Coleman: Tough Talk From Mets' Terry Collins

By Ed Coleman
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Terry Collins will keep his fingers crossed on the bus trip to Lakeland on Wednesday and hope that none of his players get injured.

On Tuesday, shortstop Ruben Tejada strained his groin during infield drills and backup shortstop Ronny Cedeno's knees flared up with a mild case of tendinitis. That caused the Mets' manager to fly into a mini-rage out of frustration that quickly dissipated.

Collins knows injuries are going to happen but...

The only regulars that haven't missed time thus far are Jason Bay, Josh Thole and Daniel Murphy. It's gotten to the point where the Mets are restricted in doing their drills, and Collins says that's a real drawback.

But the real crux of the matter is this - because of fan apathy, declining attendance, payroll reductions and lowered expectations, this team needs a quick start at the beginning of the season, and this isn't the best way to prepare for that.

And Collins wanted to make everyone aware that he wasn't angry at anyone in particular, just the circumstances that exist.

Mike Pelfrey pitching better would help. Pelfrey saw his ERA rise to 10.29 after surrendering 4 runs on 6 hits in 4 1/3 innings against the Cardinals on Tuesday. Pelfrey gave up two more home runs as well, to David Freese and Yadier Molina, in the first two innings, so what was the problem at the start?

It did get better, a strong finish, no walks, maybe something to build on Pelfrey's hopes.

Spring training has never been one of Pelfrey's favorite times.

Apparently not for the trio of relievers that were brought aboard to repair the faulty bullpen too. It's early, but closer Frank Francisco's ERA is at 9.00, setup man Jon Rauch's ERA has ballooned to 11.25, and the usually consistent Ramon Ramirez sits at 6.75.

David Wright expected back in camp on Wednesday as the team travels to Lakeland. Dillon Gee will make the start against the Tigers' Max Scherzer. Matt Harvey will start a minor league game on the back fields in Port St. Lucie.

C U soon
Eddie C.

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