Updates from Port St. Lucie with Rich Bauer
photo: UPI.com
For me to get to First Data Field, I make a right, a left, go over interstate 95 to the first light, make a left, go one mile and take a right into the parking lot of the Mets spring training complex. Ten minutes at the right time. Slow play on the golf course? That makes it the wrong time: up to 30 minutes. The St. Lucie Police do a great job with traffic control.
The buzz around here is that Travis d’Arnaud has been the hardest working guy in camp. He has been down since early January and he can always be found honing his skills on one of the back fields.
Talking about buzz, you have to include Tim Tebow’s arrival. He does his best to fit in but then again who else in camp has won a Heisman Trophy? He draws attention without a doubt but let me tell you, the major leaguers go about their business. Tebow does bring attention to the back fields which disrupts the routines for some of the big leaguers who like the normal peace and solitude normally found there. But they adjust and I believe they respect him and that trophy. Most pro athletes played other sports growing up and can appreciate the level and accomplishments of Tebow. Josh Edgin was a state HS wrestling champion in Pennsylvania and Michael Conforto was recruited by a dozen top Division 1 football programs.
The diamond in the rough this camp (found in these back fields) is another pitcher, Justin Dunn. He is a 21 year old local Long Island product. He has size and a live arm. He is the Mets insurance two years down the road if any of the big five leave due to free agency. And don’t forget about Seth Lugo who has been most impressive with an unbelievable curve ball…you have to see it to believe it.
My friend Luke, the grandson of a buddy of mine is fast becoming a huge fan of Florida and spring training just like me. He goes to the beach or the pool every day and he caught a Cespedes foul ball the other. What is better than that for 10 year old boy from PA. but with Jersey roots!
