PORT ST. LUCIE — Terry Collins is the manager of a Mets team operating with a plummeting payroll and facing low expectations in a tough division. But Collins insists he is not discouraged.
“You’d be surprised at how easy it is for me to look forward to this year,” Collins said shortly before he watched Johan Santana throw on Monday, something the left-hander did again yesterday as he prepares for his first light bullpen session of the spring on Friday.
“I enjoy it more,” said Collins, who is entering his second season at the helm after stints with the Astros and Angels, which ended poorly. “I made a point to enjoy my time here. I enjoy managing a lot more than I did years ago because 20 years ago I felt like I had to prove I could do it, that I belonged. Now I know I belong, and I’m having a lot more fun.”
He will have a considerably better time if Santana is able to prove he is healthy, which he has not been since shoulder surgery in September 2010.
Santana played catch with Josh Thole yesterday and took part in some fielding drills. Collins said Santana is throwing at 75-80 percent and won’t air it out Friday either.
Collins remains pleased with how Santana looks, pointing out Santana has not changed his arm slot — which would be an indication he was avoiding stress on his shoulder — and is not taking time between throws, which might show he has some discomfort.
Santana’s status will remain unclear until the 32-year-old starts throwing full-speed from a mound.
* General manager Sandy Alderson has continued tweeting in advance of his drive down to Port St. Lucie, and defended his sarcastic comments on the social media site poking fun of the Mets’ financial plight. Alderson said in an interview on WFAN, it is important for the Mets to “chuckle at ourselves. I’m not making light of where we are as a franchise.”
* The team announced they will have five bobblehead giveaways featuring the likenesses of past team greats. The first is scheduled for April 22, when 25,000 fans will get a Tom Seaver bobblehead. Rusty Staub will be on May 26, Keith Hernandez on June 17, Edgardo Alfonzo on July 21 and Mike Piazza on Aug. 25.
* The White Sox signed Kosuke Fukudome to a one-year deal yesterday, eliminating a free-agent outfield option for the Mets.