FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Mets drafted Mike Pelfrey with the ninth overall pick in the 2005 draft, and like all teams choosing that high, they hoped they were getting a star. In hindsight, a better choice would have been Andrew McCutchen, Matt Garza or Jay Bruce, who were all picked later in the first round, but Pelfrey had his moments. He won 50 games for the Mets.

He could have won more, perhaps, with the wisdom he has gained since reconstructive elbow surgery last May 1. Pelfrey, who makes his spring debut for the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday, expressed some regret last week about his approach in New York.

“I can honestly say, I think when I was in New York, I maybe took things for granted, or maybe I got complacent,” Pelfrey said in an interview at Hammond Stadium. “I knew I was going to be able to take the ball every fifth day. I didn’t really worry about a whole lot.

“I think what made me realize that is that I got the game taken away from me, and at that time, I realized how much this game actually means to me and the love and passion I have for it. So I’ve come back refreshed, recharged and excited.”