Johnnies angling for a high seed

They're on track for a 3. If they win out, and make deep run in the B.E. tourney, a 2 is certainly possible.

How many?

How many F'in Top 10 teams does St. John's have to beat before they are ranked? Ranked! I'm not even asking for a top 10 ranking, I'm just asking for any ranking!

They have the #3 strength of schedule, 5 super quality wins, and as of last week had BARELY cracked the "Others receiving votes" category. What a crock. All I know is this team better be top 20 when the new polls come out.

Under New Management

Grown-ups are back in charge of the clubhouse, with the Alderson/Collins era underway. At least if we act like professionals, I can bear the losing.

With pitchers and catchers set to report tomorrow, the manager gave his first press conference of the spring.

Interesting tidbits:

• Asked to identify the areas of competition on the team, Collins named second base, the final two spots in the rotation behind Mike Pelfrey, R.A. Dickey and Jon Niese and the bullpen, which he said the organization needs to "recreate."

Collins acknowledged projected rotation members Chris Young and Chris Capuano are "up there" in the competition, but he also identified Dillon Gee, D.J. Carrasco, Oliver Perez and Jenrry Mejia as candidates. The manager added that Mejia is likely ticketed for Triple-A to work on his secondary pitches.

• Asked for "slam dunks" for the bullpen, Collins mentioned K-Rod, Bobby Parnell, Carrasco (if he's not a starter), Tim Byrdak and Taylor Buchholz.

He also said he planned to have a long man, with Pat Misch a logical candidate and Ollie perhaps in that mix.

• Collins did not dismiss Luis Castillo as a second-base candidate, but this comment was telling: "I do believe today second base has become an offensive position." That bodes well for Daniel Murphy, who should be on the team in some capacity, as well as Rule 5 pick Brad Emaus.

Collins expressed full confidence in Murphy as a second baseman, noting how Wally Backman and Tim Teufel were among the coaches working with him Wednesday. "Somebody is going to teach him to turn a double play," Collins said.