Text: Reyes and Castillo, Pagan is a Freak
Update, 12:41 pm:
Luis Castillo met with reporters at Tradition Field a few moments ago.
Castillo told reporters he contacted the Mets following last season to say he felt badly about his 2008 performance and that he was embarrassed.
He said he knows he can do better in 2009.
Castillo also said he is aware he must get off to a good start.
He said his knees are no longer bothering him, and he has since lost 17 pounds since last season, he trained hard in the off season, going nearly five hours every day, and now feels like he is a ‘new man.’
By the way, Jose Valentin told reporters that if things do not work out for him with the Mets this spring, he will consider coaching, and look to one day manage in the big leagues.
Update, 11:52 am:
Jose Reyes met with the media today, and said he was surprised to learn he might bat third, but said he will do whatever Jerry Manuel asks of him.
Asked to respond to Cole Hamels’s choke artist comment, Reyes stopped the question and asked why the Phillies are so obsessed with the Mets, seeing as they won the World Series.
Original Post, 11:19 am:
SNY’s Kevin Burkhardt sent in a text message from Tradition Field saying players are taking physicals today.
According to Burkhardt, Jose Reyes and Luis Castillo will speak to reporters later this afternoon.
Lastly, Burkhardt writes, “Angel pagan is a freak… He wins like every event including a 39–inch vertical… Although he is better from the left side, I think his right-handed bat is going to be a factor in making the team.”
Tonight on SNY, Burkhardt will have a one-on-one interview with David Wright, as well as clips from the day in camp.
Also, Burkhardt will be hosting SNY’s Mets Hot Stove at 7 pm LIVE from Duffy’s in St. Lucie on Thursday.
