2) Carlos Beltran made a lasting impression on David Wright >> (Lennon, Newsday)
3) Unlike the Yankees, the Mets Definitely Do Not Have a Ban on Facial Hair >> (Diamond, Wall Street Journal)
4) Landon Powell opens up about death of his infant daughter >> (Martino, Daily News)
'I came out and it was a little stiff,' Wheeler told reporters yesterday. 'It's early in the spring. We've still got a month left, so I don't want to risk a bigger injury and be out longer.'
The Mets have described Wheeler's injury as a mild strain of his oblique, although they have not set a timetable for him to return.
'The big promise that we've got coming, it's on the mound,' Terry Collins said, according to Tyler Kepner of the New York Times. 'You're certainly not going to take a chance. You've got to be very, very careful, because we're not going to do anything to hurt this guy.'
Michael Baron, MetsBlog.com:
There probably isn't much to be concerned about just yet. It's more disappointing than anything else, because I want to see him throw and continue to generate the excitement he has already created over the first month of camp. But there is absolutely no reason to play this aggressively, have him start throwing again prematurely, change his mechanics, and do damage elsewhere. And, in all probability, Wheeler was slated to start his season in the minor leagues anyway. But if this lingers, it could impact his ability to be ready for Opening Day, which in turn could have an impact on his arrival in Flushing, should he prove ready.
'He's the future,' Collins said. 'We're not going to subject that leg to getting torn up. Eventually things may change.'
In 2011, after a violent collision at home plate ended Buster Posey's season, Giants manager Bruce Bochy instructed his All-Star catcher to no longer block home plate when a player is trying to score.
According to Buster Olney of ESPN.com, Bochy (a former catcher) and Cardinals manager Mike Matheny (also a former catcher) both support a rule change that would ban home plate collisions.
Brian Erni, MetsBlog.com:
To me, this is good news. Listen, if the Mets made it to Game 7 of the World Series, I'm sure Terry would change the rule. But ask any Giants fan what they would have rather have had ' Buster Posey for the entire 2011 season or that run being cut down and winning a May game against the Marlins ' and I think you'll have your answer. The game has changed. How often do these big collisions happen at home plate? Once every few months? For the one or two runs saved a season, is it really worth risking the end a promising career?
The Mets rebuilding effort has a lot invested in d'Arnaud, and there's no reason to unnecessarily jeopardize that. Does it seem counterintuitive to trying to win baseball games? Maybe. But, as we've seen before when Mike Piazza played here, having a major piece of your team play the catcher's position changes the rules a bit. I'm all for this.
Wilmer Flores is working hard to find a spot with the Mets (Carig, Newsday).
The starting five in the Mets' rotation is set, but their backup plan is less certain (Castillo, Star Ledger).
Lucas Duda is tinkering, but not panicking (Diamond, Wall Street Journal).
Jenrry Mejia's pitching identity has become a string of question marks (Kerwick, Bergen Record).
Michael Baron, MetsBlog.com:
Mejia's struggles yesterday could be because he was late to camp, but I also wonder if he's time is starting to pass. He's been jerked around so much between being a starter and a reliever, and he missed an entire year due to Tommy John Surgery. He's still young, so I hope he can develop into the pitcher everyone envisioned in 2010. But, if that's going to happen, he needs to develop consistent command of his secondary pitches, and evolve from being a thrower into a pitcher'
Jenry Mejia will start for the Mets (1-1) today at 1 pm, when they face the Marlins (1-1) at Roger Dean Stadium.
Today's game will not be on SNY or WFAN, but you can follow the game online at MLB.com.
Cory Mazzoni, Latroy Hawkins, Jeurys Familia, Scott Atchison and Josh Edgin are also scheduled to pitch for the Mets.
Ricky Nolasco will start for the Marlins, after which Steve Cishek, Raudel Lazo, Michael Wuertz, Mike Dunn, Chad Qualls, and Chris Hatcher will take the mound.
