Your Thursday morning dose of New York Mets and MLB news, notes, and links.
Meet the Mets
Matthew Cerrone of Metsblog reported that the Brewers were more likely to trade Ryan Braun than Norichika Aoki for Ike Davis, and that the Mets had discussed Braun internally. However, Andy Martino of the NY Daily News says that the Brewers aren't looking to trade Braun at the moment. Predictably, Brew Crew Ball didn't take too well to the rumor.
Wednesday was the deadline for teams to add players to their 40 man rosters ahead of the Rule 5 Draft. The Mets decided to protect four minor-league pitchers: right-handers Jacob deGrom, Erik Goeddel, and Jeff Walters, along with left-hander Steven Matz.
In their hunt for a free agent starting pitcher, the Mets are more likely to go after Phil Hughes than Bronson Arroyo.
Once again, the Mets have found themselves surprised by the prices on the free-agent market.
Around the Majors
The Tigers and Rangersmade a stunning trade on Wednesday night, with Detroit sending first baseman Prince Fielder to Texas for second baseman Ian Kinsler. The Tigers will eat $30 million of the $168 million still owed on Fielder's contract. It's a trade that makes sense for both sides. The Tigers will now be able to move Miguel Cabrera back to first base and have more money to re-sign Max Scherzer, while Fielder will provide a large upgrade over the .223/.295/.405 line the Rangers got from their first basemen in 2013.The trade has implications for the Mets, as it likely ends any chance of the Rangers trading infielders Elvis Andrus or Jurickson Profar.
Alex Rodriguez decided to employ a scorched earth tactic after finding out MLB commissioner Bud Selig would not testify at his arbitration hearing related to his 211-game suspension for PED use. Rodriguez walked out of the hearing, saying he was "disgusted" with the process and called it a "farce." He later appeared on the Mike Francesa show on WFAN. Among other things, Rodriguez vehemently denied using any PEDs or obstructing any investigations, and said that he believes Selig has a personal vendetta against him.
At a press conference, the Cardinals announced a three-year extension for manager Mike Matheny. They also announced the retirement of long-time ace Chris Carpenter. The right-hander finishes his career with a 3.76 ERA and 38.9 fWAR in 2219.1 innings.
The Dodgers have shown interest in righty Dan Haren.
Marlins fans may be able to do Jazz Hands in 2014, as Miami has contacted third baseman Juan Uribe.
Gwen Knapp of SportsonEarth examinedBarry Bonds' life after baseball.
Baseball Prospectus highlighted 10 free agents who will likely be overpaid this offseason.
Yesterday At AA
Jeffrey Kopman looked at five players on the Mets roster and gave his thoughts on what must be done with them.
On this date in Mets history, Tommie Agee became the first Mets player to ever win a Gold Glove.
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