Your Tuesday morning dose of New York Mets and MLB news, notes, and links.
Meet the Mets
Good morning, Mets fans! The Mets were off yesterday, but managed to tie themselves for second place, as the Braves death spiral continued. Tonight's game sees the Mets head to Washington, as Bartolo Colon takes on Tanner Roark in a 7:05pm contest.
The big news surrounding the Mets yesterday, was that general manager Sandy Alderson is close to signing a multiple-year extension after the team picked up his option for 2015.
A report has surfaced suggesting that Tim Teufel may be taking over the hitting coach position from Lamar Johnson, and Wally Backman may fill Teufel's position as third base coach.
Mike Puma says that the team may be considering bringing Ruben Tejada back as a backup shortstop next season.
Jay Schreiber and Elena Gustines write that for the first time in several years, there's some suspense in September for the Mets.
Mike Vorkunov wants to know if Travis d'Arnaud should be a Rookie of the Year consideration.
Vorkunov also writes that the Mets may consider using in-season breaks to help their pitchers with innings counts.
Matthew Bowman may be the most unappreciated Mets prospect, in a deep pool of prospects.
Sandy Alderson has been asked to join a committee tasked to look at ways to speed up the game.
Around the N.L. East
Andrew McCutchen's solo homer proved the difference, as the Braves fell to the Pirates 1-0.
The Braves have fired general manager Frank Wren.
Braves fans seem none too thrilled at the idea of Bobby Cox being asked to help pick the team's next general manager.
Craig Calcaterra writes that John Scheurholtz's email about "The Braves Way" is a "big pile of crap."
Cuban defector Yasmani Tomas will be working out privately for the Phillies.
Jonah Keri tells us just how the Nationals got to be as good as they are.
Around the Majors
The Oakland A's are still hanging around at the top, as Jeff Samardzija pitched a gem, and the offense came alive.
The Yankeesare managing to hold onto their slim playoff hopes, as Derek Jeter continues to rake in his final week.
Jeff Sullivan wants to know if the A.L. Cy Young voting will be representative of how close the race actually is.
Eno Sarris writes that there's some correlation between longer games and an increased volume of injuries.
Richard Justice writes that there's something very special going on in Pittsburgh.
Yesterday at AA
Chris McShane tried to melt our brains with a Mets Mind Boggler.
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