Coleman's Corner: Mets' Union Shop
By Ed Coleman
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The players are "unionizing" on Tuesday morning here in Port St. Lucie - the MLBPA's annual spring visit to Mets camp. The meeting was scheduled from 10:00-10:30 AM, and then the Mets took the field for their second day of full-squad workouts.
Michael Weiner, the Executive Director of the MLBPA, addressed the players this morning, his 2nd of 30 camp visits. Weiner was asked whether the Madoff mess -- and thus in turn Mets ownership possibly not spending money commensurate to a New York team -- was a situation that concerned the union.
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Weiner also detailed what issues in addition to monetary ones he felt would be bargaining points.
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Mets manager Terry Collins gave his much thought out, long-awaited introductory speech to his full team on Monday, and revealed in overview what he imparted to the squad.
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Several players during the off-season had strong words about the team, defending it and how it would fare this season to counteract the negative reaction prevalent from many fans and media members. Collins stated that they should be accountable for what they said and - "if you believe it, you can achieve it."
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The Opening Day starter - Mike Pelfrey - certainly liked what he heard from his manager yesterday.
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And R.A. Dickey was equally impressed with Collins as well.
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Dickey cautioned, however, that there's only so much a manager can do - he can guide, the players have to deliver.
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All 5 projected pitchers for the starting rotation threw live BP on Monday. In addition, Jason Isringhausen was impressive in his stint - he's a strong possibility for a late-inning bullpen spot. Mostly relievers will be throwing live BP on Tuesday, including D.J. Carrasco, Blaine Boyer and Tim Byrdak.
Carlos Beltran will likely be held out of the first week of exhibition games while he continues his running program and gets up to speed to decide whether he will remain in center field or move to right.
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Eddie C.