Things I've Learned From the First Spring Training Game

Here are some things I learned watching today's game...

- The Mets are taking last year's freak rash of injuries a little too close to heart, after pulling all their everyday players out of the line-up because of a "wet field".  I know it's only spring training, but if they are going to be like this all year, then the fanbase will, and should, be pissed.  It smells like a year of low pitch counts, DL stints happening quicker and less risks on the field.

- Jason Heyward is a beast.  He's built like a house and looks extremely fast, this doesn't bode well for the NL East in the future.  Oh yeah, and Tommy Hanson looked pretty good, too.  This is going to be annoying...

- Bobby Livingston might prove to be a useful lefty out of the 'pen for the Mets.  He had some good stuff today, and was able to strike out some legitimate major leaguers.  I'm not saying give him the last spot in the bullpen just yet, but he's definitely worth a look after today's performance.

- Pedro Feliciano is a good pitcher.  He can bring it.  He threw three straight balls to start his outting and then just looked awesome.  If the Mets can find another lefty to be their "specialist", I would really like to see Pedro take over that set-up role.

- Ike Davis can hit and looks pretty mobile at first base.  He roped a double into the gap, which I originally thought was a benefit of a poor route in right field, but after a second look I realized the right fielder had NO CHANCE.  Also, Davis was able to go with a good pitch against a lefty an drive the ball to the opposite field for a single.  Impressive stuff...

- Ryota Igarashi looks pretty decent.  He had some nice movement on his splitter, but did walk a guy.  It wasn't really enough of a showing to get a good feel from the guy, but that's expected.  He didn't come in and show electric stuff but I don't think he was supposed to.  Ironically enough that wording was exactly the description Gary Cohen used on Jenrry Mejia.  Just sayin'...

- Kevin Burkhardt turned 36 today.  Happy Birthday Kevin, who according to Keith is "36 and never been kissed".  I love it when the crew gets loopy, especially Keith, and especially in the Spring.  It's almost like they feel they can get away with a bunch more, so they try it.

Good News: Reyes Will Not Change Approach

In an interview with Kevin Burkhardt during the second inning of today's game, Burkhardt asked Reyes about hitting third and whether that would change his approach at the plate or his running.  Reyes responded by saying he's going to be himself, and not change anything.  

I like what I'm hearing from Jose Reyes here.  If he's going to be put in the number 3 hole by Manuel (in my opinion stupidly), then at least it's nice to know he's going to play the way he always has.  I hope Jose is true to his word, because him potentially changing his approach or not being aggressive on the bases is a serious concern of mine.  The other being that they don't really have another quality lead-off man.

I just think Jose is great because of his ability to make things happen, score tons of runs (which Ron Darling just mentioned in the telecast) and help the rest of the team by getting the hitters behind him to see more fastballs.

Either way, I think Jose needs to be himself because Mets fans missed it last year...