Good Morning Mets Fans. The Metropolitans (5-3) are back at it this afternoon as Jacob deGrom makes his spring training debut against Joseph Musgrove and the Houston Astros (2-5). The game is scheduled for a 1:05 pm E.T. start and can be heard on the MLB At Bat app.
LATEST METS NEWS
Noah Syndergaard and the Mets pummeled the Astros by a score of 11-3 on Friday and Thor himself was on fire in his spring debut, dazzling the opponent with his change-up. “Right now, with where my changeup’s at, it could be, it has the potential to be, my best swing-and-miss pitch. I love throwing it,” Syndergaard said. “There’s nothing better to see than me throwing a really wicked changeup and to get a hitter to Tasmanian devil in the batter’s box. So it’s a good feeling.” Read more from columnist Marc Carig in Newsday.
Lucas Duda made his spring debut on Saturday as well, showing no ill signs of injury. The Mets first baseman was 1-for-2 on the day and mashed a two-run double. Lucas spoke of his first hit of spring after the game, “Felt great,” Duda said. “Was definitely nice to get that first (hit) out of the way. A little bit rusty but it’s part of the deal. Keep working and see where I end up.” Read more from columnist Matt Ehalt on NorthJersey.com.
Mets special assistant to the General Manager, J.P. Ricciardi spoke of Zack Wheeler‘s progress in Mets camp on Friday and how he is seeming to be holding nothing back. “Just look at his body language,” Ricciardi said. “He is up on the mound pitching, not stretching out his arm between pitches. His body language is that of a healthy pitcher going about his business, and the full extension is a sign he is holding nothing back.” Read more from columnist Joel Sherman in the NY Post.
Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports spoke with a scout who believes that the Mets would be better off if Yoenis Cespedes was to change positions. “Cespedes has no business being in left field with an eight arm,” the scout said. “He should be in right field, and (Jay) Bruce or (Michael) Conforto in left field.” Heyman believes Cespedes should be spending his time in center-field while with the Mets.
NL EAST RUMBLINGS
It is no secret that Derek Norris‘ future with the Washington Nationals is murky at best at this time since the team signed Matt Wieters. He though is doing his best to stay focused. “Whatever transpires over the next weeks or month or however long to decide what they’re going to do, I’m still doing the same thing, whether I’m wearing red and white, purple and gold, or green and yellow,” Norris said. “I’m out here to get my swings, get my at-bats, get my innings.” Read more from Jorge Castillo in the Washington Post.
Philadelphia Phillies legend, Mike Schmidt was underwhelmed with the team’s current star, Maikel Franco and the production he put forth in 2016. “He didn’t live up to my expectations last year, but maybe that’s part of the plan for him in a stepping stone year,” Schmidt said. “I think he should definitely go to the 30-100 category this year. Definitely, barring any injuries.” Read more from columnist Jim Salisbury on CSNPhilly.com.
RECENTLY ON MMO
Mets Daddy advises that Robert Gsellman is likely to be the team’s fifth starter while Zack Wheeler may head to extended spring training.
Joe D examines the Mets renewing Noah Syndergaard’s contract.
Over at MetsMinors.net, Corne Hogeveen holds an exclusive interview with WBC participant and Mets prospect, Nelmerson Angela.
TODAY IN METS HISTORY
Mets players born on this day include, Tom Grieve (69), Jack Fisher (78), Bob Johnson (81), Danny Frisella.
