Your Thursday afternoon dose of New York Mets and MLB news, notes, and links.
Meet the Mets
It seems that the Mets may have an interest in Stephen Drew, but may have to compete with the Yankees for his services.
Andy Martino suggests that baseball executives have become wary of Jon Niese because of his shoulder issues, and may be difficult to trade.
New Mets hitting coach Kevin Long talked with Ed Coleman about his approach to hitting.
Mike Vorkunov gives some candidates who will be considered for 40-man protection today.
Ken Davidoff says that the Mets might be priced out of the Starlin Castro sweepstakes, should there be one for him.
Kristie Ackert writes that Kevin Long is already looking at ways to fix Curtis Granderson's swing.
Former Met Ray Sadecki has passed away at age 73.
Around the NL East
The Nationals are reportedly fielding offers for Jordan Zimmerman.
The Braveshave designatedJonny Venters for assignment after a third Tommy John surgery.
The Marlins have made a 2-year, $20 million offer to Adam LaRoche,
Around the Majors
Rob Manfred will officially be given a 5-year contract today, in advance of his January 25th swearing-in.
The Yankees seem to be targeting Yoan Moncanda to step in for Derek Jeter, as Baseball America says that they are the favorite to sign the Cuban shortstop.
Yasmany Tomas still hasn't signed yet, and it may take the other big-name Cuban a few weeks more to.
Is Panda-monium headed to Boston? Folks on the Giants beat sure seem to think so.
Dave Cameron is not a fan of Billy Butler's new deal. Not one bit.
Yesterday at AA
Michael Avallone profiled Jake Peavy, while Rich Resch profiled Jason Hammel.
James Kannengieser asked you to vote for the MLB team of the year.
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