While The New York Sun’s Tim Marchman dismisses the notion the Mets are doomed if Pedro Martinez misses much of the 2008 regular season, Newsday’s Ken Davidoff recommends RHP Robinson Tejada for the club’s 5th spot in the rotation over free agents Jeff Weaver and The Sultan of Sloth.

The Rangers desginated Tejeda for assignment on March 30, so the Mets _ who have expressed interest in Tejeda in the past, according to an industry source _ shouldn’t have to give up anyone of serious consequence. Maybe a lower-level prospect. Or, if they sense that no one else wants to trade for Tejeda, they could wait for Rangers GM Jon Daniels to put Tejeda on waivers and claim him (assuming no club with a worse record, which would get to choose prior to the Mets, wants him).

We’re talking about a small investment, not much more than minimum wage. If he bombs, the Mets can just let him go. In pitching coach Rick Peterson, the Mets have a guy who has proven pretty good on reclamation projects and mechanics. Tejeda throws a fastball that can touch the mid-90s, which alone is a reason to be interested.|

Cincy starter Johnny Cueto, 22, fanned 10 Diamondbacks today in his big league debut, picking up the win in the Reds’ 3-2 victory. There’s no truth to the rumor Dusty Baker is sending Cueto back to the mound tomorrow night against the Phillies.

After Zach Greinke’s masterful performance against the Tigers today, Kansas City is 3-0 for the first time since 2003. So far, that’s early vindication for the Royals’ hiring of Trey Hillman, but as Tony Pena could well advise, the job’s a lot easier when you don’t have someone else’s spouse threatening to kill you everyday.