Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Mets fans!

The Mets (20-10) split a doubleheader with the Phillies (12-16) on Sunday, taking the second game by a score of 6-1 after falling in the opener, 3-2. Max Scherzer started the first game, and it was clear he did not have his best stuff. Despite giving up three earned runs on ten hits (seven of which had exit velocities under 80 mph), Scherzer was able to put together a quality start, lasting six innings and punching out seven. However, the New York bats were not (yet) hot, and were able to muster only a couple of runs, via a James McCann RBI groundout and a Francisco Lindor double.

However, game two saw a much better approach by the Metsies. A well-rounded game led to a doubleheader split and a series win over the Phillies. Pete Alonso provided all the offense the Mets needed. In the first inning, Alonso hit his sixth homer of the year, a two-run shot bringing in Lindor. Alonso did it again in the sixth inning, this time a 426-foot three-run blast, giving the Mets a comfortable lead. Chris Bassitt improved to 4-2, giving the team 5 2/3 innings and allowing just one run. Chasen Shreve, Drew Smith, and Seth Lugo were excellent out of the ‘pen, making it a non-stressful end of the afternoon.

Today, the Mets have an off day, their third in four days after a couple of rainouts. On Tuesday, the Mets welcome the Nationals (10-20) to town for a three-game set.

Let’s get into the rest of the news.

Latest Mets News

The recently released Robinson Cano is back to work, sharing a video of him taking swings.

Latest MLB News

After their ninth inning meltdown on Thursday night, the Phillies players gathered in a players-only meeting, led by Bryce Harper. Read more about what Harper said in this article by Alex Coffey.

Prior to Sunday’s games, the Phillies put a couple of starting pitchers, including Zack Wheeler, on the COVID list.

Read this great article from Anthony Castrovince about the Mothers in baseball, and how they’ve been making noise on social media, including Ms. Megill.

Former Met Juan Lagares has been signed by the Angels, and the outfielder will look to crack the big-league club at age 33.

Latest on MMO

Nate Olshan gives an update on all the recent roster moves the Mets have made.

Mojo Hill breaks down the team’s success with two outs this season.

On This Date in Mets History

Birthdays: Aaron Harang (44)

Let’s go Mets!

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Split Doubleheader, Win Another Series appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Mets fans!

The Mets (16-7) defeated the Phillies (11-12) on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball by a score of 10-6. Max Scherzer (4-0, 2.61) gave up a few home runs but kept the Mets in it, and an offensive breakout, led by Dominic Smith and Jeff McNeil, propelled New York to victory. That’s seven straight series wins to start the season. Read a full game recap here.

Today, New York hosts Atlanta for a four-game series, with game one featuring Chris Bassitt (3-1, 2.25) for the Mets, and Max Fried (2-2, 3.00) for the Braves.

Latest Mets News

Austin Riley spoke to the feeling in the Braves’ clubhouse entering a midweek series at Citi Field.

Despite the long-ball issues that plagued him Sunday night, Scherzer seemed to have had some of his good stuff working, recording 9 strikeouts and 22 swings and misses. From Sarah Langs on Twitter:

Most games with 20+ swings & misses, pitch-tracking era (since 2008):

Max Scherzer: 81, Chris Sale: 46, Clayton Kershaw, 40 Jacob deGrom, 39 Justin Verlander, 39

Sunday’s start marks a fourth win in his early Mets tenure for Scherzer. Putting him in good company (via Langs):

Most strikeouts through 1st 5 starts with Mets:

2005 Pedro Martinez: 46 **2022 Max Scherzer: 42** 1966-68 Nolan Ryan: 39

Latest MLB News

In a game the Angels barely won, holding off the White Sox’ 9th inning comeback attempt to win 6-5, reigning MVP Shohei Ohtani was removed with right groin tightness. 

Four pitchers from the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Single-A affiliate of the Cubs, threw a combined no-hitter, a la New York Mets.

After playing 1,132 career minor league games, Jason Krizan recorded his first big-league hit.

The Braves optioned a pair of young pitchers as rosters are cut from 28 to 26.

Latest on MMO

James Villani wrote about the latest on Sean Reid-Foley‘s elbow injury.

Villani also took a dive into the Mets’ bullpen so far, who’s been hot and whose performance should improve.

John Flanigan gave an account of what Mets were the MVPs of April.

On This Date in Mets History

1974: Tom Seaver struck out 16 Dodgers hitters across 12 innings of three-hit ball, eventually earning a measly no-decision.

