Fear and Loathing in PSL: Spring Training '12 Pt. 4 Terry Collins

Out of the assortment of things that catch your eye in PSL, Terry Collins just happens to be one person that stands out, which is funny considering that everyone just about dwarfs the guy. But, no matter where you turn, he is there...

Collins is a very "hands on" coach. There is no questioning that. He is all over the place speaking

one-on-one to individual players as they do their drills. He is not a "barker," so to speak, which is something you might expect from Collins given his tenacious attitude. He very quietly goes about business, watching each and every player intently as he paces around...

You can tell from watching Collins that he takes nothing for granted. His recent comments about injuries this spring is a prime example of that. When you watch him at PSL it is obvious that his mind is hard at work. You seldom see him standing around BS'ing. In a way it is certainly refreshing to see given the penchant towards laziness of his predecessor...

Collins is not a man of outspoken praise. He is a critical thinker, and thus a critical manager. We all know that from the interviews he gives to the media. It may be easy to subsequently criticize him for being overly critical, especially with reporters. However, he simply holds his players accountable. And the truth of the matter is, his players respond...

This is not the same Terry Collins that coached the Angels, or the Astros for that matter. Collins had his hands full back then (Mo Vaughn and Cecil Fielder anyone?!?). And sure, he does have his hands full now. In the same breath, this Mets team is not littered with tremendous egos like those teams were. And that works to Collins' strengths as a coach. He is going to be march around like a general, and he is going to pull you aside and discuss fundamentals. If you do not have tough skin, chances are you won't make it with Collins. The fact that he has the respect of the players speaks a lot about both him and the players. This is a hard-nosed team with a hard-nosed manager. Say what you will about the Mets' prospects of performing decently this year. One thing is for sure, the Mets are going to play to the best of their ability. Collins will not have it any other way. That is all you or I could ask for at this point.