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Latest Mets News
The Columbia Fireflies, the low-A affiliate of the Mets, announced that their home ballpark, formerly Spirit Communications Park, is now Segra Park. Jacob Resnick of Metsmerized Online notes that the park won Ballpark Digest’s 2016 Ballpark of the Year award.
Mike Puma of the New York Post tweets that the Mets will introduce Jed Lowrie at Citi Field on Wednesday. The 34-year-old infielder agreed to a two-year, $20 million contract with the Mets after earning his first all-star nod last season.
Jacob Resnick reports that former Major League pitcher Jerome Williams will join the Kingsport Mets as the pitching coach in 2019.
Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic notes that Yasmani Grandal spoke to MLB Network about his potential deal with the Mets. “I felt like I was doing a disservice if I were to take some of the deals that were being thrown around,” Grandal said.
JD Davis, who was recently acquired by the Mets from the Astros, said he learned from the strong Houston clubhouse and he wants to bring that to New York.
William Ladson of MLB.com sat down with Mets hitting coach Chili Davis to talk about the makeup of the team and the approach he will employ. “I’m trying to help young hitters become more precision-type hitters, not collision-type hitters with power,” Davis said.
Latest MLB News
Jacob Bogage of the Washington Post writes about Pitching Ninja, a Twitter account that has provided a new avenue for scouting talent. The account, which is run by Rob Friedman, highlights young talent on FlatGround.
The Pirates announced that broadcaster Steve Blass, a star pitcher from the 1971 World Series champion Pirates, will retire from the booth at the end of the 2019 season. Blass is entering his 60th season with the organization.
Scott Boeck of USA Today Sports reports that Melvin Upton Jr. will return to his former nickname, B.J. Upton. Upton last appeared in Major League Baseball with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2016.
Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports that Texas Rangers Hall of Fame pitcher John Wetteland has been arrested and charged with child sex abuse. Police say Wetteland sexually assaulted a young child for two years.
Zack Meisel of the Athletic writes about Tribe Jam, a rock concert that the Cleveland Indians hosted 20 years ago.
Emily Waldon of the Athletic reports that Delmon Young of the Navegantes del Magallanes has earned the Venezuelan Winter League MVP. The former Major League outfielder racked up 19 home runs and 52 RBI in 61 games in the winter league.
Matt Daniels, the former Pitching Coordinator of Driveline Baseball, has been named the Coordinator of Pitching Analysis for the San Francisco Giants.
The Orix Buffaloes of Nippon Professional Baseball have purchased the contract of right-handed pitcher Tyler Eppler from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Luke Hagerty, a former Cubs first-round pick who struggled to find success in professional baseball, is attempting a comeback at 37 years old. Hagerty touched 98 miles per hour at the Driveline Baseball Scout Day on Sunday.
Christopher Smith of Masslive.com reports the Boston Red Sox and Portland Sea Dogs have extended their player development contract through 2022. Portland serves as the Double-A affiliate for Boston.
Ken Davidoff of the New York Post opines that the New York Yankees and superstar free agent outfielder Bryce Harper are a perfect fit for each other.
Latest NL East News
Bob Nightengale of USA Today tweets that the Phillies hope to sign Bryce Harper, Dallas Keuchel, and Craig Kimbrel.
MLB Pipeline ranks Atlanta Braves pitchers Mike Soroka and Kyle Wright in its 2019 Top 10 RHP Prospects list.
Latest on MMO
Sam Lebowitz lists the No. 45-41 ranked Mets prospects. Ranfy Adon, a 21-year-old center fielder who spent the 2018 season at Kingsport, checked in at No. 41.
Tim Ryder writes that the Mets should continue making upgrades to compete in the National League East this season.
Jack Hendon provides a profile of free agent left-handed pitcher Gio Gonzalez. Gonzalez posted a 4.16 FIP in 171 innings between the Nationals and Brewers last season.
Mickey Jannis releases he second part of his series, “A Knuckleballer’s Journey.” Jannis spent most of his 2018 season with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies.
This Day in Mets History
2002: The Mets signed right-handed pitcher Pedro Astacio to a one-year, $5 million contract.
