Good Morning, Mets fans!

Yesterday, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred released a letter detailing the state of MLB and the reasoning for the lockout. Today, the official MLB website and all other team websites were scrubbed of current player content and player portraits were removed and replaced with a generic thumbnail of a faceless player. In response, numerous players took to Twitter to stand in solidarity with each other by changing their profile photos to the generic thumbnail.

Latest Mets News

As reported by Michael Mayer, Matt Reynolds is returning to the Mets on a minor league deal. Drafted in the second round of the 2012 MLB Amateur Draft and played with the big club for the better part of two seasons before trips to Washington and Kansas City.

Latest MLB News

The Philadelphia Phillies released a statement noting that during the current lockout, no Phillies personnel will be permitted to speak with the media or make a public statement. Managing partner John Middleton will be the only one permitted to speak publicly in regards to negotiations or any other matter in relation to the club.

Joon Lee of ESPN writes that there will be no minor league representation during the current CBA talks and that a committee has been formed to discuss minor league representation and to bring more issues to light.

The Texas Rangers have signed RHP Jesus Tinoco and C Meibrys Viloria to minor league deals.

Latest on MMO

James Schapiro discusses why Gil Hodges should be in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Michael Mayer talks on possible candidates for the Mets manager vacancy.

Matt Musico ponders on a possible Pete Alonso record breaking season.

On This Date in Mets History

1974:  The Mets trade reliever Tug McGraw to the Phillies along with Don Hahn and Dave Schneck in exchange for Del Unser, Mac Scarce, and John Stearns. McGraw, who was part of the 69 and 73 Mets teams, helped coin the phrase, “Ya Gotta Believe!”. John Stearns played with the Mets from 1975 until 1984 where he’d appear in 4 All-Star games and hit .260 with 46 home runs and 312 RBIs total in New York.

2018: In Brodie Van Wagenen’s first go around as general manager, the Mets acquired Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz from Seattle for Gerson Bautista, Jarred Kelenic, Jay Bruce, Anthony Swarzak, Justin Dunn and cash considerations.

Mets Birthdays: Matt Reynolds (31), Tobi Stoner (37), Paul Byrd (51), Mark Bradley (65), Wayne Garrett (74), Dave Eilers (85)

Let’s Go Mets!