Your Tuesday morning dose of New York Mets and MLB news, notes, and links.
Meet the Mets
The Mets got all kinds of grission yesterday, as Daniel Murphy came through with a clutch double to help defeat the Cardinals 5-3. The box score can be found here.
Dillon Gee was announced as the Mets' Opening Day starter. Congratulations to Dillon on being recognized for his work!
Adam Rubin suggests that John Lannan took another major step in his transition from starter to reliever.
With Daisuke Matsuzaka having another big day on Monday, Marc Carig writes that it's his job to lose. Terry Collins was very happy with his performance, as well.
David Lennon writes that we shouldn't care where Matt Harvey does his rehab, and that it makes a lot of sense for him to want to come back to New York. John Harper followed that up by suggesting that it's a question of whether or not the Mets are willing to embrace Harvey's personality.
The Mets plan on re-signing Kyle Farnsworth to a minor league deal, after avoiding having to pay his $100,000 retention bonus.
The Mets have named Luis Natera their new assistant hitting coach. Natera has been a longtime coach in the Mets farm system.
Jon Niese was back on the mound yesterday, having thrown a 45 pitch bullpen session in anticipation for his April 6 return.
Around the Majors
The Bravesmade several moves on Monday, when they released Freddy Garcia and replaced him with former Met Aaron Harang.
Yu Darvish is likely to miss Opening Day, as he continues to battle neck stiffness.
The Tigerstraded for another shortstop on Monday, as they made a deal with the Orioles for Alex Gonzalez.
Marlins team president David Samson says that he is urging the team to play faster this year.
Jeff Sullivan wonders if it's possible that the Marlins could be a contender in 2014.
Dave Cameron takes a look at arbitration, and the different strategies teams use to keep young players from getting to it.
Deadspin did something wonderful yesterday, as they brought in a lip-reader to transcribe arguments between managers and umpires.
Yesterday at AA
Chris McShane spun his magic wheel and gave us his Make-the-Mets-O-Meter for this week.
Michael Donato suggests that Ike Davis will start the year at first.
Jeffrey Paternostro went to check out University of Hartford LHP Sean Newcomb.
Chris McShane asks, "just how well will the Mets bullpen perform this year?"
Stephen Loftus previews the Mets for Beyond the Box Score.
Matthew Yaspan gave us the second half of his interview with Professor Benjamin Baumer.
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.
