Spring Training Tid-Bits

David Lennon - Newsday has provided some intersting Tid-Bits:

Fernando Martinez - the highly regarded prospect expect to patrol the OF at some point this year, or next, was cleared yesterday to take BP. Martinez is nursing a strain of his right, throwing, elbow. He will resume throwing in about two or three weeks. Martinez says his elbow is feeling better. The elbow was injured warming up while playing in the Carribean Series. Martinez is projected to start the season at AAA Buffalo.

Jose Valentin - the second base spark plug for the 2006 Mets, has been assigned #99. Valentin underwent laser surgery on his neck to relieve pain he was suffering, last summer. He resumed baseball activities two weeks later. Valentin hopes to make the squad, but if he doesn't, he will report to Buffalo, and serve as a player coach. Said Valentin, "Now that I have a chance, I'll take it. Use all the bullets I have left. See if I can make it. If not, I'll try to start a new career and start coaching."

Marlon Anderson - has gone the Luis Castillo route by dropping 17 pounds during the off-season. He lost the weight using an "isogenic cleanse". Anderson limited his diet to two shakes and one lunch - equalling no more than 600 calories - for 25 straight days. Anderson claims he feels better than he has in year. That is good. The Mets sorely missed Anderson's bat off the bench in 2008, where he had a miserable season, only batting .210.

It would be a nice addition if Jose Valentin is able to make the club. He proved to be an invaluable leader in 2006, and this team needs an on the field leader. Delgado helps, Beltran helps, Wright is more flash than substance in the leadership department. Marlon Anderson is solid, but being only a role player, doesn't help as much as an everyday player. If Valentin can make the club, and get some quality playing time, he could be that missing piece the Mets have been lacking since the departure of Cliff Floyd.