Your Thursday morning dose of New York Mets and MLB news, notes, and links.
Meet the Mets
Seeking to quelch even minor optimism from Mets fans, Baseball Prospectus released their projections for the 2014 Mets. They predict the Mets will once again go 74-88, while allowing 691 runs and hitting .238 as a team. PECOTA also has bearish projections for virtually every hitter in the Mets lineup.
The Mets have hired former Bloomberg staff member Haeda Mihaltses as their Executive Director of External Affairs. Mihaltses will act as the "organization’s main liaison with city, state and federal officials."
Baseball America released their Top 31 Mets prospects.
Joel Sherman said on the MLB Network that he does not think the Mets will sign Stephen Drew, and that the Mets will likely make small, low risk moves the rest of the offseason.
Jared Diamond of the Wall Street Journal wonders if any funds possibly allocated to Drew might be better spent on improving the Mets bullpen.
The Mets may have interest in acquiringRays catcher Jose Lobaton, who posted a 103 wRC+ in 2013.
Scott Rice is not taking anything for granted as he enters spring training.
Around the Majors
Former Mets utility infielder/pie overlord Justin Turner has inked a minor-league deal with the Dodgers.
The Diamondbacks, Dodgers, and Orioles are the finalists for starter Bronson Arroyo, and the Diamondbacks are planning a meeting with him.
Joey Votto gave an extensive interview with ESPN1530's Lance McAlister. Among other things, Votto said his favorite statistic is wRC+. In unrelated news, Votto is a very, very smart man.
The Rangers Ballpark in Arlington will be renamed Globe Life Park.
Jonah Keri examined the Orioles' timid offseason approach and their convoluted TV deal that's possibly driving it.
Dave Cameron believes Freddie Freeman's extension represents a change in the way teams hand out long-term deals.
Slate looks back at William Edward White, who may have been the major league's first black player, in 1879. The caveat is that he passed himself off as a white man.
In sad news, former Red Sox ace Curt Schilling says he has been diagnosed with cancer.
Yesterday At AA
Steve Sypa warned people not to write off outfield Cesar Puello after his PED suspension.
Jeffrey Bellone took a look at the newest Met Kyle Farnsworth and his declining velocity.
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.
