Your New Year's Day dose of Mets and Major League Baseball news, notes, and links.
Meet the Mets
Anthony DiComo examines ten questions about the Mets in 2015 that will determine their level of success. For him, the biggest question mark is what Matt Harvey will bring to the team. Also of note, of course, is figuring out who will slot in at shortstop for the Mets.
Mike Vorkunov asked Mets fans what their favorite moments from 2014 were. The answers ranged widely and included Bartolo Colon's at-bats and Lucas Duda reaching the 30 home run mark. Jacob deGrom was well represented with three moments from his rookie season: breaking the Mets pitchers' hitless streak, striking out eight batters to begin a game, and winning the National League Rookie of the Year.
Mark Simon makes a case for the Mets to trade for Ben Zobrist. He believes Zobrist's durability, offensive skill, and positional versatility, especially the ability to play shortstop, would be invaluable to the Mets. However, he notes it would likely take prospects to get him and he only has one year remaining on his contract.
Around the NL East
The Marlins are trying to trade Dan Haren, whom they acquired from the Dodgers along with Dee Gordon, but have yet to find a partner. Haren said at the time of the trade that he would retire if he was traded to a team not on the West Coast.
The Philliescame to an agreement to trade former Met Marlon Byrd to the Reds. He is owed $8 million in 2015 and has an $8 million vesting option for 2016, so the Phillies are expected to get cash as well in addition to right-handed pitcher Ben Lively.
Around the Major Leagues
The Marinersmade a deal with the Padres to acquire outfielder Seth Smith in exchange for right-handed reliever Brandon Maurer. Smith became expendable with the Padres' acquiring Matt Kemp, Wil Myers, and Justin Upton.
Buck Showalter will meet with outfielder Colby Rasmus in the next few days to determine if the Orioles will offer him a contract. Rasmus was worth 4.8 fWAR as recently as 2013, but in 2014 he only hit .225/.287/.417.
The Rockies have considered trading catcher Wilin Rosario after they signed Nick Hundley to a two-year deal. However, reports indicate they would need a significant return to get a deal done.
The Dodgers formally announced two moves: the signing of pitcher Brett Anderson and the designation for assignment of Cuban shortstop Erisbel Arruebarrena. Anderson received $10 million plus $4 million in incentives. Meanwhile, the Arruebarrena move comes after he struggled to hit in 2014.
Yesterday at AA
Matt Varvaro began a series on overlooked and underrated players in Mets history starting with catchers. His list includes three players: John Stearns, Mackey Sasser, and Todd Pratt.
Rob Castellano recapped his favorite GIFs and Vines from the 2014 season. Notable inclusions are the amazing plays made by Juan Lagares in center field and Bartolo Colon swinging a bat.
Andrew Felper continued the examination of potential veteran shortstops the Mets could sign. In this article, he looks at the potential of Rafael Furcal and Stephen Drew to be the guy who slots in for the Mets in 2015.
Today in Mets History
Today is the 40th birthday of Fernando Tatis. Tatis put up good numbers for the Mets while getting extended playing time in 2008 and 2009. However, his production declined in 2010 and he was ultimately let go.