Your Thursday morning dose of New York Mets and MLB news, notes, and links.
Meet the Mets
Vic Black, once considered a lock to make the Mets bullpen, was demoted on Wednesday. A terrible spring training, particularly with control, did Black in as the righty allowed 10 walks and 13 hits in 9 1/3 innings. Gonzalez Germen will likely make the team in his absence.
Jared Diamond believes that Black's hitch in his pitching motion contributed to his control issues.
News turned out better for Jose Valverde, who was officially named to the Mets' 40-man roster. Due to concerns about Bobby Parnell, Valverde may act as his fill-in at the beginning of the season.
Dillon Gee pitched six no-hit innings, but the Mets bullpen imploded in a 9-6 loss to the Astros, the second to last Grapefruit League game of the spring for the Mets.
Rafi Kohan wrote an excellent profile of David Wright for the New York Observer.
In not so great news, the Mets were just one of three MLB teams to decrease in value last season.
The Mets are not expected to make any external additions before Opening Day.
John Lannan's transition to the bullpen has not been easy for him.
Fangraphs thinks the Mets starting pitching will be the second worst in baseball, only ahead of the Astros. This seems unrealistically pessimistic.
Around the Majors
Clayton Kershaw will not start on Sunday against the Padres due to an inflamed muscle in his back.
Bobby Abreu did not make the Phillies roster.
The Rangers have dealt with such numerous injuries that Tanner Scheppers, who has never made a single MLB start, will start on Opening Day for them. They also signedScott Baker, who was released by the Mariners.
Jonah Keri previewed the NL East.
The Mariners are looking for starting pitching, an odd look after releasing two starters.
Yesterday At AA
Matthew Callan looked at the National League Central and West.
Paul Goebel previewed the 2014 Atlanta Braves.
Episode 60 of the AA Audio Podcast is up.
In a case of unfortunate timing, Steve Sypa lobbied for Black to make the Opening Day roster.
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.
