Yesterday, there were conflicting reports regarding the Mets pursuit of a starting pitcher and their interest in acquiring San Francisco Giants second baseman Joe Panik.
In a recent interview with MLBNetwork Radio, assistant GM John Ricco claimed that the Mets “could add arms”, which would be astute considering Mets starting pitchers posted a 5.14 ERA last year.
However, in another interview yesterday, GM Sandy Alderson added, “I’m not convinced we need more pitching.” This just adds another wrinkle to the Mets puzzling plans regarding their 2018 pitching.
Latest Mets news
Kristie Ackert of The NY Daily News discloses that the Mets covet Giants second Joe Panik in a deal, but are unlikely to deal Juan Lagares.
However, Mike Puma of The New York Post counters these rumors, claiming that the Mets are unlikely to trade away any position players soon.
Anthony DiComo of MLB.com tweets out that Michael Conforto has started to resume baseball activities.
Dave Eiland has a clear goal for Matt Harvey in 2018: a repeat of his 2013 season.
Mickey Callaway believes that Amed Rosario has “some of the same tools” as Francisco Lindor.
Latest on the MLB
Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the Padres have “optimism” that they could land free-agent Eric Hosmer.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic notes that J.D. Martin has signed a minor-league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays in hopes of coming back to the Major Leagues as a knuckleballer.
MLBPA’s free agent camp has puzzled Rosenthal as he notes that scouts or front office personnel are not being allowed to view the jobless players.
According to Chris Cotillo of SB Nation, Hector Santiago has agreed to a minor-league deal with the White Sox. Santiago was an effective starter as recently as 2015, but has been knocked around over the past two seasons.
Cotillo also reports that the Cubs have inked reliever Shae Simmons to a minor-league contract. Simmons has tantalizing potential due to his 96-mph fastball, but shoulder injuries over the past two years have limited him to only 14.1 innings.
Avisail Garcia has won his arbitration case against the White Sox. The 2017 breakout star filed at 6.7 million dollars while the team countered with 5.85 million.
Derrick Goold of the St.Louis Post-Dispatch notes that the Cardinals are trying to revolutionize spring training scheduling; They are pushing back their report times so their players could sleep longer.
Tito Francona, an MLB outfielder for 15 years and the father of current Indians manager Terry Francona, passed away yesterday at the age of 84.
Will Pablo Sandoval be the 2018 backup to Buster Posey? Hopefully! Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic reported that Sandoval has brought a catcher’s mitt to Spring Training.
Bob Nightengale of The USA Today confirms that Brewers and Wade Miley have agreed to a minor-league deal. Despite being a serviceable starter for most of his career, Miley had to settle for an underwhelming deal due to the stagnant free-agent market.
AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports that the Padres have agreed to terms on a minor-league deal with veteran backstop A.J. Ellis
Latest on the NL East
Tim Healey of The Sun-Sentinel that Marlins starter Wei-Yin Chen is expected to be on the DL on Opening Day. In his second year of a five year deal with the Marlins, Chen had 3.82 ERA, but was diagnosed with a partial tear of his UCL, which may make a future Tommy John Surgery inescapable.
Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports that Marlins are interested in three veteran outfielders: José Bautista, Jon Jay, and Melky Cabrera.
Lastest on MMO
John Sheridan reviews the LOOGY options that are in Major League Camp.
Tim Ryder defends the Adrian Gonzalez signing.
Ernest Dove published pictures that were taken at Mets camp on Tuesday
On this Date in Mets History
2011: The most successful player of Generation K, Jason Isringhausen, returned to Mets.
Birthdays: Barry Jones and Chuck Estrada
