The Mets and Cards are tied at 3 after 5 innings in Port St. Lucie, the day’s highlight thus far coming on Juan Gonzalez’ 3-run HR in the first inning off Johan Santana. As the contest dragged on, Gary Cohen wondered aloud about the wisdom of pitchers running in the outfield and foul territory during spring training games. While Cohen dismissed the practice as “an anachronism”, Keith Hernandez insisted “the fans love to see the great players” (doing wind sprints, presumably). Ron Darling (above), however, had what should’ve been the last word on the subject, opining “if you see a pitcher get lit up for 5 or 6 runs, I doubt you’ll see him running on the field afterwards”.

(UPDATE : Cardinals 4, Mets 3. Albert Pujols greeted the recovering Duaner Sanchez with a solo shot in the top of the 6th. Darling claims Sanchez has lost 25 pounds in the off-season, presumably the result of fewer late night cab rides to tasty eateries.)