Mets Hot Stove: Yes, we have no Ramirez

I've already posted on the latest Ramirez fiasco early this morning, so let's move on. Today's highlights include the info that the Mets will pass on Julian Tavarez, another feature from last night's Beltran conference call, an in-depth look at the Mets bullpen at MetsBlog, and a preview of the 2006 Marlins at MetsDaily.com.

New York Post: Mets say no to Tavares
In a story primarily on Manny's flip-flop, Michael Morrissey offers the following bit of news:

The Mets are no longer interested in free-agent reliever Julian Tavarez, a major league official said yesterday.

As long as the hold on to Aaron Heilman, the Mets should have enough in their bullpen. Heilman, Duaner Sanchez, and of course Billy Wagner all offer at least the hope of quality, and you still have guys like Heath Bell, Juan Padilla, Bartolome Fortunato, Alay Soler and a cast of thousands. Hopefully, you can strike gold with one or more of those guys, and have a solid bullpen. It just didn't make sense to overpay Tavarez. He can go punch walls somewhere else.

Bergen Record: It pays to have friends
Steve Popper reports that, other than during the two weeks of Carlos Delgado's honeymoon, Carlos Beltran and Delgado have been in constant phone contact. There is real help that Delgado's presence on the team can benefit Beltran greatly:

While Delgado certainly will help Beltran with his bat in the heart of the Mets' lineup, the arrival of his fellow native of Puerto Rico and a longtime friend could help Beltran to ease his way into his second season in New York.

"It will be great," Beltran said in a conference call Thursday. "Me and Carlos, we're good friends, [we] always look out for each other. Having him here will be great - will be great for the team. He will feel comfortable. I will feel comfortable."

Despite last year's struggles, Beltran is confident he will turn it around this season:

First of all, 2005 for me was a year of adjustment, playing all my career with small-market teams and signing with a big-market team like New York. I feel happy with everything I did. I know this year, I'm looking forward to staying healthy the whole season and if I do, I will put up numbers.

This year will be a better year. I've been training hard in Puerto Rico, doing everything I can to be ready for spring training in the 2006 season.

ESPN Insider: Rob Neyer Chat
Exibit A why Mets fans can't stand Braves fans from an ESPN Chat:

Chris (Atlanta): Are the Mets going to be a bust like they were when they went on the Mo Vaughn, Roberto Alomar etc shopping spree a few years ago?

Rob Neyer: No. At the moment, the Mets are clearly the favorites in the East, and I think there's an argument to be made that they're the best team in the National League.

The Braves fans sense of entitlement seems to include some guarantee that the Mets moves will always turn bad and Schuerholz' will always turn to gold. Even by the law of averages that has to change sometime. How did Danny Kolb work out?

It wasn't a very good chat for the tomahawk toting crowd:

Nick (Dover, Pa): Does Tim Hudson have a Cy Young Caliber year in store for 06?

Rob Neyer: I just don't see that. His ERA's the last two seasons were 3.53 and 3.52, and his strikeout rates are exceptionally unimpressive. I wouldn't rule out a comeback of sorts, but Hudson might be the new Orel Hershiser.

Ouch...

Mets Daily: Florida Marlins Team Preview
MetsDaily.com has posted the latest in their series of National League team previews, this one on the Florida Marlins. Enough of Manny, already, let's get the season underway.

MetsBlog: A look at the bullpen
Matthew Cerrone has another Notebook, this one on the Mets bullpen.

Baseball America: The Seo - Sanchez trade
BA's J.J. Cooper takes a look at Omar's latest deal.