Former Met Prospect Turning Heads And Lucky Not To Lose His

Former Met 1B prospect Mike Carp is turning heads. He's very fortunate he didn't lose his...

Carp, who was included in the trade that sent Aaron Heilman and Endy Chavez Seattle for reliever extraordinaire, JJ Putz, has been showing the Mariners that he is worth considering to be a member of the 2009 Mariners.

Carp is hitting well in camp, compiling a .444 batting average, while driving in runs with consistency. Seattle originally expected to be the Mariner 1B in 2010, but with the way he is playing, he might very well be on the Mariner roster to start the season.

Carp's introduction to his first Spring Training was quite ominous: while driving from his home in Lakewood, CA - Carp driving his 2003 Mustang Cobra, an investment made from his signing bonus as a ninth round draft pick in 2004 by the NY Mets, claims he was using the cruise control on his car when it began raining heavily. The car wound up hydro-planing, on Route 91 in Anaheim, California - causing the 22 year old to slam into a cement divider in the median.

As told by Carp, "I was on cruise control. That's how I know I was driving 55." As reported by USA Today, "The car spun twice around, then slammed into a cement divider in the median. Carp then drove the wrong way for about 100 yards against oncoming traffic to get out of everyone's way -- 'a little stunt driving,' he said with a chuckle."

After speaking with his new GM, Jack Zduriencik, Carp was assured all was alright, and to take a day before reporting. On his success thus far this spring, Carp adds, "I think I've definitely turned the heads I need to. I feel I can definitely play here. Now it's just up to what cards fall into place."

For more on Carp read USA Today.