It’s Photo Day at Mets camp and you can check most of them out on the New York Mets Twitter.  

Meanwhile, here’s the latest from Camp Collins…

Dedicated readers of this site were among the first to learn that Francisco Rodriguez is technically not on the 40-man roster because he ended last season on the Restricted List. It gave the Mets the ability to essentially operate with a 41-man roster. Today, Joel Sherman reported that K-Rod will be the last of the Mohican’s as they plan to abolish that loop hole in the next CBA in time for next season. And since the CBA expires after this season that means, it will be fixed in time for next year.

Adam Rubin reported that Carlos Beltran feels so good that he wants to start running the bases. Terry Collins told him, “Carlos Beltran’s running program is going fine. They actually wanted to back him down today, and he said no, he felt good enough that he wanted to run the bases. That’s a huge sign, because he told me when he starts running the bases he’ll be close to playing.”

Matt Cerrone wins oddball title of the day award with this post, “Chris Young is Not a Wrapper“. My first inclination was that he meant to say “rapper” and Young probably had no Jay Z or Kanye West on his iPod. My second inclination was that he preferred gift bags to wrapping paper. Actually, he meant the unique way he hides the ball. Carlos Beltran explains it by saying Young is very deceptive. “It’s an adjustment,” Beltran said. “It’s the same thing when you’re facing Randy Johnson. He’s a very tall pitcher. Myself, I have a tough time just picking up the ball from him because he hides the ball and you don’t see the ball until the last moment.”

The intra-squad lineup for tomorrow’s game has been posted and Brad Emaus and Daniel Murphy will both go mano a mano as they were each penciled in at second base for their respective squads and oppose each other. Interesting to note that wile Emaus will be batting second, Murphy was slotted in as the number three hitter. Check out both full lineups at ESPN New York. 

It’s do or die for Emaus according to Sandy Alderson who said “Maybe he runs really well, or plays great defense. But in Emaus’ case, he’s competing for a starting position, and it’s unlikely that he’ll be here if he doesn’t earn that starting position.” For more on that check out David Lennon at Newsday.

Tough break for St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright who is seeking a second opinion on his injured elbow before making a decision about Tommy John surgery. It doesn’t look good and he could be out for as long as 12-18 months.

My Favorite Quote of the Day

“This year, I think most people would say this team is more talented than the San Diego team I was on last year. With the talent we have here, if we play the game the right way and keep people healthy, good things are going to happen. I think we’re going to surprise a lot of people.”  –  Chris Young