PORT ST. LUCIE – Cliff Floyd put it best about Jose Reyes’ first ground ball at second base.

“He got baptized out there,” Floyd said.

Indeed, Reyes’ move to second base may not draw as much attention as another New York shortstop’s transition to third. But his success with it is no less important to the Mets’ season, and Reyes performed flawlessly in last night’s 10-6 triumph over the Cardinals, handling one grounder to start a double play and being the pivot man in another twin killing.

“I feel nice, comfortable,” Reyes said. “When I catch the ball, I try to throw the ball quick.”

Before last night’s home opener, Reyes had played second in one intrasquad game and one exhibition game. But he hadn’t had a grounder hit to him and hadn’t been faced with turning a double play where he received a throw from third or short (he did turn one where he caught the toss from the pitcher).

It turned out to be a game of firsts. In the third inning with Greg Vaughn on first, Albert Pujols grounded to Ty Wigginton at third. Wigginton threw to Reyes to get the force at second and – with Vaughn bearing down him – Reyes fired to first to complete the double play.

The next inning, Reyes handled his first grounder. With a runner on first, Mike Matheny grounded to second. Reyes gobbled it up and flipped to Joe McEwing at second for the force before McEwing relayed to first to wrap up the twin killing.

“My first one,” Reyes said, laughing. “Ground balls, same as shortstop. Nothing different.”

At the plate, the 20-year-old marvel continues to prove his extra defensive work is not affecting his hitting. After homering in the first intrasquad game and doubling in the first exhibition game, Reyes drilled a two-run triple to right off Cards ace Matt Morris last night.