On the Mets beat

... until the Mets open their 2008 Grapefruit League schedule against the Cardinals on Feb. 29 at Tradition Field. Other highlights include a visit by the world champion Red Sox on March 10 and two stopovers by Joe Torre's Dodgers on March 1 and March 5. The Mets also will play an exhibition game against the University of Michigan -- owner Fred Wilpon's alma mater -- on Feb. 26. For the full schedule click here.