01:00 AM EST on Thursday, March 9, 2006

New York Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez threw his longest bullpen of the spring yesterday and appears ready to face batters soon.

Martinez threw 62 pitches, nearly double his previous high of 34 this year. He removed the two gel pads from his right shoe between his warmup and bullpen session, stating it would help him better understand how his right big toe feels.

"It was a really good day," Martinez said. "I felt a little bit uncomfortable but nothing to stop what I'm doing."

He worked on location and breaking balls more than he has in his past spring bullpens and felt encouraged.

"I could get into a game right now and throw a strike," he said. "but I want to face batters in a bullpen first . . . I feel better. To me, it's not an issue whether I pitch opening day or second day."

ROUNDUP

WHITE SOX-D'BACKS DEAL: Infielder Alex Cintron was acquired by the Chicago White Sox from the Arizona Diamondbacks yesterday for pitcher Jeff Bajenaru. A switch hitter, Cintron batted .273 with 19 doubles, eight home runs and 48 RBIs in 122 games for the Diamondbacks last season, when he played second, third and shortstop. Bajenaru, who turns 28 on March 21, spent most of last season at Triple-A Charlotte, going 4-6 with a 1.41 E.R.A. and 19 saves in 61 relief appearances.

PUCKETT TRIBUTE: The Minnesota Twins needed a big building for a tribute to Kirby Puckett. It was only natural they'd choose the Metrodome, where Puckett won the hearts of so many fans. The Twins announced plans to honor Puckett in a free public ceremony Sunday evening at the stadium, with testimonials from family, friends, and current and former Twins, along with video highlights of his life and career. The family plans a private ceremony earlier that day.