2) LaTroy Hawkins received a phone call from his brother recently that reminded him to appreciate the opportunity still in front of him >> (Puma, New York Post)
3) In some ways, it's as if Davey Johnson has gone back in time to when he was the cockiest manager in baseball >> (Harper, Daily News)
4) Darryl Strawberry and John Franco believe in the 2013 Mets >> (DeMarzo, New York Post)
5) When it comes to the outfield, both the Yankees and Mets are operating without much of a safety net >> (Lennon, Newsday)
The Mets defeated the University of Michigan by the score of 5-2 at Tradition Field today.
For a full recap and box score, check out CBS Sports.
The Mets (1-0-1) and Astros (1-0-1) finished in a 7-7 tie in Kissimmee today.
For a full recap and box score, check out SNY.TV.
The Mets will host the Nationals tomorrow night at Tradition Field, with Collin McHugh facing Gio Gonzalez at 6:10 pm.
Here, Brian Erni of MetsBlog.com chats with WFAN's Josh Lewin about covering the Mets and missing Johan Santana's no-hitter:
In case you missed it, this past weekend'
The Mets defeated the Nationals on Saturday, during which Zack Wheeler allowed just one hit with a walk while striking out two in two innings.
Pedro Feliciano has a small hole in his heart, which is not life threatening, However, he will wear a heart monitor and not participate in baseball activities for at least two weeks.
Daniel Murphy is still sidelined with a strained muscle, though he was working out in the field on Saturday.
David Wright will leave for the WBC after this Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Tigers.
The Mets signed 1B Rhyne Hughes to a minor league contract.
Today's 6:10 pm game between the Mets and Nationals at Tradition Field will be on SNY,
In yesterday's 5-3 over the Nationals, Zack Wheeler made his Grapefruit League debut and allowed just one hit with a walk while striking out two over two innings.
'He's very similar to [Dwight Gooden],'' Wally Backman told Kevin Kernan of the New York Post. 'I think Doc's breaking ball was a little bit bigger, but this kid has got, to me, real high expectations. When you see this kid throw 98 in the eighth inning as a starting pitcher, that's what's impressive. He's nice and easy, has great mechanics. He should stay healthy a long time.''
Wheeler walked the first batter he faced and also allowed a hit in the same inning, but did not allow a run to score.
'There wasn't really nerves,' Wheeler said, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York. 'I was just a little pumped up going out there. After I got settled down, after the first couple of batters, I think everything went well. I was getting underneath my slider a little bit. It was backing up. But I still got some swings and misses off of it.'
Despite the impressive performance, Terry Collins said after the game Wheeler will likely head to Triple-A Las Vegas to start the season, regardless of Johan Santana's situation.
Michael Baron, MetsBlog.com:
That was fun to watch. He was clearly amped up to start the game, as he ended up walking the first batter he faced and got behind the second one. But after a conference at the mound with the infielders, Wheeler settled in and simply mowed through the Washington hitters for two innings. He never lost his composure, maintained his approach, and managed to strand a runner at third after striking out two batters in his first inning of work. The most impressive part of his outing was how he responded to the jitters and early adversity ' he was able to find the zone, battle through the leadoff walk, and shut the Nationals down in a difficult situation.If it wasn't evident before, it should be clear now: Wheeler is very close. The thought of Wheeler being paired up with Matt Harvey at the top of the rotation is very enticing, and the fan in me doesn't want to be patient about Wheeler's promotion, even though I know a delay is both likely and necessary. He has become mechanically sound and has harnessed his secondary pitches to the point he probably needs only a small amount of innings at Triple-A before being promoted. What's more, he clearly has grown mentally, can make mental and physical adjustments on the fly, and he knows how to limit damage when he struggles.
Even if he goes to Vegas and gets lit up in the hitter-friendly PCL to start the year, I wouldn't be too concerned as long as his mechanics and approach remain the same. The important part of the assignment will be to build innings and arm strength, not the results. It will be worth watching how he responds to being hit hard, should it happen. Does he change that approach if they pound him? Does he try and do too much and change mechanically if he doesn't realize success? The Mets do not intend to change anything for him while he's out there, and so those are the tests at hand for him.
