law of ESPN.com recently conducted a chat and was asked about a variety of topics regarding the Mets.
Here is a recap of the chat…
 
Bren, Pearl River, NY: Keith, just wanted to let you know
that [Mike] Pelfrey dropped the curve in favor of a straight slider in the AFL. Won’t
learning how to back that [...]

In May, Spawn.com will begin selling a David Wright action figure, which stands 6” tall, and features the third baseman reaching for a ground ball.
…nice…i mean, it’s no han solo in carbonite, but, seriously, what is…
Wright will be part of the company’s MLB Series 18, which also includes Ryan Howard, Justin Verlander and Brandon Webb, among others.
Other Mets featured [...]

For a long while, MLB.com had written that Mets OF Fernando Martinez was born on October 10, 1988. 
In October, at his blog for the Daily News, Adam Rubin profiled Martinez, referring to him as, “The 18-year-old Martinez.”
…as did i, and more or less any one else who wrote about martinez…
Today, however, MLB.com’s minor-league website, [...]

At Shea Faithful, Pat Andriola conducts a quick Q&A with Adam Rubin, Mets beat writer for the Daily News.
Rubin gives his opinion on the team’s starting rotation, the development of Willie Randolph as a manager and Paul Lo Duca’s interest in re-signing, among other topics.
Rubin is also the author of Pedro, Carlos & Omar, which [...]

In the Journal News, John Delcos profiles Mets OF Ben Johnson, who was acquired this winter from the Padres.
Mets GM Omar Minaya, on Johnson, as quoted by Delcos…
“He is versatile and plays all three outfield spots.  We feel he has yet to reach his potential.”

On Johnson, CBS Sportsline writes…
“The Mets picked up the 25-year-old power [...]

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Dejan Kovacevic reports Pirates 2B Freddy Sanchez signed a one-year, $2.75 million contract on Saturday, avoiding arbitration.
The 29-year-old reigning NL batting champion was seeking a $3.1 million salary, while Pittsburgh was offering nearly $1 million less at $2.15 million.
The arbitration hearing was set for Thursday.
Kovacevic reported in August that Sanchez and the [...]