More on Sanchez

Bryan Hoch at Mets.com writes about Dauner Sanchez and his mode of thinking:

Now past arthroscopic surgery and with his pitching arm protected by a heavy black sling, Sanchez said he has rejected the option to go home and watch from afar as the Mets continue their schedule. He will be present for all home games at Shea Stadium and plans to train in New York while the team travels.

"It's really hard, but I've got to handle it," Sanchez said. "I'm 26 years old. My career is just starting. I'm angry because I'm watching. I want to be out there."

His locker at Shea Stadium hasn't gathered dust, though Sanchez is often not there -- his time has been occupied receiving treatment in the trainer's room, or by trips to the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan, where he went Wednesday for a checkup.

Sanchez met with reporters before Wednesday's game and said he was "angry" about the circumstances which ended his promising season. But Sanchez -- who was 5-1 with a 2.60 ERA in 49 relief appearances -- also said he was learning to deal with the aftereffects of the incident.

Sanchez -- who had gone out with several companions during the Mets' trip to Miami in search of a Dominican restaurant -- said he did not feel as though he'd erred in judgment, though he noted he believes he let his teammates down by being injured.

"I don't think I made a bad decision," he said. "It was an accident. Things happen. This is how life is."

Feliciano could sympathize. As a Minor Leaguer in the Los Angeles Dodgers system, the left-hander missed all of the 1999 season with an impingement in his left shoulder. He said that reporting to the ballpark as a non-active performer takes a mental toll.
"I was eating my nails and going crazy," Feliciano said. "Watching guys play and knowing you can't -- that's hard."