A new week brings us that much closer to the start of baseball season.
Jeurys Familia (Photo credit: Paul Hadsall)
Yesterday, most of the beat writers picked a player to profile for the Sunday sports sections. I enjoy reading these articles during spring training – particularly the ones that focus on something other than baseball – because really, how many times do you want to see “I’m in the best shape of my life” quotes?
- For the Newark Star-Ledger, Andy McCullough profiled backup outfielder candidate Adam Lowen and did a question-and-answer column with Jason Bay that focused on music.
- Andrew Keh wrote about minor league outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis for the New York Times.
- And in the Daily News, Andy Martino wrote about minor league pitchers Jeurys Familia and Matt Harvey.
(Not really related to anything, but it seems strange to me every time I see pictures of Familia in his #75 spring training jersey. It’s going to be a long time before I see a Mets pitcher wearing that number without flashing back to Francisco Rodriguez.)
In actual “news” from Port St. Lucie:
- David Wright said that he won’t go to the New York Mets to talk about a contract extension, he will wait to hear from them. (via MetsBlog) The subject came up because Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman signed a contract extension that runs through 2019. (via Nats Insider)
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Autographed 2010 Topps Jennry Mejia card from my collection
Johan Santana threw 72 pitches in another bullpen session Sunday as he prepares for the 2012 season and his Opening Day assignment (via ESPN New York)
- Prospect Jenrry Mejia, recovering from Tommy John surgery, also threw a short bullpen session. (via MetsBlog)
- And Terry Collins had his “discussion” with Ruben Tejada, so hopefully we can put the whole “not early/late” issue behind us. (via Newsday)
I think it’s premature to think about a contract extension for Wright when the Mets’ financial situation seems so unsettled. Zimmerman’s contract does seem to offer a baseline for what Wright might look for, though… I wonder if Sandy Alderson is going to be comfortable making a commitment like that.
It’s good news that we’re not getting any “bad news” about Santana or Mejia, but until they’re pitching in game situations on a regular basis, we’re not going to have much of an idea about what we can expect from them going forward.
And yes, Tejada should have gotten to camp early to send the right message to his manager and his teammates. But Collins should have handled the matter privately, especially if he didn’t want to “embarrass” his shortstop.
But mostly, I want to see some baseball – bring on the Grapefruit League action already. 
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