Your Wednesday morning dose of New York Mets and Major League Baseball news, notes, and links.
Meet the Mets
Sandy Alderson spoke yesterday, saying that the team is still searching for players to fill out the bench and bullpen. Those players will likely be contingent on what happens with the starting first base and shortstop jobs over the next few weeks. They may also look for a starting pitcher to compete for the 5th spot in the rotation and Anthony DiComo reports that the Mets spoke with free agent Jerome Williams before they signed Bartolo Colon.
Jeff Sullivan says the problem with Stephen Drew's market is that there's no team that could use the marginal wins that also desperately needs a shortstop.
Andy Martino says that if they can't get what they want in return, the Mets may have a chance to avoid a mistake in dealing Ike Davis.
Tom Glavine says he can't be totally surprised that Mike Piazza didn't get into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot. Regarding his own Hall chances, Glavine says he'll be "disappointed" if he doesn't make it in on the first ballot. I guess that means he won't be devastated.
The Phillies' new cable deal looks impressive at face value but the Mets may actually have the better tv deal, says a professor of sports marketing.
Around the Majors
Over at Let's Go Tribe, Jason Lukehart wonders whether Michael Bourn's decline in stolen bases was caused by changing leagues.
Today is Unofficial Hall of Fame Outrage Day but it was the ballot of Ken Gurnick yesterday that caused plenty of outrage. Gurnick, through some hideous logic, voted only for Jack Morris.
Steven Goldman writes that it's time to delete Mickey Mantle from the Hall of Fame.
Dave Cameron tried to figure out which active players may eventually be headed to Cooperstown.
The Dodgers and Don Mattingly have reached an extension.
Yesterday At AA
Jeffrey Bellone says that Stephen Drew could end up a bargain for the Mets.
Greg Karam made a case againstJosh Satin as the right half of the Mets' first base platoon.
Episode 48 of the Amazin' Avenue Audio Podcast is available to listen to.
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.