Your fruitcake and eggnog-filled dose of New York Mets and MLB news, notes, and links.
Meet the Mets
Leading off, the Mets have claimed right-handed reliever Ryan Reid off waivers from the Pirates. Sandy Claus gives the gift that keeps on giving; serviceable bullpen arms!
The Society for American Baseball Research takes a long look at Howard Johnson, who was instrumental in giving the Mets the greatest gift of all, a World Series title.
Grant Brisbee tells us where he thinks Stephen Drew will end up. It's south of the North Pole, but still pretty cold.
Toby Hyde checks out the Mets players taking part in the Caribbean and South American winter leagues. These players could also be classified as least likely Mets to enjoy a white Christmas.
Michael Baron gives his opinion of the Ike Davis situation after someone asks why the front office members are being Scrooges.
Over at the Eddie Kranepool Society, Steve Keane talks about his Mets-related Christmas wish.
Joe Janish recaps some must-have Mets Christmas gifts.
Around the Majors
The Dodgershave signed reliever Jamey Wright to a one-year deal.
In waiver news, the Blue Jays claimed third baseman Brent Morel from the White Sox, the White Sox claimed former Giants left-handed pitcher Eric Surkamp, and the Rangersclaimed outfielder Alex Castellanos from the Red Sox.
Fangraphs takes a look at which teams were most effective in their spending based.
In another great Fangraphs post, Wendy Thurm took a look at where the business of baseball stands.
Baseball America examines why long-term deals don't usually work out.
The New York Times took a look at the history of Candlestick Park, as the last sporting event was played there last night. The stadium hosted the San Fransisco Giants for nearly 40 years, and is a favorite topic of Keith Hernandez.
The Yankees are still waiting patiently to hear from Masahiro Tanaka, with a decision possibly coming in the next few day.
Everyone's favorite Red Sox outfielder, Shane Victorino, posted a video of the Red Sox winning the World Series from the perspective of a hat-mounted camera. It's a pretty cool look at something the vast majority of people will never get to experience.
Yesterday at AA
Chris McShane took a look a left-handed reliever Jose Mijares.
Joshua Ryan reviewed David Wright's stellar 2013 campaign.
If you read an article or find a link that you think would be a great addition to a future edition of Mets Morning News, please forward it to our tips email address tips@grission.com and we'll try to add it in.