Your Friday morning dose of New York Mets and Major League Baseball news, notes, and links.
Meet the Mets
The team hired former Yankees Director of Player Development Pat Roessler to be the new assistant hitting coach.
Marc Carig of Newsday reported that recently non-tendered outfielders Kyle Blanks and John Mayberry Jr. are on the Mets' radar. Both guys could provide some right-handed pop off the bench for New York.
MiLB.com named the Mets' organizational All-Stars.
While Wilmer Flores is often mentioned as New York's fall-back plan at shortstop, remember that Matt Reynolds is almost ready for the majors as well.
Lucas Duda told reporters that he can hit lefties a little better than his numbers indicate. Also, he had a great time in Japan during the recent All-Star Series.
Around the Majors
A deal between the Indians and the Athletics involving Brandon Moss is reportedly imminent.
Meanwhile, the Padres and Dodgers are working on a trade that would sent Matt Kemp to San Diego. The Mets have been previously mentioned as a candidate to add a Los Angeles outfielder.
Craig Calcaterra argues that the composition of Hall of Fame voters is a bigger problem than the ballot limit.
Buster Olney has decided to strategically abstain from voting this year.
Grant Brisbee predicts that free agent third baseman Chase Headley is headed back to the west coast.
Vice Sports has the strange tale of Yoan Moncada and his defection from Cuba.
Just what were the Braves thinking when they signed Nick Markakis to a four-year deal?
The High-A Dayton Cubs are now a Reds affiliate called the Dayton Tortugas.
Yesterday at Amazin' Avenue
Colby Conetta wrote about some prospects that the Mets could use to acquire major league talent this winter.
Michael McCarty argued that it would be a good idea for Sandy Alderson to try to lure Starlin Castro out of Chicago.
Although it appears unlikely at this point, Steve Schrieber will not let the dream of a Troy Tulowitzki trade die.
On this date in 2011, Gil Hodges was snubbed by the Hall of Fame's Veteran Committee. I'd argue that having your number retired at Citi Field is a more impressive accomplishment than Hall of Fame induction. Also, we wish a very happy birthday to Cliff Floyd, Dave Hudgens, and Al Moran.