The Ulti-MET? There was quite a pitching matchup today in Port St. Lucie. Adam Wainwright against the new Met savior, Johan Santana. Wainwright looked like the ace the Cardinals are counting on him to be, with five innings of one-run pitching and a hit in two at-bats. He looked sharp and workman-like, facing 19 hitters in five innings.

Santana, who received loud cheers from the Mets faithful at every opportunity, was impressive but not dominating. Impressive because even an untrained eye like mine can see what a live arm he has, and stuff that can be filthy (five strikeouts). But Cardinal hitters also knocked him around. Albert Pujols ripped a shot for a double, and sent another shot into orbit, although it was well foul. Yadier Molina and Brendan Ryan both made solid contact in doubling off Santana, and Brian Barton launched a missile to the gap in right-center that he legged into a triple. It was good to see the Cards get some runs, because I think they will have to score significant runs this year to win. I don't think you will see this team on the positive end of many low-scoring games.

In the few days I've seen Barton play, the guy can hit, and he's got some wheels. Where he lacks is on defense---he misplayed an easy (for me too say) fly ball in left today, and he doesn't have a good throwing arm. But there have been great players that have not been brilliant defensively, but Barton will have to see to it that he's not a liability if he wants to stick around.

As we drove up to the Mets' stadium, it was hard to believe that it's now 20 years old. It's a beautiful facility with a huge canopy in right field for fans to sit under. It was warm today (the back of photojournalist Tom Stasiak's neck and his forehead are a testament to the sun's power today---can you say lobster?) and it was very comfortable in the ballpark, with a nice breeze. It did strike me as odd how many New York accents there were. My first thought was the Seinfeld episodes from Del Boca Vista.

Tomorrow the Cardinals are in Jupiter, and it's our first telecast. Right after the game, we will be hoofing it to get to the airport, so I will wrap up the journey upon my return. I'm sure you'll be waiting with eager anticipation.

Until then... ¶ 2:39 PM