david wright 2

Good Morning everyone. David Wright of the New York Mets spoke with the media in length on Tuesday regarding the recovery from his most recent significant injury and the course he is taking to get back on the diamond.

The 34-year-old captain of the team advised the media that Opening Day is his ultimate goal but knows he must temper expectations. ““For me, it’s about putting in the work necessary for today and this week, and hopefully everything falls into place,” Wright said. “(Opening Day) is obviously the goal, but there’s a few hurdles I have to clear.”

LATEST METS NEWS

Travis d’Arnaud has entered camp with a new swing for the 2017 season. Gone is the looping wave that he sported in 2016 as he now sports a new swing that is “more compact, more consistent, a lot shorter.” He also stated that he is working on his throwing after a previous season that was not kind to him behind the dish. “Just consistency,” d’Arnaud said. “Doing the same thing every single day to make sure I get the same feeling when I throw, so when a game comes around I know exactly where my feet are and everything.” Read more from columnist Matt Ehalt at NorthJersey.com and Chris Palladino at CBS New York.

Robert Gsellman spoke with the media on Tuesday at Tradition Field of his inability to swing a bat while with the Mets in 2016. The 23-year-old pitcher had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder this offseason and is now able to swing yet again. “It stinks standing in the box and looking at pitches — and bunting gets boring sometimes,” Gsellman said. “But now I’m ready.” Read more from columnist Mike Puma in the NY Post.

Jeurys Familia arrived to camp on Tuesday after being a day late because of a visa issue in his native Dominican Republic. The Mets closer would not speak on the looming suspension that hangs over his head due to being arrested on suspicion of domestic violence on October 31. ““First of all, getting together here today, I’d really like to focus on baseball-related questions,” Familia stated in Spanish. “My lawyers’ advice is to really not talk about my case.” Read more from columnist Kristie Ackert in the NY Daily News and Marc Carig on Newsday.

NL EAST RUMBLINGS

The Washington Nationals enter spring training without a true closer on their roster. Manager, Dusty Baker spoke with the media yesterday on his expectation of having a player step up to take the role. “”Well, without a real, bona fide closer, somebody always emerges,” Baker said. “I don’t like ‘by committee’ because when the phone rings, I want guys to know mentally when they might be in the game.”

The Atlanta Braves will enter 2017 with a new found confidence after finish last season strong. Manager, Brian Snitker advised while speaking to reporters that the optimism the team has is real. “For me, it’s legit,” Snitker said. “I think our club, what we did and what we accomplished and how we ended and going into this year, it’s a legit feeling.” Read more from columnist Cory McCartney at Fox Sports South.

The Philadelphia Phillies have their own optimism heading into 2017 as some of the key members of their pitching staff return from injury. Zach Eflin spoke with reporters on Tuesday of getting back on the mound after a pair of surgeries sidelined him in 2016. “It’s been a very, very long time since I’ve been able to walk on knees that felt good,” Eflin said. “So I’m excited. I feel great and I’m ready to go.” Read more from columnist Jim Salisbury on CSN Philly.

RECENTLY ON MMO

Joe D advised on the Mets intention to have Jay Bruce see some time at first base during Grapefruit League games this spring.

Chris Gaine takes a look at all of the changes the Metropolitans have gone through since Zack Wheeler last pitched in a game.

Over at MetsMinors.net, Matthew Brownstein spoke with Mets third base prospect, Blake Tiberi in an exclusive interview.

TODAY IN METS HISTORY

The New York Mets took another shot on Jason Isringhausen in 2011, signing him to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. He would earn his 300th save this season when the Mets defeated the San Diego Padres by a score of 5-4 on August 15, 2011.

Born on this day are former Mets, Chuck Estrada, who turns 79 and Barry Jones, who turns 54.

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