Port St. Lucie - Edgardo Alfonzo is getting used to life as a third baseman, and he's doing it pain-free, which has done more for his comfort level than thousands of ground balls could ever do.
Alfonzo has been taking infield practice for the past two days at the Mets' spring training complex, and is pleased to report he feels stronger and healthier than at any time in recent memory. Much of that stems from spending this offseason working out rather than lounging.
Alfonzo is no fitness nut, but last season's mysterious back ailment convinced him it was time to finally hit the gym. He didn't have to look any farther than the back of his baseball card for motivation. He batted a career-low .243 last year with 17 home runs, his fewest since 1998.
His lower back ached every time he crouched for a ground ball, and every twist-and-throw brought more discomfort. Now, after an offseason of conditioning and back-strengthening exercises, Alfonzo believes his problems are truly behind him.
"It's something I could have prevented," he said. "We all have to wait for something to happen. It could be in baseball or it could be in your personal life. Sooner or later, it's going to come."
Alfonzo, 28, blames himself for not getting in better shape sooner, and he's noticed the difference already. In the past, he said, he'd be tired after taking a dozen grounders. Now it takes a full afternoon session to exhaust him. "He looks good," manager Bobby Valentine said. "Very good."
Alfonzo also appears to be in good shape mentally, despite his abrupt move to third after the trade for Roberto Alomar. Alfonzo has no problem with the acquisition of the 12-time All-Star, it's just the timing that rattled him a bit. Alfonzo met with general manager Steve Phillips shortly before the trade and figured he was safe at second for the final season of his four-year, $18-million contract. Not long after, his agent called to tell him the Mets had traded for Alomar. It was a shock, but after speaking again with Phillips, Alfonzo was willing to make the switch.
He is less certain about his future with the Mets beyond this season, and whether he stays could depend on how comfortable he is at third base.
"I'm just worrying about playing and being healthy," Alfonzo said. "If they want to talk, I'll talk. Whatever they want to do. I want to finish [my career] with the Mets, but it all depends. We'll have to see how the season's going. I can't really tell you if I'm going to play third base for the rest of my life."
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(2/19/02 1:42 am)
Re: Pain-Free Fonzie Gets Used to 3rd
When his back is healthy, Fonzie is the best all-around player in baseball!
All in all, I'd say Mets fans seem to relish the honor of winning after years of sweat; of standing by their team because it's their team, through feast and famine; of wearing their old, frayed Mets hats past all the bandwagons and Senate candidates in the crisp new hats of the easy team to root for, the soulless one, the corporate one.
Pain-Free Fonzie Gets Used to 3rd
Re: Pain-Free Fonzie Gets Used to 3rd
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