Mets Open Spring Training With Optimisim

After a horrific 2009 season, and an even more dreadful off-season, the Mets reported to training camp earlier this week with optimism blooming.

David Wright spoke about how he expected the Mets to go far into the postseason this year. Johan Santana declared that he was the best starter in the NL East, an obvious slap at Phillies ace Roy Halladay. Overall there is a jovial feeling in the Mets clubhouse, a feeling that the can begin to put the painful memories of 2009 behind them.

Jose Reyes, who is coming off a bizarre hamstring tear that resulted in him missing a majority of the season this year, is reported to be spry. "On his first day at the Mets' complex this spring, Reyes high-stepped through a rope ladder laid on the grass. Then he pronounced himself fully healed from a torn hamstring and tendon, the latter of which required surgery to address.

"The last five weeks I've been feeling very good," Reyes said.

Reyes had been working out indoors on Long Island, N.Y. Four times a week he sprinted and worked out his legs at one facility. Two days a week he went elsewhere to hit in a cage and take groundballs on artificial turf. His arrival in Port St. Lucie, Fla., marked his first time working out on a baseball field since August." (Yahoo Sports).

This is a big year for the Mets. They have to prove that they can stay healthy for the long term. However with the absence of Carlos Beltran from the lineup for the foreseeable future, things have not gotten off to a good start.

This is a big camp for Dan Murphy to prove that he can be the teams everyday first baseman. Murphy struggled in the field last year in left and at first. If he can't hack at first this time around, he won't be with the team much longer.

This is also a big camp for the Mets rotation. Outside of Santana, the Mets failed to improve their pitching staff. John Maine is coming off two straight years of elbow problems. Oliver Perez is a hard-case, and Mike Pelfrey needs to get his self-confidence back after a rough 2009. Did I mention the Mets don't have a fifth starter?