Met fans usually chafe when we feel our team is being slighted. No attention unless something apocalyptic is happening like the last two Septembers or the Willie Randolph saga. All eyes on big brother in the Bronx. This spring, however, I actually think that’s a good thing. While the Yanks have a myriad of story lines that could distract them,i.e. A-Ro(i)d, Torre’s book, Girardi’s relationship with the media and his job status, the new players trying to fit in, all of the media focus will be and should be in Tampa. In Port St. Lucie all should be relatively quiet which will allow the guys to get ready for the season without an unusual amount of media hype.

It only took about a half hour for J.J. Putz to become one of my favorite Mets. On last night’s Mets Hot Stove he seemed funny, relaxed, and comfortable. He compared PR man Jay Horwitz to Peter Griffin
 and gave Kevin Burkhardt a face full of whipped cream- what’s not to like? Understand, none of this will mean a thing if he blows a couple of games in July, but it seems like neither he or Sean Green, who also seemed very cool, will be very disturbed about playing in New York or dealing with the media.

I was reading David Lennon’s article in Newsday on how most of the rotation, except Freddy Garcia, has already reported for camp. The WBC probably has a lot to do with that, but the extra time can also help with building camaraderie. It also doesn’t surprise me that David Wright is there. He’s probably been in Port St. Lucie since New Year’s Day(Just Kidding) 

As much as I would love Bobby Abreu in the lineup with professional approach to hitting and his high on base percentage, the lineup would have skewed too left handed. I reaaly believe as we get closer to the season that the Tatis,  Daniel Murphy platoon will work out. Tatis will be tough on lefties and Daniel Murphy has the look of a gamer even at a young age. I can see him being a really good 2-hole hitter(as long he isn’t asked to bunt)