Mets new network launches in Mid-March

News on SNY leads off today's look at all things Mets.

Bergen Record: SNY on the air March 16
John Brennan reports that SNY, the Mets' new tv network, will begin broadcasting on March 16 with a Mets spring training game against the Atlanta Braves. Brennan opines that SNY is unlikely to face a YES network type of standoff with Cablevision:

The YES Network was unavailable to Cablevision viewers throughout its debut season in 2002 because of disputes about the cost of the channel and about whether YES could be placed on a premium cable tier.

The Mets' network is partially owned, however, by Comcast and Time Warner Cable, the region's other two cable giants. Since Cablevision needs the cooperation of those cable operators to ensure that its MSG and FSNY channels air throughout the region, a blackout similar to the one experienced by YES is considered less likely by industry experts.

Personally, I don't have a ton of faith that my small cable system in Connecticut will carry SNY, as when I called to ask they didn't even know what I was talking about. (We're only about 90 miles from New York, people, get a clue.) I'm already looking into satellite -- of course, if SNY could make a deal with DISH or DirecTV that would be helpful. According to the Daily News, SNY is still negotiating with them.

SNY web site

Mets.com: Daryl Strawberry Chat
Just a reminder that the Daryl Strawberry chat on Mets.com is today at 3:30 PM EST.

Daily News: Good news on Pedro's toe
Adam Rubin reports that Pedro Martinez' toe is improving, and quotes Martinez from a Spanish-language newspaper:

I am recovering very well, the foot is going well, and I have my mind on the World Baseball Classic.

Pedro has begun his pre-season throwing program, and will not attend this week's Mets caravan.

New York Post: Cliff likes what he sees
Michael Morrissey quotes Cliff Floyd on his confidence regarding this year's Mets team:

We're in good shape. We can honestly say we can contend.

That's what this team is put together to be. We're not put together to just go out there and play and get through 162 games and hope.

No more hoping.

Speaking of confidence, Floyd feels that a winning confidence is vital for the Mets to develop this season:

See, most teams beat you on confidence. A lot of teams don't beat you on pure talent.

Because the Braves, talent-wise, weren't better than us. Confidence-wise, they were.

Until the [NL] East figures that out, it's going to be tough.

Cliff is in the final year of his Mets contract, so there is a good chance this might be his last go-round with the Flushing nine.

Newsday: Mike a Yankee?
According to John Heyman, Mike Piazza's agent has expressed to the Yankees a desire on the part of his client to play in the Bronx. However, according to the Daily News, the Yanks aren't interested. It's getting ugly for Mike, and I hope he finds a place to play -- but not there.

MetsDaily.com: Pirates Preview
Chris DeLao profiles the Pittsburgh Pirates in Mets Daily's lastest NL preview.

Also check out today's News and Notes (scroll down) for some interesting snippets of an Ed Coleman interview from XM Satellite's MLB Home Plate Show.