Morning Briefing: Hello Baseball, My Old Friend

Good morning Mets fans, baseball is back! Though some players have already reported to Port St. Lucie, pitchers and catchers officially report to camp this morning!

Latest Mets News

Laura Albanese of Newsday caught up with Anthony Swarzak who credited Mickey Callaway with helping turn his career around with the Indians. Before Swarzak was sent down, Callaway told him he “needed to train more and bulk up.”

Albanese also spoke with Zack Wheeler who is sporting a Dallas Keuchel-esque beard. Wheeler said he underwent a six month regimen of injections of Forteo to help strengthen his bones.

Pitching coach Dave Eiland talked to Kevin Kernan of the New York Post about how he will handle the pitchers. “We are going to err on the side of caution but you also have to get them ready. There is a fine line there.”

In a Q&A with Steve Serby of the New York Post, Jay Bruce said on Michael Conforto, “Almost no one is Joey Votto, but I think it’s the kind of skill set.”

Bruce’s message to Mets fans this year, “Stick with us. Be patient, and be passionate about it. I look forward to them being on our side this year and them being as passionate as they always are.”

Latest MLB News

According to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, the Giants are among teams taking a look at Tim Lincecum. The righties showcase takes place Thursday in Seattle.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today says that Yu Darvish’s deal with the Cubs includes incentives that will pay him an extra $2 million a year by winning the Cy Young award and $1 million a year for finishing 2-5.

Also on Darvish’s deal, Heyman has said that the righty is said to have a full no trade clause for part of the deal, then a 12-team no trade list.