Your Thursday morning dose of New York Mets and MLB news, notes, and links.
Meet the Mets
The Oriolesremain interested in trading for Ike Davis. The more interesting note in the article is that the Mets turned down an offer of Matt Joyce from the Rays straight up for Davis earlier in the offseason. Given how well Joyce would complement the rest of the outfield, the decline of the offer is odd.
The Stephen Drew saga, Day 12,765: A Mets source told Anthony DiComo the team is not convinced Drew is a big enough upgrade over Tejada to justify the cost, while Bill Madden hears they would add $8-9 million to the payroll for the "right player" (Drew). Meanwhile, Ken Davidoff believes Jeff Wilpon will play a key role in the Drew negotiations at this point.
The Mets are not happy with Matt Harvey's initial refusal to rehab in Port St. Lucie.
Jenrry Mejia and Daisuke Matsuzaka are all systems go for the fifth starter competition, while the Mets may use John Lannan out of the bullpen if he is not named the fifth starter.
Around the Majors
The Phillies reported Ben Wetzler, their fifth round pick from 2013, to the NCAA for an "agent violation." Wetzler is currently indefinitely suspended. The move was supposedly done out of spite for Wetzler's refusal to sign with them. Unfortunately, the Phillies also pulled the same move on Jason Monda, their sixth rounder from last year, and he was cleared to play only a week ago. Assuming this is true, the Phillies come off as spiteful and loathsome.
The Reds and Homer Baileyagreed to a six year, $105 million extension.
The Blue Jays are unlikely to sign Ervin Santana.
Despite adding Prince Fielder Shin-Soo Choo this offseason, the Rangers are not ruling out re-signing Nelson Cruz.
Cuban shortstop prospect Aledmys Diaz may be close to signing, and the Cardinals have made him an offer.
In an attempt to minimize their offensive potential, new Nationals manager Matt Williams said that he will likely bat Bryce Harperfifth this season.
Jonathan Bernhardt is very cynical about the Orioles' signing of Ubaldo Jimenez.
Dave Cameron picked out his 10 best moves of the offseason.
Yesterday At AA
Jeffrey Bellone examined the Mets longest homers of 2013.
Rob Castellano looked at the Mets' fourth best prospect, Cesar Puello.
We previewed the upcoming seasons for Daisuke Matsuzaka and Jose Valverde.
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.
