New York Mets Spring Training Update

With March Madness in full effect, it may be difficult for some to keep a close eye on Port St. Lucie and the New York Mets. Well, that’s why I’m here, with The Good, The Bad and The Ugly from Mets camp.

THE GOOD: Johan Santana has been progressing well. Yesterday Santana started against the Marlins and pitched 2 2/3 innings of shut out ball, striking out 2. Santana’s fastball hovered in the 88mph range, and he was able to hit 90 on the gun multiple times. Mets management continues to be confident that Johan will be the Mets Opening Day starter.

THE BAD: Left-handed reliever Tim Byrdak has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his left knee and will need to have surgery to repair the injury. Byrdak, who has become a fan favorite for his Hulk Hogan impressions at camp, is expected to miss 6 weeks and will start the season on the Disabled List.

David Wright flew back to New York City over the weekend to receive a cortisone shot and have further tests on his rib cage. Wright’s injury has lingered longer than expected, although Terry Collins claims that he is “real close” to resuming baseball activities.

THE UGLY: Mets bullpen catcher Eric Langill was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after crashing his Honda Accord into a concrete fountain that stands in the middle of a traffic circle. Langill had been at a New York Mets bowling event that evening although the event ended over 2 hours prior to the incident.