Notes: Martinez's bold prediction  —  Youngster expects to be playing at Shea sometime this year  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — As far as predictions go, these Mets have already proven to be brash.  Carlos Beltran sparked the trend last weekend, and even owner Fred Wilpon chimed in on Tuesday afternoon.

GET USED TO JASE AT FIRST BASE  —  Jason Giambi was well into a punishing offseason conditioning program when Joe Girardi phoned with a plea Giambi was happy to hear.  —  “He told me, ‘I need you at first base,’ ” Giambi said yesterday at Legends Field on the eve of the first full squad spring training workout.

Mariners sign Crosby  —  UPDATE (11:01 a.m.): Mariners broadcaster Dave Niehaus just got named winner of the Ford C. Frick Award, on the same day he is celebrating his 73rd birthday.  This is quite an honor, since it means he's being inducted into the broadcasting wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.

A window on how arbitration works  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. - Some salary arbitration hearings are contentious.  Some are civil.  —  Some are downright absurd.  Such as the one involving a pinch-hitter several years ago.  An agent recalled the story yesterday.  —  “He was one of the best pinch-hitters in baseball,” the agent said.

Reyes vows to tone down act this season  —  Jose Reyes, second from right, told Newsday he may tone down celebrations like this one and focus more on baseball this year.  (Newsday / Kathy Kmonicek)  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - In addition to the Mets' championship dreams, a part of Jose Reyes died on that final weekend at Shea Stadium.

Howard puts salary decision to vote  —  Phillies' last-minute arbitration negotiations unsuccessful  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — While the rest of his teammates worked out at Bright House Field, Ryan Howard strolled through the majestic Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club.

Mets, free-agent P Garcia meet  —  Free-agent pitcher eyes return from shoulder surgery  —  Free-agent pitcher Freddy Garcia visited with the Mets on Wednesday, according to sources.  —  The Mets haven't said anything about possible progress in contract talks, but they have long been interested in Garcia …

Trust, loyalty among teammates a thing of the past  —  One thing you could always count on was what happened in the clubhouse, stayed in the clubhouse.  But thanks to players who would rather make a name for themselves off the field rather than on the field, that is no longer the case.

No mas DH  —  Vladimir Guerrero reported to camp this morning and sat with reporters for a few minutes, Angels coach Alfredo Griffin serving as interpreter.  —  But Griffin's services were not needed.  When I asked Guerrero what he thought about Angels manager Mike Scioscia's plan to DH …

Source: IU likely will suspend, then fire Sampson  —  BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — A source close to the unsettled coaching situation at Indiana University told ESPN.com on Tuesday that the school is looking at three options for handling Kelvin Sampson's future at the school.

Nats sign pitcher Perez to Minors deal  —  Non-guaranteed contract gives left-hander shot at rotation  —  VIERA, Fla. — The Nationals agreed to terms on a non-guaranteed Minor League contract with left-hander Odalis Perez on Tuesday afternoon.  Perez will be invited to Spring Training and compete for a spot in the rotation.

Spring Training: Pettitte works out with teammates  —  Yankees beat writer Pete Caldera and videographer Jim Anness report from spring training in Tampa, Fla.: Hank Steinbrenner assures fans that Yanks will be contenders once again, Andy Pettitte works out with teammates, and Jason Giambi talks about a bounce-back season.

Notes: Braun's left-field tutelage begins  —  Kendall brings different style; good news for Palmisano  —  PHOENIX — Class was in session early Tuesday morning for the Brewers' newest outfielder.  —  Ryan Braun, who won the National League Rookie of the Year Award last season as a third baseman …