Marty Noble at MLB.com says Jorge Sosa could open the season as the teams’ fifth starter.
Noble writes:
“Jorge Sosa temporarily became an effective solution for a rotation problem the Mets developed in May.
For five weeks, the castaway right-hander provided consistent performances, not to mention six victories in seven starts. Now, with the Mets less than a [...]

This afternoon the Indians defeated the Mets 5-2 in a seven inning rain-shortened game in Winter Haven.

Oliver Perez allowed five runs on seven hits over five innings, striking out six and walking two. He allowed four home runs, three of which came in the fourth inning.
Joe Smith and Nelson Figueroa each pitched a scoreless inning [...]

The New York Mets face the Cleveland Indians in Winter Haven this afternoon.
The Mets aren’t featuring an opening day lineup, but Brian Schneider will return to action behind the plate.
…good news there with the injured catchers piling up…
Oliver Perez will start against Cliff Lee.
For the rest of today’s lineup check out David Lennon’s blog [...]

John Maine is starting to grab the attention of the baseball pundits. On ESPN’s Baseball Tonight, Peter Gammons mentioned Maine could be a 20 game winner this season.
Meanwhile in the “Around the camps” segment of his latest article for SI.com, Jon Heyman had the following to say:
“John Maine (2-1, 2.63) of the Mets [...]

In his latest mailbag for MLB.com, Marty Noble discusses questions about the Mets’ depth and injury issues.
He also addresses concerns about Carlos Delgado, writing:
“There are few alternatives [to Delgado] at the moment. Damion Easley is one, but he may be needed in the outfield and on the left side of the infield. [...]

In a special to SI.com, Walter Villa takes a look at Mets super-prospect Fernando Martinez.
Villa writes:
“He’s the great Mets hope — the prospect New York refused to trade, not even for arguably the best pitcher in the major leagues.
Martinez signed with the Mets in 2005. He missed part of 2006 with a thumb injury, and [...]

Jon Heyman at SI.com reports that Johan Santana was very close to becoming a Texas Ranger before being dealt to the Mets.
Heyman writes:
“Indications are that Texas’ trade discussions with the Twins progressed to the point where there was either agreement or near agreement on the young players going back to Minnesota. [...]

Marty Noble at MLB.com writes about the impact fatherhood has had on Carlos Beltran.
“Beltran’s expression changes when he speaks of his new level of happiness and the daughter responsible for it. A soft glow develops and sincerity takes over. Smiles last longer and are more plentiful. He appears younger and gentler and far less circumspect. [...]

In a special for MLB.com, Howard Kussoy writes about the Mets efforts to make Citi Field environmentally friendly.
“The $800 million structure is being built from approximately 95 percent recycled steel to reduce energy consumption and at least 2 million pounds of recycled coal combustion products that will save more than 800 [...]

In the “Around the Majors” segment of his latest article for SI.com, Jon Heyman has the following tidbit on Pedro Martinez.
“Pedro Martinez has been throwing without pain pills or ice. And one longtime Pedro watcher predicts, ‘He’s going to win the Cy Young.’
Meanwhile, Martinez, 36, is telling friends he’d like to play a couple more [...]

John Donovan at SI.com takes a close look at Lastings Milledge and the Washington Nationals.
Milledge, speaking on his time with the Mets:
“A lot of veterans didn’t like the way I play the game. They thought I didn’t respect it, but the vets here have no problem with me. They know I respect [...]

According to Marty Noble at MLB.com, “Pedro Martinez will not approach the team about a contract beyond 2008 – though he would be willing to discuss the matter if the club broached the topic.”
…it’s no mystery that pedro’s future will be contingent upon his health and performance this year…i don’t [...]

In his latest mailbag for MLB.com, Marty Noble answers questions about the Mets leadership roles, the signing of Brady Clark, and the pitching rotation in 2008 and beyond, among other things.
Noble writes…
“The Mets would be better off now and in the future if they move Hernandez into the bullpen and start [...]

In his latest for SI.com, Jon Heyman talks about the recent ‘war of words’ between the Mets and Phillies.
Heyman writes…
“Beltran and other Mets types are understandably excited about the acquisition of ace pitcher Johan Santana. Yet the Mets should hold their tongues now for two very good reasons:
1) They had their chance last spring when [...]

Phillies SS Jimmy Rollins arrived to camp yesterday, and was immediately asked to comment on Carlos Beltran’s weekend statement, which proclaimed the Mets as the team to beat in 2008, not the Phillies.
Rollins, talking with reporters from Phillies camp, said…
“Carlos is a quiet guy. It’s good that he spoke up. [...]