Your Thursday morning dose of New York Mets and Major League baseball news, notes, and links
Meet the Mets
David Lennon writes that it's almost time for Sandy Alderson to decide what to do with New York's two most appealing trade pieces, Bartolo Colon and Daniel Murphy.
Mike Puma at the Post has five things to look forward to in the Mets' second half of the 2014 season. As if the mere thought of more baseball wasn't enough to look forward to.
Despite a recent surge, the Mets have even longer odds to win the 2014 World Series than they did at the start of the season.
Our beloved Mets were not featured on Forbes' newest list of the world's 50 most valuable sports franchises.
In case you didn't already know that Curtis Granderson was a really solid dude, the outfielder held a baseball clinic for kids over the break at the Chicago stadium that he recently helped to fund.
Around the NL East
Talking Chop says the Braves' bench could use a major upgrade.
Miami has a lot of good outfielders. Should it trade one of them?
Cliff Lee could earn the Phillies a major haul in a trade, but perhaps the club could maximize return by waiting a little bit longer.
The trade deadline buzz surrounding Washington is relatively quiet. With the best run differential in the National League, the Nats appear to have what they need to finally win the pennant.
Around the Majors
Pat Borzi of the New York Times writes that "grooving" a pitch is not a recent baseball phenomenon.
The Mets may have missed out on Jose Abreu, but another Cuban prospect is holding a "showcase" workout for scouts in the near future.
Speaking of Abreu, his incredible season has the White Soxstuck between contending and rebuilding in the American League Central.
Marc Normandin delves into the decision making of contending teams that are dealing with significant injuries.
Greg Hanlon wrote a long piece on the horrifying crimes of former big leaguer Mel Hall.
In case you have even more time to read stuff today, Spencer Hall recently attended a Rockies game while under the influence of marijuana.
Last week we received the incredibly sad news that Jean Segura's nine-month-old son had passed away. Since the Brewers shortstop went home to the Dominican Republic, the club has been unable to contact him, and it's unknown when he will return to the United States.
Yesterday at AA
Episode 77 of Amazin' Avenue Audio is now available. This week's episode looks back at some overlooked first half stories.
Jeffrey Paternostro shared his scouting report of Mets shortstop prospect Amed Rosario.
In an otherwise fun news feature, Julio Franco said that signing with the Mets was a big mistake for him.
On this date in 1979, Lee Mazzilli drove in four runs to lead the National League All-Stars to victory.