Your Thursday morning dose of New York Mets and Major League Baseball news, notes, and links.
Meet the Mets
Jacob deGrom allowed three runs in the first inning to Atlanta, Julio Teheran dominated the Mets in turn—limiting the Amazins to one run over seven innings—and Atlanta captured the game 3–1 finishing off the series sweep.
Choose Your Recap: Amazin' Avenue Short, Long, MLB.com, ESPN NY, Daily News, New York Times, Associated Press, StarLedger, NY Post, Newsday
The Mets are off today. The Rangers come to town on Friday night, when Jon Niese (5–4, 2.88) will face off against Nick Tepesch (3–3, 3.65).
The Mets studied Julio Teheran's pick-off move in his Wednesday start, and they believe that it's borderline illegal.
General manager Sandy Alderson expresses that in spite of the Mets' current record, "We kind of like our team." With that in mind, he explains that the organization has no plans to throw everyone overboard at the trade deadline. And that means that there are no plans in place to move Jon Niese as the deadline looms.
Terry Collins is lobbying for Daniel Murphy to get tapped to represent the Mets at the upcoming All-Star Game.
The Mets signed a total of 11 players on the first day of the international signing period.
Greek restaurant Corfu Grill has been voted by fans to be the next restaurant to open on the outfield concourse. The restaurant should be ready to begin serving in time for Fourth of July weekend.
On this date in Mets' history in 1996, Alex Ochoa hit for the cycle.
Yesterday At AA
Steve Sypa summarized Tuesday's action down on the Mets' Farm.
Aaron Yorke covered the signings of three 16-year-old Venezuelan shortstops, Yoel Romero, Edgardo Fermin, and Kenny Hernandez.
Amazin' Avenue Audio will be broadcasting live on Saturday, July 19th at Foley's.
Aaron Yorke reports that Sandy Alderson has not yet determined whether the Mets will be buyers or sellers at the deadline.
In a Fanpost, LGNYM introduces the rules of the GKR Drinking Game, 2.0.
Around the NL East
In addition to sweeping the Mets on Wednesday, the Braves are the proud owners of ESPN's defensive player of the month.
The Marlinsdowned the Phillies 5–0 on Wednesday. Michael Jong pauses to share the midseason report for the Fish bullpen.
Cliff Leehas been cleared to begin his rehab assignment.
The Nationals faced off against the Rockies on Wednesday, and came away 4–3 winners to sweep the series. Matt Williams continues to try to set the record straight regarding Bryce Harper's comments about the Nats' lineup.
Around the Majors
According to Jon Heyman, Kim Ng is being considered for the vacant Padres' general manager position. If she was hired, she would be the first female general manager in any major American sport.
Craig Calcaterra draws attention to one of the weirdest deaths in baseball history.
Eno Sarris sits down to talk hitting with the Cincinnati Reds' Jay Bruce.
John Thorn on Lou Gehrig's historic speech, 75 years later. Major League Baseball's first basemen (along with Derek Jeter) appear in a video reciting the speech.
Bill Barnwell of Grantland tries to figure out which historic ace should wear the Pitching Championship Belt.
Speaking of Belts, this one makes out with a giraffe.
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.