A quick wrap-up (non-Carlos Beltran division) from Port St. Lucie on the first official day of pitcher-catcher workouts:
1. Johan Santana had a well-attended pitching session off the mound this morning, but Willie Randolph was more impressed with reliever Duaner Sanchezâs effort. Randolph said Sanchez showed velocity you would normally see in midseason, not the first day of workouts. Sanchez appears to be all the way back from that 2006 Miami taxi accident that wrecked his right shoulder. Randolph also said he was “blown awayââ by the strong physical shape of all his pitchers and by how hard they all threw the first day of camp.
2. Santana faced the media this morning for the first time since reporting to camp and talked about how confident he is in both the Mets and his adjustment to the NL. Santana said the Mets â from coaches and players all the way down to the clubhouse attendants â have made switching teams even more comfortable than he expected. Santana also downplayed his struggles at the end of last season (1-3, 4.94 ERA in September), saying they were an aberration.
3. Orlando Hernandez threw 35 pitches and didnât look comfortable on any of them, but Randolph said there was nothing physically wrong with El Duque. It appears Hernandez warmed up too soon before his session, leaving a two-hour lag.
4. Pedro Martinez was supposed to pitch off the mound today but played long toss instead. Look for Pedro to have his first pitching session Sunday or Monday.
5. As with Beltran, the Mets say they are going to proceed cautiously with second baseman Luis Castillo, even though Castillo is more than four months removed from having his right knee scoped. Castillo showed up today and said he feels good but is OK with taking it slow.
6. GM Omar Minaya doesnât appear confident the Mets can avoid an arbitration hearing with pitcher Oliver Perez. The sides remain far apart on a contract, and the hearing is set for Thursday.
7. Pitcher Tony Armas Jr., signed this week to a minor-league contract, might not make it to camp at all because of what the Mets say are visa issues.
8. See todayâs earlier entry to get the rundown on Beltranâs ailing knees and his bold prediction of a Mets NL East title.
