Sunday Afternoon Notes Despite Sandy Alderson’s concern about the Mets outfield defense, manager Terry Collins indicated he is not worried about it. “We know Andres Torres is an outstanding defender,” Collins said. “We know the left fielder is a very good outfielder, and the kid who is playing right field is working as hard as any guy that I’ve ever been around, so he’s going to be comfortable in right field and that’s the key.” Johan Santana [...]

As all have you have seen in virtually every major media news outlet, Ryan Braun won his appeal of his positive PEDs test, lifting the 50-game suspension that was looming over him all winter, the first time any player has ever done so. Being such major news, we thought we’d have a few MMO staff members give their two cents on what they think of Braun’s beating the system and the fallout from this entire [...]

From 1983 to 1990, Darryl Strawberry was a staple for the Mets in right field.  In fact, for seven consecutive years (1984-90), no other rightfielder appeared on the Opening Day lineup card but the Straw Man.  But my, how things have changed over the past 22 seasons. If Lucas Duda is given the start on Opening Day in right field – and from all indications, it appears as if this will be the case – [...]

The New York Mets today announced that the team will wear a patch to honor Gary Carter during the 2012 season. Carter died on Feb. 16 after a courageous battle against brain cancer. The patch features a black home plate with “KID 8” in white lettering.  The patch will be worn on all Mets jerseys for the 2012 season, starting with the first spring training game on March 5.

Mets top pitching prospect Matt Harvey had everyone abuzz yesterday after an electric early spring performance while facing live batters. Teammates, coaches and everyone on hand raved about his velocity, his command, and the wicked movement on his breaking pitches. The baseball exploded out of his hand and bore down on hitters. Harvey exhibited a tremendous amount of mound presence and a confidence that caught Terry Collins’ immediate attention. The reviews are in: “Did you [...]

Well here it is, the end of the day on Saturday, but still no Ruben Tejada. But fear not, Terry Collins said that his young shortstop arrived at 3:00 PM. Collins added that he has planned a meeting with Tejada for 8:00 AM on Sunday morning and that he doesn’t plan to embarrass him, but will let him know of his disappointment and what his expectations are for him moving forward. I guess you can call it [...]

I had the chance to talk to New York Mets left-handed pitching prospect Hamilton Bennett by phone the other day. Ham is taking care of last minute preparations at his home in North Carolina before making the drive to Port St. Lucie, for the start of Spring Training. After being taken by the Mets in the 29th round of the 2010 MLB draft, Hamilton has now logged two very solid years in pro ball. In [...]

According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the Mets were “unimpressed” with Scott Kazmir’s showcase yesterday and that a reunion with Kazmir is “unlikely.” Last week, ESPN.com’s Buster Olney, reported the Mets are one of six teams that Scott Kazmir is considering signing with and that he could make a decision in the next few days. Sandy Alderson confirmed that and said via Twitter that the team would be scouting one of his workouts. Original Post 2/20: Scott [...]

When Sandy Alderson was asked what his expectations were for Lucas Duda last week on Twitter, he responded, “OPS, High OBP and big power. He put on another show in BP today.” I loved Terry Collins’ take much better. After watching his right fielder take a few pitches over the fence and out of the park he said, “This guy is going to be a monster.” Last week I had a little exchange with Seedlings [...]