McEwing Still Stalking Wright

One of the more amusing subplots of spring training this year was the strange, moderately disturbing friendship that developed between Mets third baseman David Wright and then-Mets-now-Royals utilityman Joe "Gritty, Gutty, Spunky, Fiesty" McEwing. Wright was reportedly in tears when McEwing, totally his BFF, was cut from the team. Choice quotes from this spring:

"I know David's hurting," Jason Phillips said. "He's going to miss Joe. It's the right move for Joe. They both know that, but they're emotionally attached. It's like a divorce. There's going to be a period of adjustment. And it won't be short because it's not an everyday thing.

"You know, you get back from the park, you're go upstairs and you say, 'We'll meet in the lobby.' Now there's no one to do that for David. I remember reading that [former Dolphins coach] Don Shula used to go for a walk every night with his wife. Every night. Then she died, and he had to walk alone. It doesn't matter how old you are, it's hard."

Well, we're proud to report, Gritty Joe hasn't forgotten Wright just because he lives in mighty KC now. The New York Daily News reports that McEwing spent last Monday night alone in his hotel room — ahem — watching Wright play, calling him for more "mentoring" afterwards. We imagine Gritty Joe watching the game, slowly flicking the hotel light on ... and off ... and on ... and off ...

Gritty Joe is not gonna just be ignored.

Wright Backs Ump [New York Daily News] Utility Company [East Coast Agony] McEwing's Release Hits Wright Hard [MLB.com]