It became obvious over the weekend that all the love Mickey Callaway is spreading around the Mets' clubhouse comes in two flavors: nurturing and tough.
In his early dealings with his players, he proved he'll not only throw an understanding arm around somebody, but will offer a kick in the posterior for anyone mistaking Callaway for some new-age pushover.
Thank goodness. While it's fine for a team battered by injury and a 92-loss season to hear some comforting words about the future from the new manager, it's also imperative that said boss acts like one from the beginning.
In other words, no nonsense.
Despite the outgoing nature that prompted him to glad-hand and gab with the subway minions that convened over the outfield fence before Saturday's exhibition game with the Cardinals, Callaway appears in no mood for any of that.
Dominic Smith found that out Friday.
When Smith arrived late for an 8:45 a.m. meeting, Callaway promptly took action. He sat the kid in the Grapefruit League opener.
Ordinarily, sitting out one game wouldn't send much of a message. But given the player and his circumstances, Callaway's admonishment probably sounded like it came over a bullhorn to Smith. This is a kid who arrived in the majors 20 pounds overweight and sluggish last year, and came away with a .198/.262/.395 slash line over 49 games. Not exactly the production one wants from someone the Mets hope will command first base well into the future.
Now, with veteran Adrian Gonzalez a real possibility as an everyday starter, Smith at least came to camp in shape. But, really, missing a meeting? Not a good first impression, especially on a manager who expects engagement, encouragement and caring from his whole roster, whether on the field or on the bench.
Best of all, he forced Smith to stand at his locker and face the media music. Public accountability it's called.
And Callaway himself explained his actions. No lying, no obfuscating.
No "it's an in-house matter."
"It's a little shocking," Callaway said. "He's trying to win a job. It's unfortunate."
The tough-love influence seems to have taken hold. Zack Wheeler pulled back his curt comments about the potential for bullpen duty following the acquisition of Jason Vargas after a night of reflection and a few reminders of professional expectations from Callaway.
And then Wheeler went out and threw 97 mph Friday.
There's no telling whether any of this turns into a winning record or a postseason spot. And it's certainly a lot easier to bench a kid like Smith than, say, Yoenis Cespedes when they step over the line.
But even Cespedes seems to have gotten on board. He gave up his beloved golf, something Terry Collins couldn't get him to do. That advice came from strength and conditioning trainer Mike Barwis, but one would think Callaway had his own ideas about laying down the driver to keep the legs healthy.
As for Smith, he responded with a single in Saturday's loss to the Cardinals. More important, he said Callaway's message was received loud and clear.
If the young first baseman has any hopes of playing regularly, he'll set his alarm clock an hour early.
Callaway has arms for comforting. But early events have shown he also has feet that kick when necessary.
He may find the tougher aspect of his love circle will prove most valuable down the road.
Please follow Ernie on Twitter at @ErniePalladino.
