Port St. Lucie Bound

I’m on my way down to Port St. Lucie this afternoon to get an eyewitness report on the status of the New York Mets.

While I’d love to say this is an “official” trip specifically for MetsToday, it’s really an early birthday gift from my wife. But, assuming Florida’s power grid turns back on and I can get an internet connection, I will be posting notes and photos from spring training as often as possible.

Yes, part of the itinerary includes seeing Johan in his “debut” as a Met on Friday afternoon.

If there is anyone or anything in particular you want me to check out, leave a comment and I’ll do my best. And if by chance you are in the area, drop me an email so we can meet for a hot dog at Tradition Field.

Joe Janish began MetsToday in 2005 to provide the unique perspective of a high-level player and coach -- he earned NCAA D-1 All-American honors as a catcher and coached several players who went on to play pro ball. As a result his posts often include mechanical evaluations, scout-like analysis, and opinions that go beyond the numbers. Follow Joe's baseball tips on Twitter at @onbaseball and at the On Baseball Google Plus page.
  1. murph February 27, 2008 at 12:02 pm
    Hi Joe,
    Enjoy the Florida sunshine!

    Here is a question for you (or any of the readers):
    On the Mets official website, Mets.com, Marlon Anderson is listed on the 40-man roster, but is not listed on the team’s official depth chart.
    I was wondering why? Does anybody know why?

  2. joe February 27, 2008 at 1:58 pm
    They might not know where to place him … LF? 2B? 1B?

    It’s not a huge deal to not be listed on the depth chart … that’s a pretty loose interpretation and a guesstimate of what someone (likely a college intern) thinks the depth chart is. In other words, it’s not “official”.

    Anyone else have better info as to where the depth chart is sourced from?

  3. isuzudude February 27, 2008 at 2:04 pm
    Not I. I’m under the same impression as you, Joe. Whatever the case may be, murph, I wouldn’t put much stock into it.

    Joe – enjoy yourself in sunny Florida. Here in CNY, it hasn’t stopped snowing in the past 36 hours, so be sure to soak up some of those solar rays for me!

    Some suggestions for your trip:
    1. Take come pictures of the facilities/team/games and post them in a photo gallery when you return.
    2. See if you can phnagle your way into an interview with somebody. I know, easier said than done (especially sans press pass), but it would be a cool exclusive for you.
    3. Of the games you attend, let us know what players impressed you most – keeping a keen eye on those who are bubble players exiting spring training.
    4. Have fun, dude. And have a happy early birthday.

  4. Walnutz15 February 27, 2008 at 2:56 pm
    Please pick us up some souvenirs….

    Thanks,
    PK

    Lucky sunova….

  5. Walnutz15 February 27, 2008 at 2:56 pm
    And Happy Birthday, pal.
  6. sincekindergarten February 27, 2008 at 6:23 pm
    Gotta echo Walnutz’ sentiment . . . Happy Birthday!
  7. joe February 28, 2008 at 8:29 am
    Thanks guys … my birthday’s actually in April, so you can wish it to me again in a month LOL! I appreciate the sentiments.

    Anyway … I will be snapping photos, guessing Duaner’s weight, checking out the Brady Clarks, seeing if Jon Niese is for real, AND picking up souvenirs!

    Posts on the way …