jeurys familia

Good Morning everyone. New York Mets closer, Jeurys Familia made his spring debut on Monday, pitching a shaky third inning. Familia allowed one run on three hits and had a fielding gaffe, forgetting to cover first base on a Jose Altuve single that cost the team the third out of the inning. He will make at least one more appearance before leaving camp for the World Baseball Classic.

Manager, Terry Collins spoke of the need to get Familia going early and not being able to worry about a looming suspension. “You have got to get [Familia] ready for the season,” Collins said. “You can’t sit here because nobody knows how long, so you have got to get him ready, so that’s our job, and certainly right now, we’ve got to get him ready to go pitch the WBC. That is first and foremost because we don’t want to have anything happen at that tournament. We’ll get him ready, and when he gets back from that, we’ll get him ready to start the season.”

LATEST METS NEWS

Mike Puma of the New York Post writes on how both Michael Conforto and Wilmer Flores must show some versatility. He writes on Flores’ struggles with right-handed pitchers and Conforto’s likewise struggle, except with left-handed pitchers. Manager, Terry Collins spoke on Monday on how both players will get they exposure they need to face their struggles this spring. “Obviously you are not doing any [situational] pinch hitting down here,” Collins said. “But Michael is going to face lefties, and Wilmer is going to face righties any time because you just never know when you are going to need them to face those guys when the season starts, so it’s good, at least in spring training, to see those guys from the other side.”

Former New York Met, David Cone gave an exclusive interview to Bob Klapisch of the Record where he spoke of many different topics, including how he compares his affiliation to the Yankees and the Mets. “It’s hard not to feel an affiliation with the Yankees. I have four (world championship) rings, I threw a perfect game as a Yankee,” Cone said. “It’s an era I’m proud of and loyal to. I was Met at a different time in my life. That’s when I fell in love with New York City, which is why I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for them.”

Tim Tebow arrived at Port St. Lucie on Monday where he will work out on the minor league side of camp. The former Heisman Trophy winner held a press conference discussing what his ultimate goals are in regards to a baseball career. “One goal would be to get better every day. I know that sounds cliché, but that’s true,” Tebow said. “The other goal is to take the progress and things I’ve learned the last three months and apply those every single day. Not just hold on to the things I’ve worked on and improved on but continue to build onto those things and, when game time comes, to apply those and get hits and make outs and go have fun.” Read more from columnist Matt Ehalt on NorthJersey.com.

NL EAST RUMBLINGS

Former top prospect, Max Fried made his spring debut with the Atlanta Braves on Monday with a perfect inning. Fried, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery that he received in 2014. He was pleased with his outing as he retired some the Detroit Tigers most dangerous hitters including Miguel Cabrera. “That’s what you want to do,” Fried said. “These are the guy’s you want to face. For me, it was obviously a nice outing. I felt good. Everything is starting to click. My fastball command was really good. I couldn’t be happier.” Read more from columnist Michael Cunningham in the AJC.com.

New Philadelphia Phillies hitting coach, Matt Stairs has zoned in to focus on correcting third baseman, Maikel Franco‘s flaws. So far it has paid dividends as Franco hit his third home run this spring on Monday. “He got in the habit last year of hitting a 470-foot home run and he wanted it 500 feet – and he doesn’t need it,” Stairs said. “It’s having communication with him and having fun with him. But at the same time, I’m the little fella that sits on your shoulder that reminds you.” Read more from Meghan Montemurro at DelawareOnline.com.

Washington Nationals ace, Max Scherzer will be using a modified grip while throwing his fastball until he is able to pitch pain free. Scherzer’s right ring finger continues to ache as he recovers from a stress fracture in the joint. Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post writes, “So instead of maddening games of catch, Scherzer chose to throw a limited bullpen Saturday. Instead of using two fingers for his fastball, as is and has been customary for major league starters for decades, Scherzer used three. That simple modification removes the pain, allowing Scherzer to maintain his delivery and build season-ready arm strength despite the surprisingly troublesome knuckle injury.”

AROUND THE LEAGUE

Josh Hamilton has been unable to kick the injury bug as the Texas Rangers announced on Monday that he has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. He was in Rangers camp as a non-roster invitee and now it puts into question if he ever may be able to find his way back to a major league field. Manager, Jeff Banister spoke of Hamilton’s injury issues, “It is disappointing for Josh,” Banister said. “I feel for him. He came into camp feeling good. I’m sure that for him, this is a challenge. This is a player that still has talent and capability. The curiosity is how long can a guy do it for and do it consistently.”  Read more on CBSDFW.com.

RECENTLY ON MMO

Mets Daddy writes on Zack Wheeler‘s progress thus far in camp.

Logan Barer advises that Noah Syndergaard could see his first spring action on March 2.

Over at MetsMinors.net, Mathew Brownstein speaks with prospect, Corey Oswalt in an exclusive interview.

TODAY IN METS HISTORY

On this day in 1975, the New York Mets purchase infielder/outfielder, Dave Kingman from the San Francisco Giants.

Former New York Met, Brian Bannister was born on this day and turns 36.

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