Mets Hot Stove: The stubborn digit

Pedro's recalcitrant toe is still the big story for Mets fans, while the "other" New York team dominated the local sports news yesterday.

New York Post: More on the offending digit
Michael Morrissey fills us in a little more on Pedro's achy right big toe, which is suffering from cartilage damage. Martinez still doesn't feel comfortable throwing off a mound, but the news isn't all bad:

...Martinez's agent, Fernando Cuza, said Martinez is working out and is otherwise staying in shape.The three-time Cy Young Award winner isn't doing bullpen work, Cuza said, because special insoles to minimize the pain haven't arrived yet. Cuza has spent time with Martinez and said he's not in poor spirits despite the injury.

According to Martinez's agent, the Mets and Martinez are working together, and the answer might be footwear. Nike is apparently designing special insoles for Martinez after making molds of his feet. The Mets and Martinez still feel that the custom footwear and rest will do the trick, and surgery is not necessary.

Mets.com: Phil Humber Starts His Comeback
Kevin Czerwinski reports that 2004 first round draft pick Phil Humber has begun soft tossing from 45 feet as he begins his comeback from July's Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. Humber will take part in the January mini-camp, and expects to be pitching in games again by June. According to Humber, the surgery was a :

Everything has been going real smooth and I haven't had any trouble. I really feel like I will come back stronger... I definitely don't have any pain and that's a good sign for me. Even before the surgery, when I wasn't throwing I had pain in my elbow. I'm really excited about that and the prospects of throwing without pain and not having to think about it anymore.

If the Mets can get Humber back on track, and this year's first rounder Mike Pelfrey signed, that would go a long way towards beginning to rebuild their depleted farm system.