To read more about Wheeler's performance yesterday, check out the New York Post, Newsday, Daily News, Star Ledger, Bergen Record, and ESPN New York,
The Mets announced they have signed 1B Rhyne Hughes to a minor league contract.
Hughes will report to minor league camp.
Hughes, 29, played his only season in the Major Leagues in 2010 with the Orioles. In 14 games that season, Hughes hit .213 with a .275 OBP and four RBI in 51 plate appearances.
In 75 games for Double-A Bowie last season, Hughes hit .278 with a .370 OBP, 13 home runs and 51 RBI in 313 plate appearances. He's hit .271 with a .342 OBP with 102 home runs in 799 career minor league games over eight seasons.
Pedro Feliciano told reporters has a small hole in his heart, but it is not life threatening.
Feliciano feels fine, although he did not indicate if he was cleared for baseball activities.
Meanwhile, Kristie Ackert of the Daily News says Feliciano is scheduled to participate in this morning's drills at Tradition Field.
Yesterday, Sandy Alderson told reporters Feliciano returned to New York for a follow-up to his physical.
Feliciano is 22-19 with a 3.31 ERA in 459 appearances over eight big league seasons. He has not pitched in the Major Leagues since he left the Mets after the 2010 season after battling shoulder problems.
MLBPA union head Michael Weiner believes David Wright saved the Mets money on his new contract (Puma, NY Post).
Weiner also says the Mets will have to spend more on their big league payroll to be competitive (Carig, Newsday).
Dan Warthen is looking for Josh Edgin to take a more cerebral approach to his camp this spring (Puma, NY Post).
Pedro Feliciano finally feels at home now that he's back with the Mets (Ackert, Daily News).
David Wright is starting to speak his mind, now that the Mets have secured him for the next eight years (Harper, Daily News).
Ike Davis is ready to play a key role with the Mets (Castillo, Star Ledger).
Lucas Duda is continuing to learn defense on the fly (Kerwick, Star Ledger).
Dillon Gee had a worry-free winter, even though he was recovering from a clot in his shoulder (Keh, NY Times).
The Mets plan to be more aggressive on the base paths this season, even though they don't have much team speed (Diamond, Wall Street Journal).
Michael Baron, MetsBlog.com:
As Diamond says in his report, the Mets don't need to steal more bases to be a better on the base paths. They don't have much speed, so that's going to be a difficult challenge to overcome anyway. Rather, the Mets need to evolve from being a station-to-station team, steal at strategic times as a unit, and get on base more consistently to be better.
This morning was photo day at Tradition Field, when players cycle through station to station taking official team pictures for television, scoreboard graphics and MLB.com'
1) Players busted for doping won't find any sympathy from David Wright >> (Carig, Newsday)
2) Wally Backman knows he will have a tough task managing minor-leaguers in Las Vegas >> (Diamond, Wall Street Journal)
3) Zack Wheeler provides fans with mix of hope and cynicism >> (Vaccaro, New York Post)
4) Wheeler's journey to doorstep of the Majors took years of hard work honing talent >> (DiComo, MLB.com)
5) Wheeler made an immediate impression among fans and players during his bullpen session yesterday (Kerwick >> Bergan Record)
Vinny Cartiglia, MetsBlog.com:
Like I said yesterday, Wheeler looked electric. And, you didn't have to be a scout to know this. The players reactions told the entire story.
Daniel Murphy received a cortisone injection at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York on Tuesday, and is listed as day-to-day, the team announced.
Murphy was sent to New York this morning after he pulled his intercostal muscle during workouts this week.
Sandy Alderson said on Monday he expects Murphy to miss a week.
According to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, Frank Francisco could be cleared to begin light throwing within four to five days.
Feb. 20, 9:03 am: Dan Warthen said Francisco could begin throwing on Monday, but there are no guarantees right now (Puma, NY Post).
Feb. 19, 3:02 pm: Francisco's elbow has improved somewhat, although Terry Collins did not offer a timeline for Francisco to begin throwing (Carig, Newsday).
