Your Thursday morning dose of New York Mets and Major League Baseball news, notes, and links.
Meet the Mets
Daisuke Matsuzaka was unremarkable in his four-and-one-third innings of work on Wednesday night at Wrigley Field. Matsuzaka struggled with his control as he issued five free passes on his way to giving up four runs on five hits. The Mets' offense also failed to execute, as they loaded the bases twice and failed to bring a runner home each time. After going 522 at-bats without a homer, Ruben Tejada has now hit two in less than a week as he took Edwin Jackson deep for a solo shot in the fourth inning. Daniel Murphy also collected three hits in five at-bats. The difference in the game came in the fifth inning with the score tied four to four. Dana Eveland loaded the bases before yielding to Jeurys Familia, who entered the game and immediately threw a wild pitch to the first batter he faced to bring the winning run home. Losing by one run in each of the first two games against the Cubs, the Amazins will attempt to break the trend tonight in the final game of the series.
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The Mets, in their attempt to avoid the sweep, will send Jacob deGrom (0–2, 2.42 ERA) to the mound to face off against the Cubs' left-hander Travis Wood (5–5, 5.15 ERA) at 7:05 ET.
Terry Collins said that despite the shakiness of Daisuke Matsuzaka, he is not in danger of losing his spot in the rotation.
Dampen your hope that Dillon Gee could spell Matsuzaka anytime soon. He is nowhere close to returning.
As they prepare to head into the draft room tonight, the Mets have their eyes on a foursome of impact collegiate talents.
Joel Sherman argues that with the rest of the NL East in limbo, the Mets need to loosen the purse strings and make a run at the playoffs.
Paul Lukas of Uni Watch explores the claim that Don Zimmer was the first player to ever try on a Mets uniform.
Buddy Carlyle was designated for assignment to make room for outfielder Andrew Brown.
On this date in Mets' history, in 1999, general manager Steve Phillips fired three Mets coaches.
Yesterday At AA
Steve Sypa had a busy day, leading off with a summary of Tuesday's Mets' minor league action. He also did his best to maximize the final hours before tonight's kickoff of the First-Year Player Draft, as he profiled potential Mets' draftees Jeff Hoffman, Jacob Gatewood, and Touki Touissant.
Steve also joined host Jeffrey Paternostro and Alex Nelson for Episode 71 of Amazin' Avenue Radio, a Mets draft preview episode.
I brought you news of the impending promotion of the 51s' Andrew Brown, who will bring the Mets' bench to full strength.
Chris McShane responded to Jared Diamond's suggestion that the Mets bat Bobby Abreu in the leadoff slot.
And Steve Schreiber commented on the passing of the legendary Don Zimmer.
Around the NL East
The Braves were shut out by the Mariners 2–0. It looks like the Braves will be getting reliever Jordan Walden back in the near future as he begins a rehab assignment today.
The Marlinstook down the Tampa Bay Rays 5–4. Marlins catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia may be have to be placed on the 15-Day DL. Also, the Fish tried to acquireJim Johnson, the A's right-handed former closer.
And the Nationalsdefeated the Phillies 8– 4 in a very soggy contest. Liz Roscher has some snappy meeting tips for Phillies' manager Ryne Sandberg.
Nationals' manager Matt Williams recently spoke about the eventual return of Bryce Harper.
Around the Majors
It seems that 50 Cent's dedication to the demanding sport of blueball baseball may have interfered with his recent ceremonial first pitch.
Ted Berg sits down with Peter Gammons to find out the nine things a fan should know before the 2014 draft.
New Chicago Cub Manny Ramirez hit a 450-foot mammoth shot at extended spring training, and pimped it for good measure.
Grant Brisbee shares a photo gallery of moments from the Cleveland Indians' infamous 10-Cent Beer Night Promotion, which was 40 years ago yesterday.
The Shadow League talks with Orioles' center fielder Adam Jones about being a throwback to MLB's African-American future.
Of all people, Pete Rose criticizedJimmy Rollins for his relentless quest to become the Phillies' all-time hit king.
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.