Report: Mets Finally Sign #1 Pick Mike Pelfrey

In a rare event this winter the Mets have actually made an addition to their farm system:

Baseball America: BA says Mets have finally signed Mike Pelfrey
BA's John Manuel cites "two highly-placed sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity," that the Mets and RHP Mike Pelfrey have agreed to terms on a four-year major league contract. The deal is described as follows:

One source with knowledge of the negotiations... indicated Pelfrey received a contract similar to but richer than that of Jeff Niemann, the former Rice pitcher whom the Devil Rays signed as the No. 4 overall pick in 2004. The source indicated Pelfrey received a signing bonus of around $3.5 million (Niemann's was $3.2 million) with a contract guaranteeing Pelfrey $5.3 million. The difference is Pelfrey's deal is payable over four years, rather than five. Pelfrey could earn up to a maximum of $6.6 million if he's on the Mets' 25-man roster in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

The signing ensures that Pelfrey will report to spring training on time. He will likely pitch for High-A St. Lucie, on the fast track to Shea.

Mets.com: Speaking of prospects: Brian Bannister
Kevin Czerwinski interviews Mets #1 pitching prospect Brain Bannister, who finds himself still somewhat uncomfortable with the label:

It's kind of funny because I never considered myself a top prospect. I've always pictured myself as being under the radar. There's not a lot of flash with me. And if that's the title that some people want to give me, well, it doesn't really mean anything.

I just want to build on last year. It's nice to know that I'm close and that I'll get some opportunities because of that. It's more motivation for me to work harder and get rid of that title by making it.

Bannister, who lacks the overpowering stuff to qualify as a "power pitcher", but rather relies on mixing his pitches and hitting spots. He has an excellent curveball, and a cutter he added to his repertoire this year has served him well. He'll likely start the season at AAA-Norfolk, and if an emergency starter is needed during the year, it is Bannister who will likely get the call.

Czerwinski quotes Mets' roving Minor League pitching instructor Rick Waits on Brian Bannister:

He's been a fast-track pitcher his whole career. He had a tremendous year last year. He's one of those guys you dream about, and the year he had last year put the last part of the icing on the cake. I don't know how he fits in just yet because (Mets pitching coach) Rick (Peterson) hasn't seen him yet. But he works hard, knows how to pitch and I think he knows he's very close [to the majors].

Bannister will be attending the major league camp for the first time this year in spring training.

Also at Mets.com: Strawberry visits mini-camp
Bryan Hoch reports that former Mets great Daryl Strawberry dropped in on the first day of mini-camp Monday. Strawberry makes a point of talking to young players about his off-the-field problems and how they could avoid them:

With my history of things I've experienced in life, I have a great gift to elaborate to the kids about the mistakes I made.

...I'm at a very good place in my life. I don't want people to remember me as a baseball player. I hope they remember how I overcame the trials and tribulations of life, and was able to save young kids. That's what's really important.

Current Mets rising star David Wright got a kick out of talking to Daryl:

He was definitely one of my childhood heroes growing up. Now, being able to hold a conversation with him and talk to him about what it was like playing for the Mets in the '80s, it's a special thing.

I was a huge fan of Strawberry in the '80s, and say this without any rancor, but I sincerely hope that when David Wright is looking back when his career is over, what will stand out is the baseball. That's the way it should have been for Strawberry -- and Doc Gooden.

Newsday: More Daryl
Jim Baumbach also reports on Daryl's visit to mini-camp. He quotes Strawberry on where his past and present meet:

I'm not ashamed of who I am. Of course I'm ashamed of the things that have happened. But with life experiences, you're able to give back and help others. I'm a living testimony of what happens to someone who had a great deal of talent and made a lot of wrong choices in his life

Of course, as Baumbach points out, not all is peaches and cream in Daryl's life today: :

Strawberry still fights his demons. His wife, Charisse, who stood by through so many of his failings, filed for divorce in October, saying in a statement that the marriage was "past the point of reconciliation." Not long before that, Delray Beach, Fla., police charged him with filing a fake police report for making up a story about a stolen SUV.

Baumbach also cites Omar Minaya that, although Aaron Heilman made his wish to be a starter known, Minaya thinks it is an unlikely due to his value in the bullpen. Could be worse, Aaron. Last year the Mets couldn't give you away, kid.

New York Times: Jeff Keppinger Update
Ben Shpigel offers a story on 2B Jeff Keppinger, trying to make it back from a serious leg injury suffered last season in AAA-Norfolk when he was on the verge of a major-league callup.

Palm Beach Post: Gary Carter
New St. Lucie manager Gary Carter is attracting a lot of reporters in mini-camp. Then again, Carter was never shy about conversing with the press. Dave George offers another feature on Carter and his quest for a big league manager's job.

TCPalm.com: Competition for 2B, RF and the bullpen
Lisa Riddle recaps the first day of mini-camp with an emphasis on the competition for jobs at second base and right field.

Scout.com: David Wright
Brian Hoch profiles the player who can't seem to get enough of baseball, David Wright. David is happy about the way the team is coming together, but still feels there is work to be done:

It seems like we're headed in the right direction, but it's still not good enough. I want to be the type of team that is a playoff caliber team, year in and year out. You want to be a part of that New York experience, and the New York experience is winning.

Sports Network: Blast from the past
Sports Network is reporting that former Met Kevin Appier, who hasn't pitched in a couple of years, has signed a minor-league deal with the Mariners. No word on when Mo Vaughn will begin his comeback.