Francisco had surgery to remove bone chips from his elbow in December. He had been shutdown early in camp after experiencing discomfort in his elbow.
Francisco went 1-3 with a 5.53 ERA in 48 relief appearances in 2012, having allowed 26 earned runs, 47 hits, 21 walks with 47 strikeouts in 42 1/3 innings in 2012 ' he was shutdown after September 16 after being diagnosed with right elbow soreness.
1) The Mets should focus on getting 1,000 innings from their starters >> (Diamond, Wall Street Journal)
2) David Wright wasn't the only Mets player to pop the question this off-season >> (Keh, New York Times)
3) The Mets chance at shocking the world emanates from their pitching >> (Davidoff, New York Post)
4) The Mets need a Captain to Wright the ship >> (Ackert, Daily News)
Vinny Cartiglia, MetsBlog.com:
Whether Wright gets a C on his jersey or not, it is very obvious watching him around Tradition Field that he is the captain anyway. There is a presence about him and he is clearly the team's leader and best player. He doesn't need a C on his chest to prove it.
Matthew Cerrone, MetsBlog.com:
The players arrive early, usually around 7:30 or so, though tomorrow that will probably be earlier since the team has media training at 8 am. They arrive, shower, eat breakfast at their lockers or together at a small table, then suit up for the field.
I get here around 8 am, and most of the player's parking lot is already full.
The coaching staff typically meets as a group around 8 am in the private conference room to talk about the day ahead. Players are invited to do early work in the gym or indoor batting cage, but it's not required. The team will meet today on field at 9:30 am to do active stretch and conditioning, which lasts up to 40 minutes.
The team then breaks in to four groups (pitchers, catchers, infielders and outfielders) to do a variety of organized, pre-planned drills and programs to work on team fundamentals (pick off plays, cut off throws, double plays, etc.) and individual fundamentals (groundballs, live BP, etc.). Batting practice usually starts around 11:30 am, during which pitchers usually do PFP (pitcher fielding practice, such as fielding bunts, covering first, etc). This will last an hour, maybe less, after which the groups break, some stop to sign autographs, and they move in to the clubhouse for a post-workout workout and lunch. Terry Collins will typically talk reporters from the media room just after practice, after which players, starting around 2 pm, begin trickling out from the clubhouse to the parking lot, one by one in street clothes, to leave for the day.
Mets single game, regular season tickets will go on sale Friday, March 1 at 10:00 a.m.
To learn more, go to Mets.com or call (718) 507-TIXX.
1) LaTroy Hawkins vividly recalls pitching against Michael Jordan >> (Castillo, Star-Ledger)
2) From the looks of next year's free agent market, the Mets could very easily continue their pattern of foolish spending if they're not careful >> (Madden, Daily News)
3) The Mets bullpen will rely on a mix of youth and experience >> (Castillo, Star-Ledger)
4) Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler are equally confident, but their personalities could not be more different >> (Keh, New York Times)
5) John Buck gives the Mets a veteran presence behind the plate >> (Davidoff, New York Post)
Vinny Cartiglia, MetsBlog.com:
Buck and d'Arnaud continue to spend time with each other on field and off the field. I like the idea of a veteran mentoring a younger player. Buck should be able to help d'Arnaud, as well as some of the younger pitchers on this staff, given his track record and experience.
Vinny Cartiglia, MetsBlog.com:
The wind has calmed down and the sun is shining in Port St. Lucie this morning. Terry Collins will hold a closed-door meeting with the club at 9 a.m. before the team heads outside for their first full-squad workout of the Spring.
There is still a small chance the Mets sign free-agent closer Jose Valverde, an industry source told Ken Davidoff of the New York Post.
According to Davidoff's source, the Mets view Valverde as 'a 5 out of 10.'
2:15 PM: If Valverde does not get a big league deal somewhere else, the Mets will consider him at a later date. (Martino, Daily News)
1:14 PM: A team insider says the chances of signing Valverde is 'really, really unlikely.' (Rubin, ESPN NY).
