Photo by Ed Delany/MMO
Good morning Mets fans! Peter Alonso who? The player formerly known as Peter has stated that he wants to be known as Pete. This is just in time for the Mets’ first spring training game which will be played against the Atlanta Braves tomorrow at 1:10 p.m. EST at First Data Field.
Latest Mets News
Brodie Van Wagenen told Wayne Randazzo on WCBS Newsradio 880 that Jed Lowrie‘s MRI revealed no significant damage.
Both Robert Gsellman and Seth Lugo will be be used out of the bullpen exclusively as Mickey Callaway told the media.
The Mets signed Jose Hernandez as an international free agent per Jacob Resnick of MMN. The 16-year-old catcher marks the Mets’ 32nd IFA of the current period.
Resnick also noted that Mets minor league pitchers and catchers report to camp on Feb. 26, while position players report on Mar. 6. Many players are already at camp right now, however.
Latest MLB News
Nick Cafardo passed away at the Boston Red Sox’s spring training facility on Thursday. The Red Sox released a statement about the 62-year-old Boston Globe writer.
The San Diego Padres made things official with Manny Machado. The 26-year-old will also be starting at third base for the Friars which keeps a spot open for top prospect Fernando Tatis Jr. when ready, according to Jon Heyman of FanCred Sports.
Kevin Burkhardt will cover about 15-20 games on TV for the Tampa Bay Rays in addition to his duties for FOX Sports, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.
Latest NL East News
Gabriel Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution noted that it may be a while before the Braves’ top position player prospect Austin Riley plays in the outfield. As of now, manager Brian Snitker wants to play him at his natural position of third base despite Josh Donaldson being ahead of him on the depth chart currently.
The Philadelphia Phillies are still players for Bryce Harper, but also have eyes on Dallas Keuchel and Craig Kimbrel if no deal is reached with Harper, per Heyman.
Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald wrote about Marlins reliever Nick Anderson who has put his troubled past behind him. Anderson spent time in both independent ball and jail, but now has a chance to make the Marlins Opening Day roster.
Latest on MMO/MMN
Rich Coutinho interviewed Michael Conforto for an MMO exclusive.
Coutinho also wrote a piece on Van Wagenen’s culture change being very prevalent in camp.
Matt Musico wrote that the Mets’ remade middle-of-the-order will be under a microscope after the production from the 3-4-5 hitters last season.
Roberto Correa continued the Mets Minors’ Top-50 Prospects list with No. 3: Ronny Mauricio.
This Day in Mets History
2008: After avoiding arbitration with all eligible players for 16-straight years, the Mets lost an arbitration case with Oliver Perez. He ended up receiving $6.5 million instead of the $4.725 million that the Mets offered.
Birthday(s): Tim Peterson turns 28, Kelly Johnson turns 37 and J.J. Putz turns 42.