Let’s go Mets!

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Ride Seven-Series Winning Streak appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Apr 23, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil (1) hits an RBI triple in the fourth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Mets fans!

The Mets (12-5) were fueled by some more good starting pitching on Sunday — this time by Tylor Megill (3-0, 2.25) to take Sunday’s rubber game of a three-game set with the Arizona Diamondbacks (6-10), by a score of 6-2. Read a full recap of the win here.

Latest Mets News

The Cincinnati Reds have claimed Matt Reynolds off of waivers from the Mets. This year, Reynolds, 31, appeared in just one game for the Mets and did not come to the plate.

Manager Buck Showalter says that ace Jacob deGrom received a CT scan on Friday, and his MRI will take place today– Buck previously said that deGrom received both on Friday.

Latest MLB News

The Chicago White Sox announced that outfielder Eloy Jiménez would likely miss 6-8 weeks with an injury on Sunday morning.

Darien Nuñez of the Dodgers will have Tommy John surgery, ending his season.

Giants’ outfielder Mike Yastrzemski has reportedly tested positive for COVID, with mild symptoms.

The Tigers made a few roster moves, including reinstating former Met Javier Baez from the

Thanks to positive interactions with fans, Christian Pache has earned himself a well-deserved good reputation.

The Dodgers placed right-hander David Price on the 10-day IL on Sunday afternoon.

The Diamondbacks and Royals made a minor trade Sunday, with Arizona sending Matt Peacock for cash considerations.

Latest on MMO

Patrick Glynn wrote about Robinson Cano and how long his leash might be if his woes at the plate continue.

Read Ben Reimer’s recap about what’s happening down in the farm system.

On This Date in Mets History

Birthdays: Trevor Williams (30)

Let’s go Mets!

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Take Series Over Diamondbacks appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning Mets fans!

The Mets took the rubber game of a three-game set from the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday by a score of 5-0. David Peterson continued New York’s historic run of work from starting pitchers.

Today, the 7-2 Giants come into town as the two teams start a four-game series. It will be Tylor Megill (2-0, 0.00) up against Alex Cobb (1-0, 3.60).

Latest Mets News

Read a full recap of yesterday’s shutout win.

The Mets announced that they have dedicated their press box to the great Jay Horowitz.

Latest MLB News

Perennial MVP candidate Ronald Acuña Jr. will start a rehab stint with the Gwinnett Stripers, the Triple-A affiliate of MLB’s reigning champion Braves.

Mike Trout, who left yesterday’s game after being hit in the hand, is considered day-to-day after negative X-rays.

A 20-year-old phenom from Japan, Rosi Sasaki, followed up his perfect game last week with another eight innings of perfection on Saturday night. That’s 52 batters retired consecutively.

Buck Martinez, broadcaster for the Toronto Blue Jays, announced that he is battling cancer and will be stepping away from the booth for the time being. We wish Buck all the best.

Rich Hill will start today against the Twins, on Boston Marathon Monday, about a week after the passing of his father, who ran the marathon 37 times.

Latest on MMO

Patrick Glynn wrote about Jon Heyman’s report that the Mets are not a realistic suitor for Aaron Judge come free agency.

On This Date in Mets History

Birthdays: Rico Brogna (52)

Let’s go Mets!

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Take Rubber Game From Arizona appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Photo by Ed Delany of MMO

The post Morning Briefing: Scherzer’s Status Uncertain Three Days From Opening Day appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Good morning, Mets fans!

On Sunday, Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer combined forces, with the help of Francisco Lindor, to propel the Mets to a 7-3 spring victory over the Cardinals.

In other news, Starling Marte played right field in his Grapefruit League debut. His name-fellow, Ketel Marte of the Diamondbacks, signed an extension, and a future Hall-of-Famer might be back with an old club.

Latest Mets News

Opening Day starter Jacob deGrom made his second start of the spring, starting off a Mets victory by striking out the side, as he so often does. Tomas Nido smacked an opposite field home run to go along with Lindor’s pair of dingers, and the Mets improved to 5-3 in the spring. Read a full game recap here.

Scherzer has been earning respect from those around him, according to John Harper.

Latest MLB News

Ketel Marte inked a five-year, $76 million extension with Arizona. The swiss-army knife, who can play both middle infield positions as well as center field, had a seven WAR season as recently as 2019, and slashed .318/.377/.352 last year. This new contract gives Arizona’s star player more financial security, but will be looked back upon as a bargain if his production holds up.

