Good Morning Mets Fans. The Metropolitans enjoyed a day off on Tuesday but are right back at it today as they take on the Miami Marlins at 1:05 PM ET at First Data Field. Steven Matz will start the game for New York and will be opposed by Scott Copeland of the Marlins. Zack Wheeler is also scheduled to make an appearance in this game as he looks to build on his previous outing. Today’s game will be broadcasted on both SNY and WOR.
Last night in the World Baseball Classic, Team USA edged out Team Japan by a score of 2-1 as they advance to the finals for the first time in the tournament’s history.
LATEST METS NEWS
Ken Davidoff of the NY Post takes a look at the many questions surrounding the Mets entering the 2017 season and compares those to the Washington Nationals. The two teams have some areas that will have to iron themselves out as the season progresses but it should be a heck of a battle for the NL East crown with the talent that is had on both sides.
Jay Bruce looked to dig deep this offseason into finding what plagued him in his time with the Mets in 2016. Data he uncovered had found that he was batting in an uncharacteristic manner, swinging at pitches he normally would not. He had also been noted to hitting fewer fly balls and going to the opposite field more than usual. Bruce has taken a look into analytics in an attempt to find a better swing so that there is no repeat of last season. Read more from James Wagner in the NY Times.
Michael Conforto continues his fight for a roster spot to be at Citi Field on opening day. As time continues to tick by, it seems less likely that the 23-year-old outfielder will be in Queens to start the season. Kristie Ackert of the NYDN takes a look at the plight Conforto has taken this spring and the hard work he has put in to attempt to change the organization’s mind in having him break camp with the big league club.
NL EAST RUMBLINGS
The Washington Nationals continue to be without a known closer as they enter the 2017 season. Manager, Dusty Baker advises that the team has not really discussed who the team’s closer will be to start the season. With all the signings the Nationals attempted this past offseason, it is unfathomable that they were unable to pull in a bonafide closer. It could be there one area of great weakness in this coming season, one that many teams could take advantage of late in games. Read more from Chelsea Janes in the Washington Post.
The Atlanta Braves have had a rough Grapefruit League season as they have lost eight consecutive games. Manager, Brian Snitker though is not worried about his young team entering the season and sees many areas to feel good about. The Braves were one of the biggest surprises of the second half of 2016 and made some key acquisitions this past offseason to make them a more formidable opponent in the NL East. Read more from David O’Brien on theAJC.com.
RECENTLY ON MMO
Joe D advises on Rafael Montero‘s chances of making the Major League roster for opening day.
Over at MetsMinors.net, Michael Mayer recaps the team’s 2016-2017 international free agency signings.
THIS DAY IN METS HISTORY
On this day in 1962, the Mets and Yankees met in their first game opposing each other ever in an exhibition. The Mets came out on top by a score of 4-3.
Mets players born on this day include, Ike Davis (30), Joe Smith (33), Juan Uribe (38), Jeremy Griffiths (39), Dan Boitano (64) and Cory Lidle.