Matthew Cerrone, MetsBlog.com:
Sandy Alderson told media he was done acquiring relievers after finalizing a deal with Brandon Lyon, which is probably way the door is 'ajar,' in regards to signing Valverde, as Davidoff puts it'
By the way, Davidoff is persuasive, because I had little interest in Valverde. However, after reading his report, I'm intrigued. The thing is, Parnell was probably a better overall pitcher last year. It's Valverde's track record, though, that makes him worth considering, especially on a one-year contract. I'm on board, so long as it's for one year and Parnell is given a fair shot to win the closer's role away, because he's earned it and he's been told he's earned it ' and I don't see what that should change if Valverde strolls in to camp one day.
Michael Baron, MetsBlog.com:
He struggled last year and lost his job as closer late in the season, after what was a dominant 2011. Hitters started making more contact and his velocity dipped, but he still throws hard enough and he's been a colorful and intimidating closer in his career'
Feb. 3: The Mets are interested in Valverde, but unlikely to sign Francisco Rodriguez or Brian Wilson (Rubin, ESPN NY).
Feb. 3: The Tigers, Reds, Marlins and Blue Jays are all still looking for bullpen help (Cafardo, Boston Globe).
Stats: Valverde, 34, went 3-4 with a 3.78 ERA in 71 games, having saved 35 games in 40 opportunities in 2012. He allowed 27 walks with 48 strikeouts in 69 innings last season.
Contract: Valverde earned $9 million in an option which was part of a two-year, $14 million deal he signed before the 2010 season.
There is still a small chance the Mets sign free-agent closer Jose Valverde, an industry source told Ken Davidoff of the New York Post.
According to Davidoff's source, the Mets view Valverde as 'a 5 out of 10.'
Matthew Cerrone, MetsBlog.com:
Sandy Alderson told media he was done acquiring relievers after finalizing a deal with Brandon Lyon, which is probably way the door is 'ajar,' in regards to signing Valverde, as Davidoff puts it.
By the way, Davidoff is persuasive, because I had little interest in Valverde. However, after reading his report, I'm intrigued. The thing is, Parnell was probably a better overall pitcher last year. It's Valverde's track record, though, that makes him worth considering, especially on a one-year contract. I'm on board, so long as it's for one year and Parnell is given a fair shot to win the closer's role away, because he's earned it and he's been told he's earned it ' and I don't see what that should change if Valverde strolls in to camp one day.
Michael Baron, MetsBlog.com:
He struggled last year and lost his job as closer late in the season, after what was a dominant 2011. Hitters started making more contact and his velocity dipped, but he still throws hard enough and he's been a colorful and intimidating closer in his career'
Feb. 3: The Mets are interested in Valverde, but unlikely to sign Francisco Rodriguez or Brian Wilson (Rubin, ESPN NY).
Feb. 3: The Tigers, Reds, Marlins and Blue Jays are all still looking for bullpen help (Cafardo, Boston Globe).
Stats: Valverde, 34, went 3-4 with a 3.78 ERA in 71 games, having saved 35 games in 40 opportunities in 2012. He allowed 27 walks with 48 strikeouts in 69 innings last season.
Contract: Valverde earned $9 million in an option which was part of a two-year, $14 million deal he signed before the 2010 season.
Terry Collins told reporters on Saturday Jordany Valdespin will focus his efforts on infield work this Spring.
'He played a lot of outfield in winter ball. This spring, we need to put him back in the infield a little bit,' Collins said. 'We know if, need be, we can play him in the outfield. We need to take a look at him in the infield right now.'
Collins said he would like to see the patience he displayed in the second half of winter ball translate to the Major League level this season.
Earlier this week, Terry Collins said Valdespin was a candidate for a full-time outfield spot, and he's also looking at both Justin Turner and Zach Lutz as possibilities to play the outfield in some capacity.