Albert Pujols has been linked to the St. Louis Cardinals, the team by whom he was drafted in 1999 and with whom he played the first 11 years of his legendary career. Read Katie Woo of The Athletic’s full story here.

The Marlins signed left-handed pitcher Grant Dayton to a minor league deal Sunday. In 102.1 big league innings, the southpaw has a 3.43 ERA.

Latest on MMO

Matt Lazzaro details three key things which the Mets will need to go in their favor this year for 2022 to be successful.

Get some insight about the Mets’ two aces’ performances today.

Birthdays:

• Brad Emaus (36)
• Craig Paquette (54)
• Paul Wilson (49)

Let’s go Mets!

The post Morning Briefing: Ketel Marte Signs Extension, Pujols Rejoins Cardinals appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Mandatory Credit: Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Mets fans!

Sunday saw another large wave of deals get done, as well as a major trade. The Mets were one of many teams who made moves, signing reliever Adam Ottavino.

Latest Mets News

The Mets signed former Yankee relief pitcher Adam Ottavino to a one-year, $4M deal to strengthen the bullpen. Ottavino, 36, is an 11-year MLB veteran who spent the first chunk of his career in Colorado before heading to the Bronx and pitching for the Red Sox in 2021. Despite an inflated ERA the past couple of years (4.21 last year and 5.89 in the shortened 2020 season), Ottavino is a durable arm (60+ appearances in the previous four full seasons) who has only had one year in his career with a FIP above 4.00 (2017).

The Mets are holding an intrasquad game on Friday, March 18, free for fans to attend.

Steve Cohen spoke to the media about the new “Cohen Tax,” how the team is shaping up, and more. Watch it here.

The Mets come in at #5 in the first MLB.com pre-season power rankings, ahead of division rivals and reigning champion Braves. Click here for the full rankings.

Latest MLB News

The Yankees have got their shortstop. The bombers have acquired Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who was recently traded from the Rangers to the Twins, Josh Donaldson, and catcher Ben Rortvedt in exchange for Gary Sanchez and Gio Urshela. It’s a good trade for the Yankees, who get a strong defensive shortstop in IKF without giving up any prospects, but rather taking on Donaldson’s salary (2 years, 50M left) to provide the Twins some relief. The Yankees see Kiner-Falefa as a stopgap at shortstop until top prospect Anthony Volpe is ready.

The Twins swung a trade on Sunday, sending 2021 first-round draft pick Chase Petty to the Reds for two-time all-star Sonny Gray, as well as minor leaguer Francis Peguero. Minnesota has been looking to bolster its pitching staff, and Gray is a great get.

Right-handed reliever Brad Boxberger has signed a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Milwaukee Brewers to remain on the team he spent the 2021 season. Boxberger was steady for the Brew Crew last year, posting a 3.34 ERA in 64.2 strong innings.

41-year old free-agent Nelson Cruz signed a one-year deal with the Washington Nationals.

The Boston Red Sox and reliever Matt Strahm agreed to a one-year contract. The 30-year old right-hander has spent several seasons with the Padres and has had a walk rate under 2 per nine innings for three consecutive years.

Vince Velasquez signed a deal with the Chicago White Sox. Velazquez, a starting pitcher who has spent most of his career with the Phillies, will join a pitching staff anchored by Lucas Giolito.

Infielder Hanser Alberto signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers with a ’23 player option. Alberto is a glove-first player who can play all around the infield.

The Nationals signed veteran starter Anibal Sanchez. The right-hander last pitched in 2020 with the Nationals when he posted a 6.62 ERA in 53 innings.

The Red Sox are finalizing a deal with Jake Diekman to help the bullpen. It’s said to be a multi-year deal, with the amount not yet known. Diekman is a left-hander who excels at striking batters out (12.31 K/9 last year) but has always had control issues (5.01 career BB/9).

Joc Pederson, fresh off of a World Series championship with the Atlanta Braves, is drawing interest from multiple teams. One report states that the Cleveland Guardians are among those interested.

According to sources, the San Diego Padres are “aggressively shopping” Wil Myers and Eric Hosmer.

The Yankees re-signed speedy outfielder Tim Locastro to a one-year deal contract.

The Cubs re-signed 14-year veteran reliever, Jesse Chavez.

In non-free agent news, superstar Mike Trout may not be roaming center field when the season gets underway. Despite full health, Angels skipper Joe Madden said that Trout could see more time in a corner OF spot, with the speedy Brandon Marsh filling the eight spot.

