At his Web site The Biz of Baseball, Baseball Prospectus contributor Maury Brown writes that MLB commissioner Bud Selig released a memo on Feb. 21 stating that all MLB personnel, including players, non-players, umpires, executives and the Office of the Commissioner, will be tested unannounced for banned substances—including steroids and drugs—under the same program that [...]

At his blog for the New York Post, Kevin Kernan explains why batting David Wright second in the order, as opposed to Paul LoDuca, would create additional scoring opportunities for the Mets.
Kernan believes that Jose Reyes‘ speed enables him to take second base without needing the No. 2 hitter to hand the opposition a free [...]

Mets OF Lastings Milledge appeared on WFAN’s Mike and the Mad Dog a few moments ago, and talked about a variety of issues, including his relationship with Julio Franco, and the team’s other veterans, as well as how he intends to earn a spot on the 25–man roster.
To listen to this entire interview, check out WFAN.com, where segments [...]

Mets RHP Juan Padilla will throw batting practice tomorrow, and is slated to pitch in Monday’s game against the Indians.
Padilla had season-ending shoulder surgery last March.

Baseball America has released their Top 100 Prospects List.
Red Sox RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka checks in at No. 1, followed by Royals 3B Alex Gordon, Rays OF Delmon Young, Yankees RHP Phil Hughes and Reds RHP Homer Bailey.
…so, the Yankees have the best pitching prospect in baseball…i wonder how they’ll mess that up…
The highest rated Mets [...]

Mets OF Lastings Milledge has been sent for X-Rays on his right hand, and will not play in today’s game, according to John Delcos at his blog for th Journal News.
Delcos also gives an update on 2B Jose Valentin, who will not play in today’s game, as well.
…Update 3:01 pm…
…the x-rays on milledge’s hand came [...]

The Mets defeated the Cardinals by a score of 4 to 3 at Tradition Field today…

Mets 3B David Wright appeared on WFAN’s Mike and the Mad Dog yesterday, and talked about a variety of issues, including many details on his trip to the White House during this past off season.
To listen to this entire interview, check out WFAN.com, where segments are also available as podcasts.
According to Wright, he does not feel [...]

At Amazin Avenue, Eric Simon has updated his Make-The-Mets-O-Meter, noting that Chan Ho Park, John Maine, Mike Pelfrey, Damion Easley, Ben Johnson, David Newhan, Joe Smith, among others, have all increased their chances of making the team, compared to last week.

At his blog for the Journal News, John Delcos asks…
“If one of your favorite players is caught, would you be surprised, angry or upset?”

To respond, head over to Delcos’s blog and give your opinion.
…as an adult, with no children, i don’t think i’d care, outside of it hurting the team…
…i mean, at this stage of [...]

The Cardinals will start Rick Ankiel in right field today against the Mets.
…oh, man, oh, man, oh, man…
…when he steps to the plate, i hope the crowd does not chant, “wild pitch (clap, clap), wild pitch (clap, clap),” as Mets fans did during the 2000 NLCS…

Mets pitching coach Rick Peterson appeared on WFAN’s Mike and the Mad Dod yesterday, and talked about a variety of issues regarding the Mets pitching staff.
To listen to this entire interview, check out WFAN.com, where segments are also available as podcasts.
In short, Peterson told the show’s hosts…

Aaron Heilman as a starting pitcher is an “undebatable” issue.
The [...]

Mets GM Omar Minaya appeared on WFAN’s Mike and the Mad Dod yesterday, and talked about a variety of issues regarding the Mets.
To listen to this entire interview, check out WFAN.com, where segments are also available as podcasts.
Answering questions, yet again, about off-season negotiations with Barry Zito, Minaya noted that he still has a very good relationship with [...]

Howard Johnson is wearing No. 52, while coaching for first base for the Mets.
…wow…now that is weird…
…meanwhile, Shawn Green, who is really skinny, by the way, continues to wear No. 20, which just doesn’t seem right…
…i understand that the player should get priority of a jersey over a first-base coach, but, frankly, i don’t care, i’m only thinking [...]

Duaner Sanchez threw from flat ground yesterday, at close range, noting that he is at roughly 75 percent, ans still hoped to be ready for opening day, writes John Delcos at the Journal News.

…the soft-spoken word from tradition field continues to be that sanchez should begin throwing from a during the first week or so of march, though the team [...]