Good morning, everyone! The Mets are playing two split-squad games today. The Mets will send Noah Syndergaard to the hill against the Red Sox and Rick Porcello, while the other Mets squad will start Robert Gsellman against the Astros and Charlie Morton.
Gsellman looked sharp and tossed two scoreless innings with two strikeouts in his first spring start. Syndergaard also tossed two scoreless innings in his spring debut and was sitting at 97 MPH in his outing while hitting 99. He got his only strikeout on a nasty changeup.
The Mets vs Astros game will begin at 1:05 PM and will not be broadcast on either TV or radio, while the Red Sox vs Mets game featuring Thor will begin at 1:10 PM and be aired on SNY.
LATEST METS NEWS
SNY director Bill Webb passed away yesterday after a long battle with cancer. He was known in the baseball world as one of the best baseball TV directors ever, and as fans we were spoiled by his unparalleled presentation of Mets games. On behalf of everyone at MMO and Mets fans everywhere, we offer our sincerest condolences to Webb’s friends and family. We have all been blessed by him and his work. Rest in peace.
After reports that the Mets were interested in recent free agent infielder Brett Lawrie, team sources told Anthony DiComo of MLB.com the Mets don’t have any real interest in him. Jose Reyes is expected to start at third base in place of David Wright, with Wilmer Flores, T.J. Rivera, and Ty Kelly all available to provide depth if needed.
Current and former Mets players representing their countries in the World Baseball Classic have been performing very well so far. Current Met Ty Kelly (3-for-9, two walks) and former Met Ike Davis (4-for-6, two RBIs, one triple) have led the 41st-ranked Israeli team to two upset wins over South Korea (ranked 3rd) and Chinese Taipei (ranked 4th).
NL EAST RUMBLINGS
National’s ace and reigning Cy Young-winner Max Scherzer faced live batters for the first time this spring, utilizing all of his pitches in the 44-pitch session. He continues to use a three-fingered fastball grip so he can still get his work in while nursing a slowly-healing fractured knuckle on his right hand. “It felt good,” Scherzer told Pete Kerzel of MASN Sports. “It felt good to actually get out there and face hitters, have them swing at stuff. Going through my routine and warming up in between innings. That’s all fun.”
RECENTLY ON MMO
Joe D takes a look at how Travis d’Arnaud has improved so far this spring.
Think you know the ten Mets players that have hit for the cycle? Take the quiz HERE.
Mathew Brownstein chats with MLB Network Broadcaster Brian Kenny, check out the interview HERE.
Fan Shot author Rich Glanzer explains why David Wright‘s #5 should be retired after his career ends.
MMO Newcomer Ben Beatty takes a look at which non-roster invitees have a shot at making the MLB team out of spring training.
TODAY IN METS HISTORY
Former Mets manager Casey Stengel is elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