Latest on MMO 

Jacob deGrom‘s health has been a question mark all offseason. Billy Eppler, however, gave some positive words about our ace’s status. Read more about it here.

Buck Showalter and Billy Eppler held a press conference yesterday. Read all about it in Patrick Glynn’s piece.

Glynn also asks and answers the question, “Do the Mets have the best rotation in baseball?”

On This Date in Mets History

Birthdays:

• Josh Stinson (34)

Let’s go Mets!

The post Morning Briefing: More Moves Around Baseball appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Good morning, Mets fans.

On Sunday, the most recent session of negotiating between the MLB and representatives from the MLB players’ association took place. From the current state of negotiation being described as a “deadlock” to both sides being upset with the other, we’ve got all the latest updates for you this morning.

Latest MLB News

MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reported that not only are owners “quite upset” about the players’ proposal, but that talks are now “deadlocked” and the possibility of losing more games seems to be in jeopardy.

The gap between the two sides’ ideal competitive balance tax, which has been a major block against hopes of this lockout ending soon, may be shrinking. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported that if players move in other important areas, they could include higher penalties on those who blow past the CBT.

Per Jesse Rogers of ESPN, MLB is seeking to institute new, shorter pitch clocks between pitches, proposing a 14 second one with runners on base, and 14 seconds with the bases empty. These two numbers have been experimented with in lower leagues, and MLB, in its effort to speed up pace of play, has asked for this change, among others.

Buster Olney reported that following the lockout, we are likely to see a wave of teams downsizing their budgets to make up for revenue lost. Olney speculates that it those taking the biggest hits from said cutting down will be veteran MLB players.

Glen Caplan, MLB’s special assistant of baseball operations, spoke about the players’ proposal, “The Players Association chose to come back to us w/a proposal that was worse than Monday night.” Read the full quote here.

Unsurprisingly, the union strongly denied claims that their proposal moved backwards. Read more about the two sides’ opinions on the proposal here.

Latest on MMO

Aaron Pags did a full unpacking of the MLBPA’s most recent proposal to the owners

Mojo Hill discussed why a 14-team playoff picture isn’t good for the game of baseball.

Patrick Glynn unpacked what exactly the “ghost win” that we have been hearing about in negotiations would mean in the MLB postseason.

On This Date in Mets History

Birthdays: Jeff Kent (54)

Let’s go Mets!

The post Morning Briefing: MLB Upset About Players’ Latest Proposal appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Good morning, Mets fans!

Sunday was another slow day in terms of news in the baseball world, as we await more meetings between the MLB and MLBPA this week. The two sides will meet today in person, and the word around the baseball industry is that once things gain some traction (which will hopefully happen this week), a deal could come to fruition quite quickly. Ideally, this will all occur this week to allow a deal to be finalized by February 28, which could lead to an on-time opening day.

Latest Mets News

Take some time on this baseball-less Monday to look back at some of Pete Alonso‘s most prolific home runs throughout his short career, as well as some of the underlying statistics that have led to the big slugger’s success at the plate.

Latest on MMO

Take a look at some photos from the Mets’ minor league camp, as the young guns start working at St. Lucie.

Read Patrick Glynn’s week 20 recap of the offseason to stay up to date on all things Mets.

Keith Law from The Athletic joined the Get Metsmerized podcast.

On This Date in Mets History

1974: Tom Seaver becomes the highest-paid pitcher in baseball history, signing a one-year deal worth a whopping $172,000.

Let’s go Mets!

The post Morning Briefing: MLB, MLPA Will Meet Again Today appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Good morning, Mets fans!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Not much happened yesterday in the baseball world, as the Super Bowl took the spotlight of the day — the L.A. Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals, 23-20, in a great game. Usually, we now say “It’s baseball season!” — but we might want to wait for this lockout to end to do that.

Latest MLB News

In tragic news, Calvin Jones, former No. 1 pick in the 1984 draft who pitched for the Mariners for two seasons, passed away on Saturday night from cancer. Jones went on to be a scout for the Dodgers, and signed Clayton Kershaw and Shawn Tolleson. May he rest in peace.

Latest on MMO

Rich Sparago wrote about the lockout and why there might just be some reason to have hope.

On This Date in Mets History

Birthdays: Tyler Clippard (37), Kelly Stinnett (52)

Let’s go Mets!

The post Morning Briefing: Happy Valentine’s Day! appeared first on Metsmerized Online.