.109

Spring stats could be deceptive, but .109 BAA for Aaron Heilman is impressive any way you slice it. Heilman pitched a solid five innings giving up one earned run while striking out three and not walk a batter. Oh, Milledge won the game in the ninth with a double. Just another day for one of the best prospects in the game.

Some foreshadowing?

Hitting instructor Rick Down said Beltran might be the team's most natural No. 2 hitter because he can do all the fundamental things required of the slot, but he also has speed and is a switch-hitter with power.

"I think I'll hit second because I've been hitting there," Beltran said. "I like to bunt and get the runner over."

With Beltran's speed, Henderson said he should steal more. Beltran agrees and said he would run more as the second hitter than if he hit third.

You can tell me lineup construction does not matter and give me research to back that up. However, that does not take into account the psyche of the player. Will Beltran be a more productive player from the number two slot because he is more comfortable? Maybe, but if that is what it takes, the Mets just need to stop being stubborn and put together the most optimal lineup.

* * *

Hmmm..

Smith was found guilty of maltreating three prisoners, conspiring with another dog handler in a contest to make detainees soil themselves, dereliction of duty, assault and an indecent act. The assault charge was dismissed.

The indecency conviction was for Smith directing his dog to lick peanut butter off the genitals of a male soldier and the breasts of a female soldier.