Spring arrives on Saturday. Yes, I know the groundhog saw its shadow, and yes, I know that technically the vernal equinox isn’t until March 20th. But, for me, Spring starts on Saturday. Because on Saturday, Mets pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training.

Despite my excited anticipation for the upcoming season, there’s one thing about it that’s been driving me crazy: the politics surrounding the naming of the Mets’ new stadium: Citi Field.

Since the fall, politicians like Rep. Dennis Kucinich (R-Ohio) and Rep. Ted Poe (R-Texas) have been making waves, complaining that the $400 million naming rights deal that Citi signed with the Mets in 2006 is irresponsible in light of Citi’s recent acceptance of bailout money from the government.

I used to think that the groundhog was a symbol of all things good in the world — a cute, cuddly rodent who made an appearance from his comfy home just to be a messenger for Mother Earth. Bill Murray’s masterpiece Groundhog Day cemented this feeling. The groundhog gave Murray’s character a second chance at life. Punxsutawney, Pa., was the luckiest town in the world for having this sweet guy as its mascot.

My years on this campus, however, have turned me to the other side. There is another animal that is the true champion of Ithaca: the squirrel. Here is why: