Good morning Mets fans! Steven Matz hosted his second annual bowling event “Strikes With Steven” on Thursday night in Manhattan. The event was for his charity Tru32 which helps provide scholarships for children of first responders injured or killed in the line of duty.
Latest Mets News
Matz complimented his new manager Carlos Beltran and his initial message to him, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post. Also in regards to Beltran, Matz said “Just him being a leader and not too far removed from a player, I just feel he understands how a good clubhouse should function. He obviously was a well-respected player in the major leagues, so I think it’s going to be great.”
The Mets and hitting coach Chili Davis are still in contract talks and trying to find common ground on a deal that would keep Davis as the team’s hitting coach, according to Puma. Davis has notified the team that he wants a multi-year contract.
Edgardo Alfonzo posted on Instagram about his removal from his Brooklyn Cyclones managerial position and wrote, “The many changes in mgrs./coaches in the Mets system reflect that the new regime simply wants their own people in the system” and he therefore is not taking it personally. He also mentioned that he may stay with the Mets in his re-assigned ambassador position, but that his preference is to remain in uniform on the field.
Ken Davidoff of the New York Post suggested that the Mets could pursue bullpen help in the form of Daniel Hudson and/or Jake Diekman, two relievers whom they were engaged in negotiations with last offseason.
Ben Clemens of Fangraphs wrote about how Zack Wheeler is good, but that he has an even higher ceiling.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post suggested five options the Mets could pursue in order to sure up center field for 2020.
Former Met and Las Vegas 51s manager Wally Backman won Manager of the Year with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League.
Latest MLB News
The New York Yankees hired Matt Blake as their pitching coach according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. Blake has served in the Cleveland Indians organization for the last four years. He was hired as their pitching coordinator in 2016, served as their assistant director of player development for the 2017-2019 seasons and was just promoted to director of pitching development on Tuesday.
MLB announced the 2019 National League and American League Silver Slugger Award winners.
The Houston Astros announced changes to their front office which include owner Jim Crane’s son Jared Crane joining the executive team and president Reid Ryan being moved to executive advisor of business relations. Also Nolan Ryan, who served as an executive advisor to Crane, will not be back with the club according to Fox 26 Sports.
The Seattle Mariners promoted Pete Woodworth from Double-A Arkansas pitching coach to major league pitching coach, Carson Vitale from minor league field coordinator to major league field coordinator and Jarret DeHart from minor league hitting strategist to major league assistant hitting coach.
Eno Harris of The Athletic provided seven midlevel free agents who could make a difference next season.
Latest NL East News
The Atlanta Braves had an MLB-leading three Silver Slugger Award winners in first baseman Freddie Freeman, second baseman Ozzie Albies and outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr.
The Philadelphia Phillies had one Silver Slugger Award winner in catcher J.T. Realmuto.
The Washington Nationals had one Silver Slugger Award winner in third baseman Anthony Rendon.
Latest on MMO/MMN
Matt Musico discussed the biggest issue with the Mets’ perceived bullpen outlook.
John Sheridan wrote a profile on Mets bench coach candidate Terry Collins.
Violeta Pietronico wrote an “MMO Free Agent Profile” on Darren O’Day.
This Day in Mets History
1967: The Mets acquired Art Shamsky from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for Bob Johnson.
1990: After being granted free agency three days prior, Darryl Strawberry signed a five-year, $20.25 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The deal was the second richest at the time behind Jose Canseco‘s five-year, $23.5 million contract with the Oakland Athletics.
Birthdays: Alfonzo turns 46, Shane Halter turns 50, Jose Offerman turns 51 and Ed Kranepool turns 75.
