Your Thursday morning dose of Mets and Major League Baseball, news, notes, and links.
Meet the Mets
Dillon Gee told Anthony DiComo that he is in a "weird situation" amid wide reports that he is the most likely of the Mets' starting pitchers to be traded. He said that while he will miss the organization, he understands "that that's the way things go."
The Mets will be nationally televised by ESPN twice in the month of April. The first game will be Opening Day against the Nationals on April 6; the second will be against the Yankees on April 26.
The Mets announced 17 non-roster invitations to spring training. Notable among the names are Scott Rice and Buddy Carlyle, two relievers who have already spent time with the Mets. Also of note are former first-round picks Brandon Nimmo, Gavin Cecchini, and Kevin Plawecki.
David Wright is still progressing in his rehab as he trains at the Mets' complex in Florida. He has progressed to hitting off a tee and says his shoulder "feels good."
While the Mets agreed to a deal with Bobby Parnell, five other players filed for arbitration. Lucas Duda, Daniel Murphy, Jenrry Mejia, Dillon Gee, and Ruben Tejada are all seeking raises.
Around the NL East
The Nationals made multiple trades. The first saw them send pitcher Danny Rosenbaum to the Red Sox for catcher Dan Butler. Meanwhile, pitcher Tyler Clippard was shipped to the A's in exchange for shortstop Yunel Escobar.
The Bravestraded catcher/outfielder Evan Gattis to the Astros. In return they received three prospects: Pitcher Mike Foltynewicz, third baseman Rio Ruiz, and pitcher Andrew Thurman.
The Marlinssigned relief pitcher Nick Masset to a minor league contract. Masset spent 2014 with the Rockies where he turned in a 5.80 ERA.
Around the Major Leagues
A handful of players across the major leagues avoided arbitration by agreeing to deals with their teams. The list includes Drew Stubbs, Ivan Nova, Tyler Chatwood, Jordan Lyles, and Chris Carter.
The Marinersmade a trade to acquire pitcher Mike Kickham from the Cubs. In exchange, they sent minor leaguer Lars Huijer to Chicago. In a related move, the Mariners designated pitcher Anthony Fernandez for assignment to make room for Kickham.
Johan Santanagot into a game for the first time during his comeback effort in his native Venezuela. He threw 17 pitches over two innings. He has not pitched in the major leagues since 2012, but the Yankees are reportedly interested.
The owners meetings will be taking place soon. Among the issues to be discussed: pace of play concerns.
This Day in Mets History
Today is former Mets hitting coach Tom Robson's 70th birthday. While never amounting to much as a player, players under his tutelage including John Olerud and Edgardo Alfonzo have sung his praises.