Mike Puma of the New York Post spoke with Mets bullpen hopeful Jose Valverde recently about his opportunity to stick with the Mets.

Valverde, an 11-year veteran and two time NL saves leader had some interesting things to say about his approach when it comes to making the team.

“For me, every year I try to compete like a minor league guy, always,” Valverde tells the Post. “All my life, what I’ve done in spring training is like I’ve never played in the big leagues. The first day in Arizona, Houston, Detroit and now with the Mets, that was my mind-set all the time, ‘It’s my first spring training.’ ”

It’s an interesting take from a player with his type of résumé. I find it refreshing that a guy who has been a solid –and at times dominant–reliever for the better part of a decade can put his ego aside and come to spring looking to compete like he’s a rookie. Despite my belief that the Mets should be giving the younger guys like Jeff Walters and Jack Leathersich a shot, I’ll find it hard to not root for a guy with that type of humility.

For the spring, Valverde has allowed one run in two innings of work. He’s also struck out a batter and allowed one free pass.

Read Mike Puma’s entire article here.

Photo credit: Anthony J. Causi/New York Post