Your Friday morning dose of New York Mets and Major League Baseball news, notes, and links.
Meet the Mets
Michael Cuddyermet the press on Thursday. Turns out if his bat isn't what its cracked up to be, he can always entertain the team with some magic tricks.
Fake Teams goes in-depth with Zack Wheeler analysis. The young right-hander could improve in 2015 by being more aggressive with his outstanding fastball.
Here's a special item for our readers that want to be cremated in style.
On this date in Mets history: Ralph Kiner was finally elected into the Hall of Fame in 1975.
Around the National League East
The Phillies are thinking of bringing in Chad Billingsley. The veteran right-hander could serve as trade bait this summer.
Talking Chop takes a look back at the trade that sent Justin Upton to Atlanta, which happened two years ago this Saturday.
Around the Majors
Although he's still banned from baseball for life, Pete Rose will apparently be present at this summer's All-Star Game in Cincinnati. That's according to Reds owner Bob Castellini.
On Sunday, Rob Manfred will officially become the commissioner of Major League Baseball.
The New York Times has a story on how the Max Scherzer contract can teach us about inflation.
Craig Calcaterra has some welcome criticism for "questions" starting with "talk about..." and the state of the postgame press conference.
Although Johan Santana was recently shut down due to shoulder problems, it turns out that there is no structural damage, and the legendary lefty may continue to pitch in the Venezuelan playoffs.
Over at Lookout Landing, The Bad Baseball Card Tournament is down to the semifinals.
Yesterday at Amazin' Avenue
Michael McCarty made the case for Billy Wagner to be elected to the Hall of Fame.
Colby Conetta reminds us all of Rob Johnson as part of his Forgotten Mets series.