Your Wednesday morning dose of New York Mets and Major League Baseball news, notes, and links.
Meet the Mets
The Mets paid Daisuke Matsuzaka a $100,000 retention bonus to keep him in the organization yesterday. They still have not announced a fifth starter but as Danny Abriano points out at Rising Apple, this news along Sandy Alderson's quotes on the matter seem to point towards Jenrry Mejia getting the job. Eno Sarris wrote about Mejia, who he considers a solid play in fantasy leagues.
Lucas Duda and Ike Davis will both make the Mets Opening Day roster. The question is about who starts at first base and who rides the pine.
Toby Hyde wrote about Brandon Nimmo, the 6th best prospect in the Mets' system.
The Wilpons' settlement in the Madoff case is down to just $80 million.
Frank Viola will not coach in AAA Las Vegas this year, as he's scheduled to undergo open-heart surgery. Pitching coordinator Ron Romanick will take Viola's spot. Meanwhile, the Mets have named Luis Rivera as Binghamton's hitting coach, replacing Luis Natera who'll be with the big league squad.
John Lannan is relieving for the first time in his career and looking for a routine.
Could the Rangers be a fit for Daniel Murphy in a trade at some point this season?
Around the Majors
The Twins played a prank on Mike Pelfrey.
MLB hopes to have a new PED deal in place this week.
Jack Moore wrote about quantifying team chemistry.
Dave Cameron wrote about the myth of six years of team control.
Ever wondered what managers say to umpires during arguments? Well, now you can find out as a lip reader provides the dialogue.
Carlos Santana is the Indians' third baseman, despite poor reports on his ability to play there in the offseason.
This is strange: Randy Wolf was informed he made the Mariners but then declined to sign after the team asked him to sign a clause that would allow the team to release him within 45 days. Oh, #6org.
MLB has limited walk-up music to 15 seconds.
Yesterday At AA
Should the Mets piggyback their big league starting pitchers?
Jeffrey Bellone looks at Juan Lagares' plate discipline on pitches outside the strike zone.
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.
