jose reyes

Good Morning Everyone. Jose Reyes spoke with the media on Friday regarding his upcoming challenge of learning a new position as the Mets look to get him familiar with center field.

For the second consecutive season, the speedy Reyes will look to conquer a new spot on the field as last year he showed his ability to play third base. “It’s a new position for me,” Reyes said. “Last year was a little different, because I moved to third base. Third base is in the infield. Now, it’s the outfield, so it’s not the same. But I’ve got the right mindset. I’m going to work every day and try to go from there. I try not to put too much stuff in my head. Whatever they ask me to do, I’m going to be open to doing it.”

LATEST METS NEWS

Former Texas Rangers pitching coach, Tom House believes that Noah Syndergaard is at great risk for injury this season as he added 17 pounds of muscle over the winter without continuing to pitch. “Unfortunately, this is an injury waiting to happen by the second week of June,” House said. “Unless you’re picking up a ball while you’re getting stronger, you’re just adding muscle that doesn’t know how to throw. It’s unskilled muscle.” Read more from columnist Bob Klapisch over at the Record.

The Mets’ second-ranked top prospect, Dominic Smith arrived at camp sporting a much slimmer frame as he dropped 24 pounds over the offseason and spoke of his struggles to do so as he prepared himself for the coming season. “There were a lot of weekends where I wanted to sneak out and get a burger or two,” Smith said. “But I really just told myself: ‘Work hard. Fast food’s not good for you.’ Now if I eat a burger or something, I feel really sluggish. That healthy food does so much for your body, gives you energy — and I just feel great.” Read more from columnist Anthony DiComo on MLB.com and Marc Carig in Newsday.

Curtis Granderson enters camp in the final year of his four-year pact with the Mets as he readies for a season that will likely see the majority of his playing time in center field at the ripe age of 36, as always though, he is ready for the challenge. “I’m going to be the best outfielder I can be whether that is left, center or right, but the fact that our first [exhibition] game is in February will be helpful,” Granderson said. “If I happen to be out there one of the first couple of games, I am going to test it. Fans, if you see we let balls drop, we are just out there testing a lot of things because we are going to see what we can cover. Read more from columnist Mike Puma in the NY Post.

NL EAST RUMBLINGS

Former New York Met and current Atlanta Brave, R.A. Dickey reflected on his time in Queens and how special it will be for him to take on his former team at Citi Field for the first time since being traded in 2012. “I don’t have any ill will towards the Mets. I had a great relationship with Sandy [Alderson], Terry [Collins]. I absolutely loved playing for him,’’ Dickey said. “I wish them the best and I look forward to battling them now in the division. When I was in Toronto, I wanted it to be Mets-Toronto in the World Series.’’ Read more from columnist Kevin Kernan in the NY Post.

Another former Met, Daniel Murphy arrived at Washington Nationals camp on Friday and spoke to the media regarding his success at the plate the previous two seasons. “You never think you’re going to go and hit whatever, .340, in this league,” Murphy said. “It’s really, really difficult to hit a ball at 95 mph, but if you can get it off the barrel at 100, I can speak from personal experience: It’s really hard to catch.” Read more from columnist Chelsea Janes at the Washington Post.

The Philadelphia Phillies have received an early scare with one of their young starters, Zach Eflin, who is coming off a pair of surgeries that addressed chronic tendinitis in his knees. The 22-year-old pitcher did not throw yesterday as he experienced knee soreness. Manager, Pete Mackanin advised the media that this was just a precautionary measure. “It’s very mild,” Mackanin said. “He said it was fine, but it’s so early we decided to back him off a little.” Read more from columnist Jim Salisbury at CSN Philly.

RECENTLY ON MMO

Michael Mayer takes a look at how Curtis Granderson should be utilized in center field.

MMO photographer, Ed Delany helps us experience the sights of spring training through his camera lens.

Over at MetsMinors.net, Michael Mayer spoke with pitching prospect Tyler Bashlor in an exclusive interview.

TODAY IN METS HISTORY

On this date in 1977, the Mets and New York Jets of the NFL reached an agreement that would allow the football team to continue to play at Shea Stadium.

Mets players born on this day include, Shawn Estes (44), John Valentin (50), Kevin Tapani (53), Jerry Morales (68), Bob Miller and Jeff McKnight.

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