Pitchers and Catchers To Report

It's that time again, yes it is. We haven't had a feeling like this since October 26th, when the White Sox broke an 88 year old curse and were crowned World Series Champions. Today is the day pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training. Granted its no where near as exciting as Opening Day, to true fans this signifies the beginning of a season that will be full of highs and lows, an emotional roller coaster. Today marks the day in which we'll start intensely listening for any trade rumors, injuries, as we prepare for the season to come. We scope out our team, see where we're weak at, see where we have depth and put a spin on our chances this year. Although it's snowed nearly 2 feet here in New York, you can still smell that spring air, and hear the crack of the wood bat, and the pop of the glove as we eagerly await for ESPN footage of our favorite team's training facility. In Port St. Lucie our two biggest pitchers, Pedro Martinez and Billy Wagner arrived early. Unfortunately for Pedro his new Nike shoe did not live up to expectations as he needs to return it and have a lower spike moved before he can throw. This must truly worry Met fans as he his way behind schedule (although he refuses to admit that and hey Pedro knows Pedro best), but it also might be a blessing as he is highly doubtful to participate in the World Baseball Classic. Wagner on the other hand will be representing the U.S in the Classic, which could actually be a good thing for the closer. Throughout his career Wagner has had slow Springs as he seemingly works all the glitches out before it begins, what better way to do that then in a "highly competitive" tournament. Our good old buddy Jose Lima arrived today and no one was more ecstatic then Pedro. We all knew Lima seemingly had a outgoing personality on the field and in the dugout but was it all a show? Bet you it wasn't. When Pedro was told Lima was arriving he said, "Get out of here. Really, we signed him?" Oh no, Mama Mia, things are going to go crazy over here. This is going to be a crazy clubhouse." That is something the Mets have lacked for the better part of the past 20 years since that spunky '86 team. When the Mets were being eliminated in the '99 post season, Ricky Henderson and our old pal Bobby Bonilla were in the clubhouse playing cards, where's the personality? Pedro seemed to bring an added spark to the team last year, with his outgoing nature, remember the time he ran threw the sprinklers? But for Pedro to be ex for what Lima brings to the table we're in good shape. Although David Wright and Jose Reyes have matured so much on the field over the course of the past year and half they are still kids at heart. Both were in attendance today as only pitchers and catchers were required to arrive. Wright has been talking to the media about this day, as if it was the next coming of Christmas, just ready to be playing again with his teammates. This upbeat tempo, had Wright playing with many minor leaguer's during there winter work outs. Not even last year, with the additions of Martinez and Beltran was the clubhouse so upbeat during February. Saturday is the first true work out, and the players are enjoying their time they have now. Many joked over Lima's attire as it was very formal for the flamboyant pitcher. Physicals are scheduled for Friday and barring any Felix Hernandez scandals we should be in the clear (no pun intended). Even manager Willie Randolph was able to take a vacation and come into Spring Training fresh and open minded. This is just the beginning of what will surely be an emotional roller coaster, lets just hope there are more highs then lows. Ya Gotta Believe!