Let's check in briefly on the Mets spring training camp

Justin Verlander doesn't pitch for the Mets. This probably gives Mets fans a sad but it's a fact. Verlander pitches for the Detroit Tigers. However yesterday Verlander did pitch against the New York Metropolitans in spring training and oh what a day. Mets second baseman/infielder Jordany Valdespin was in the lineup to face Verlander in a game he'll probably never forget.

Now, Valdespin has a reputation as being a bit of a freewheeler or showoff from time to time. He does things that might just make other players not like you. In fact Mets manger Terry Collins told the NY Post:

Collins has told Valdespin this spring to eliminate some of his antics, warning that he might become a target for pitchers. One such warning came two weeks ago after Valdespin faked a bunt leading off a game against Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg. In the same at-bat, Valdespin singled and received a glare from Strasburg as he ran to first base.

“We’re going to settle some of that stuff down,” Collins said. “[Valdespin] has been told a lot in the last couple of years about how to handle himself on the major league field, especially when you are a young player. He understands it, he’s adjusting to it and once in a while you always get caught up in the moment.

So here was Valdespin facing Verlander, who had already hit a home run leading off the game, in the fifth inning. He took two big swings at the first two pitches then for some reason opened up to bunt. Valdespin’s penchant for flying open early on bunt attempts leaves him vulnerable, said one Mets instructor. And vulnerable he was as Verlander's next pitch, a 94 mph fastball, hit Valdespin right in the family jewels. Square in the nuts. Not a real problem though, after all baseball players wear protective cups.

Not Valdespin.

No, you read that right, Valdespin doesn't wear a cup which is why the Verlander fastball knocked Valdespin right out of the game. Mets skipper Terry Collins was none too amused his second baseman wasn't wearing a cup:

“You would think if you are starting at second base, you would be smart enough to wear a cup.”

No word on if Valdespin, no doubt getting a day off today, was seen in any local sporting goods stores looking for cups.