Grandy gives Duda some tips during batting practice

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- When the Mets signed Curtis Granderson to a four-year contract this offseason, they lauded his character as much as his playing ability.

Already, the reasons why are becoming clear. Earlier this week, Granderson ate lunch in the middle of the clubhouse with a group of three Minor Leaguers, instead of retreating into a back room as most of the Mets' highest-profile veterans typically do. Thursday, Granderson took time out of his batting-practice session to give Lucas Duda pointers.

"We were just talking about situational hitting," Duda said, noting that the pull-prone Granderson regularly sprays balls to the opposite field during batting practice. "How to hit with the bases loaded, two outs, that sort of thing."

Duda, as he usually does in spring, proceeded to put on a batting-practice show, spraying balls onto a pedestrian walkway beyond Field 7. Ike Davis also drew cheers from the crowd during his session.