Your Friday morning dose of New York Mets and Major League Baseball news, notes, and links.
Meet the Mets
Whomever coined the phrased "more money, more problems" was probably not a Mets fan, as the franchise has been hampered these past few years in part because of ownership's inability to spend money on high-priced free agents. Good news appeared on Thursday, though. Fred Wilpon and Saul Katz are reportedly close to refinancing a loan, and the development could open up some cash to spend on baseball.
Unfortunately, the Wilpons have also looking at free agent broadcasters recently, and W.M. Akers says that splitting up Howie Rose and Josh Lewin would show how out of touch with Mets fans ownership is.
Although it's been widely assumed that former minor league shortstop Wilmer Flores will never play that position in the big leagues, Sandy Alderson says, "I wouldn't say [Flores to shortstop] is dead." I'm not sure if that statement says more about Flores or the Mets' shortstop situation.
In a radio interview with Adam Schein, David Wright said that "I am so glad that we didn't sell low on Ike."
ESPN hockey reporter Katie Strang says that the Mets and the NHL have discussed the possibility of hosting an NHL game at Citi Field.
Around MLB
Corner infielder Michael Young is reportedly retiring from baseball. The 14-year veteran spent most of his career with the Rangers and collected 2,375 hits while appearing in seven All-Star Games.
Sideline reporter Jenny Dell has been reassigned by NESN after her relationship with Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks became public. There is some debate over whether or not Dell's situation represents an actual conflict of interest, but it appears NESN would rather be safe than sorry.
The Dodgers are bringing the "Dodgers" script back to their road jerseys with an alternate uniform. The team has worn "Los Angeles" across the chest of its away jersey since 1999.
Former Met Bruce Chen has re-signed with the Royals for one year and $4.25 million.
Yesterday at AA
Rob Castellano reviewed the 2013 Las Vegas 51s.
On this date in 1962, Ralph Kiner signed on to join Bob Murphy and Lindsay Nelson in the Mets' broadcast booth.
