“I don’t want to say I have a new perspective, but just a good shot of enthusiasm.”MIKE PIAZZA

PORT ST. LUCIE – See Mike Piazza grinning as he scoops up grounders at first base. See Mike Piazza chuckling as Mike Cameron reels off another one-liner. See Mike Piazza cheerfully dispensing advice as minor leaguers seek his counsel.

See Mike Piazza in better spirits than you’ve seen him in quite awhile.

“I’ve been teasing him,” Todd Zeile said, “that he took some happy pills this year.”

More than a month into spring training, Piazza remains a hot story around camp for his transition to first. But just as fascinating has been the transition that Piazza has made in his career.

About to enter his 12th season, the 35-year-old All-Star is experiencing a sort of baseball renaissance.

“I don’t want to say I have a new perspective,” Piazza said, “but just a good shot of enthusiasm. Not that I never had it before, but certain things can trigger certain feelings.”

There are many of those things that have triggered those nostalgic feelings. Fellow catcher/first baseman Jason Phillips believes after last season’s groin injury that limited him to just 68 games, Piazza appreciates his health more than ever. Fred Wilpon noted the Mets’ new additions have provided some of Piazza’s excitement.

Piazza, too, credits the Mets’ new players, raving about Cameron’s sense of humor, praising Zeile’s longstanding friendship and pointing out the Mets have a “good social group as well as a good group on the field.”

But the biggest factor in Piazza’s happiness – let’s call it a “renewed” perspective – appears to be that for the first time, he sees the light at the end of his career tunnel.

“I never really thought about anything past this year. But you see a little of your own mortality, career-wise,” Piazza said. “So you’re like, ‘Wow, I better start really smelling the roses a little bit.’ “

Zeile has had a lot to do with that. At 38, Zeile has said 2004 will be his last season, and Piazza has watched how his buddy has approached his farewell campaign.

“I see him enjoying the moments,” Piazza said. “So it’s infectious in a way. It makes you appreciate what you do.

“For me, I blinked and it was 12 years. It’s interesting to feel I’m the old guy. It seems like a short time ago I was Rookie of the Year. So it’s weird, in a good way. It’s different. I like it.

“And I feel a lot more responsibility to the team. I know the team looks to me in a lot of ways, not just for production but just being a presence. I feel like they’ve been able to really approach me on anything.”

That latest bit is a contrast to how Piazza has long been perceived, that of someone who’s a marvelous player but a quiet clubhouse presence who has been labeled aloof.

But this spring, Piazza has been a more vocal leader. Several days ago, when Jose Reyes strained his hamstring on a headfirst slide, Piazza revealed he had counseled the 20-year-old on the need to play with some “contained aggressiveness.” After all, Piazza stressed, Reyes is simply too important to the team.

The other day, minor leaguers Eric Valent and Raul Gonzalez approached Piazza and began asking him questions. Piazza relished it.

“I want to be like that,” Piazza said. “That’s part of my responsibility. It’s part of my job as well.”

Part of his job and part of his enjoyment. The roses have never smelled better.