Another video from my jaunt down to Sarasota. Hear the crack of the bat as the Braves take batting practice.

After a rough first couple of weeks in spring training things are finally looking up for the Mets. John Maine threw four no-hit innings a couple of days ago. Johan Santana blanked the Red Sox yesterday. The Carloses, Delgado and Beltran, returned to action yesterday.

A couple of minutes from the Reds vs. Braves yesterday. The Braves pitcher overthrows the catcher on a sure double play ball with the bases loaded. The next batter drives in a run with a sacrifice fly.

I had a really nice day today at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. Watched the Cincinnati Reds clobber a split-squad Braves team 13-8. The day was a bit cool for Florida, but the sun was out too. I'm definitely not complaining though. I could sit and watch relaxing games like this every day. Check out the pics below. I got some video too.

David Wright, Jose Reyes, Johan Santana and the rest of the New York Mets prepare for the 2008 season during spring training at Port St. Lucie, Florida.

The first spring training game is in the book folks! Topics on this episode:

* Amazin Moment’s Fantasy Baseball - Draft on March 15th at 6:30 PM. More details here.
* Talking about out the Mets outfield in 2008.
* New listener drive. Help us build the community by telling others and blogging about the podcast and the clubhouse.
* Rant on new MLB media policies. Details here.
* News of the week: First spring training game, Johan Santana debut, Injury to Carlos Delgado, Church and Anderson Collide.
* Heading to Florida next week to catch my first spring training game ever in Sarasota.

I found this video today. It was my first look at Johan Santana in a Mets uniform.

MP3 File

Pitchers and catchers have officially reported! This episode features:

• Audio comment from Greg in Connecticut on the Johan Santana trade.
• Pitchers and catchers report to Port. St. Lucie.

No not that Jose. The other one. Jose Valentin. There is a report that he got an invite to spring training. While I like Valentin's energy and experience I really don't know what he has left to offer.

The case against Valentin is a strong one. He's still rehabbing his injured knee. No speed. Limited fielding range. Decent bat.

I feel like the Mets could do better this offseason in shoring up the backup players for the infield.

Valentin getting another shot at Mets [Major League Baseball]

Spring Training has been, well, not so impressive. I believe the Mets record is something like 6-11 so far with another 10 games, maybe. Chan Ho Park got demolished today to say the least. Now, I know that Spring Training does not really matter, but we got beat by the NATIONALS which some people say could be not only the worst team in the NL, but in all of MLB.