JUPITER, Fla. — The St. Louis Cardinals bus pulled out of Roger Dean Stadium’s lot this morning and headed north for this afternoon’s game against the New York Mets at Tradition Field. They arguably left behind more recognizable Mets here than they’ll be facing up there.

The World Baseball Classic has picked apart the Mets roster, scattering David Wright over to Team USA, Jose Reyes down here for Team Dominicana, and Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado out yonder with Puerto Rico’s national team. Few teams have had their major-league roster stripped of as many names as the Mets by the World Baseball Classic. Moises Alou and former Mets starter Pedro Martinez are also here in Jupiter.

During Alex Rodriguez’s presser with media here yesterday, Wright’s name came up twice. First, when it was mentioned he would inherit Team USA’s starting third base job from Rodriguez because the New York Yankees third base shifted his national team from the USA in 2006 WBC to Dominican Republic for this year’s. And then when Rodriguez offered Wright up as the only current player he’d name who sent a text message of support in the past couple weeks.

Wright, as other players will say, is that kind of guy. Affable. Agreeable. Approachable (even by a Phillie). And, yes, arguably one of the finest all-around players in the game. (He is currently running sixth in the Magnificent Seven poll from last week, with more than 2,000 readers having logged a vote.) He’s a virtual lock to be in St. Louis this summer as a participant in the All-Star Game. While he’s off with Team USA as the Cardinals visit Port St. Lucie today, last week Wright took time for the P-DQ:

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Advice from a parent that has stayed with you is …

It’s always been, well both of them, have said, “Have fun.” They see how frustrated I get and they always say, “Smile, because it’s a game.” Every time it’s going bad - which is pretty often - I just try to smile, like they say.

A memorable Christmas or holiday gift …

Growing up close to a beach, I remember a Boogie board. I loved it. I put the stickers on it, waxed it up, and I think that was the best one.

Word or phrase you use too often is …

“Bro.”

My greatest achievement is …

I would say getting a chance to live my dream as a kid.

My current State of mind is …

Focused.

Favorite superhero?

Loved Scooby-Doo growing up. I don’t know if he’s a superhero, but I’m going with Scooby-Doo.

Greatest extravagance or indulgence?

I would say watches. I love collecting watches. I love shopping for watches.

Favorite ballplayer growing up?

Cal Ripken Jr.

First car?

1984 White Chevy S-10 pickup, with a stick shift and the grill missing out of the front.

Current car

Audi

Place you’ve got to visit before you die is …

Egypt.

Who would be in your Fav Five?

My family is No. 1. I’d love to pick Michael Jordan’s brain. Being a huge Virginia Tech fan - Frank Beamer. Tiger Woods. And then, I’d say, well living or dead? I’d say, Ronald Reagan.

Most embarrassing song on your iPod?

I like sometimes when I relax, I like Sinatra. But that’s not embarrassing at all.

Movie you’ll stop to watch whenever it comes on?

Anything with Will Ferrell.

I tune out when people talk about …

I try to be open-minded. I’ll listen.

Your greatest fear?

Failure.

Your treasured possession?

I’ve got a fish tank that I love.

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