Michael Baron, MetsBlog.com:
Valdespin will have competition with Brandon Hicks, Brian Bixler, and Omar Quintanilla, and so I don't think he's a lock for the big league roster out of camp. Valdespin has the most talent of any of his competition, and while he showed some improvement in his plate discipline this winter, he has yet to show he can be more than a utility infielder at the big league level. Like last year, Valdespin's value might be greatest as a left-handed pinch hitter of the bench, and the Mets need to get a little more right-handed on this roster.For Valdespin's thoughts on his role this season as well as 2012, check out Marc Carig's report for Newsday.
For the rest of Saturday's photos, be sure to check out Michael Baron's gallery for SNY.TV here.
Ken Davidoff of the New York Post wonders if David Wright can surpass Derek Jeter's accomplishments?
Also in the Post, Wright told Davidoff it's 'underserved' principal owner Fred Wilpon compared him to Jeter.
Andrew Keh of the New York Times writes, 'If things work out as d'Arnaud and the Mets hope, he could be a standout behind the plate for the next decade.'
Marlon Byrd feels he's an idiot for getting caught taking PED's last season, according to Mike Kerwick of the Bergen Record.
Jorge Castillo of the Star Ledger says Jon Niese is hoping to give the Mets more quality innings in 2013.
Terry Collins said Jenrry Mejia is being viewed as a starting pitcher right now.
'At this particular moment, because of the year he spent hurt, and what we saw last year with his success as a starter as opposed to a reliever, he's going to start,' Collins said. Is it going to be here? As of now with our staff, probably not. But he's in the top seven.'
Collins didn't know whether or not Mejia could come up before Zack Wheeler, in the event the Mets need an arm for the rotation.
'That's a tough one to answer. I have no idea. A lot will be determined on how they throw this spring,' Collins said.
Michael Baron, MetsBlog.com:
The Mets need to see what they have in Mejia. And, regardless of how he profiles in the future, Mejia needs to pitch in the role he feels most comfortable. He also needs to pitch in that determined role, whether it's at Double-A, Triple-A, or in the big leagues. The Mets can't jerk him around anymore and use him to fill gaps and needs.I often wonder how he has been affected by this fluctuating role he's been in as well as not pitching that much over the last couple of years. I am concerned that between the injury and the lack of consistency in his development might keep Mejia from evolving into the pitcher they want him to ultimately become.
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Yesterday, Terry Collins told reporters he doesn’t want Johan Santana pitching in the World Baseball Classic. However, only if it helps Santana prepare for the season, Collins has no problem with Santana pitching in the tournament. “He told me he wanted me to pitch,” Collins explained. “I said ‘listen, I want you to understand one [...]
Terry Collins says the veterans competing for bullpen spots have an advantage in the competition this spring, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.
'A lot of times [veterans] come out of spring training and they are ready,' Collins said according to Puma. 'Where the kid coming out making his first major league team out of spring training, you're not sure how they are going to react early in the year. ' One of the things I've always thought, the middle of the season you bring those young guys up and the energy is regained in the clubhouse.'
The Mets signed RHP Scott Atchison, RHP Latroy Hawkins, LHP Pedro Feliciano to minor league contracts, and signed RHP Brandon Lyon to a Major League contract this winter.
Michael Baron, MetsBlog.com:
I agree with Collins, although it's worth noting how poorly the bullpen performed with established veterans in it last year. But the bullpen is a crapshoot every year, and who is down there on Opening Day won't necessarily be there later in the season. And, with Frank Francisco being a huge question mark to start the season healthy, that leaves the door open for one of the younger guys to make the roster, Greg Burke, a right-handed submariner who is on the 40-man roster.The Mets absolutely need to carry two left-handed relievers on the roster. They got killed with Tim Byrdak being the lone lefty in the bullpen last year, and he became overworked and eventually needed major shoulder surgery. Collins has already expressed a desire to carry two lefties in the bullpen, which is good news. If they do so, I would expect Josh Edgin will be one of them, and either Feliciano or Robert Carson will be the other. However, I expect the Mets will take Feliciano north if he's healthy ' the Mets can use an option on Carson and maintain flexibility with his 40-man roster spot this season.
