Canha joined the show and first spoke about the trade that sent him to the Milwaukee Brewers: “It was wild, and it’s a tough experience… It took a minute, it did take probably a week or maybe two weeks for the dust to settle and for you to start feeling comfortable and kind of normal again.”

Photo by Roberto Carlo

Canha was very outspoken while he was still a Met that he loved living in New York City, and while the trade was tough on him in the sense that he had to uproot himself and his family to a new city, he has certainly settled in. In 46 games since the trade, Canha has compiled an .839 OPS and has exceeded even the Brewers’ expectations of what he would provide for the team.

Naturally, the conversation shifted shortly after to the Mets. After saying he felt “lighter” in Milwaukee, Canha was asked by Sherman if his time with the Mets this year was “heavy,” to which Canha responded: “I think it’s heavy in New York, regardless of the circumstances it’s heavy in New York. I think it was heavy in New York last year. It’s always going to be that way.”

Canha explained that he knew what to expect in New York coming in as a free agent before the 2022 season, but it felt more real this year with the massive drop in performance on the field from the whole team. That allowed Heyman to segue into what has been a hot topic recently: Tommy Pham’s statement that the Mets’ position players were the “least-hardest working” group he’s played with.

When asked for his reaction to that proposition, Canha pushed back on it a bit: “I’ll say this. It doesn’t surprise me, really, that Tommy said that. Not because I feel the same way, but because of the way that Tommy works specifically.”

Canha explained that he believes each player has a specific routine that works for them and that Pham’s routine was more intense than most players did.

“Guys are gonna go about their business in their own way, and Tommy goes about his business in his own way. And the fact of the matter is… his workload that he puts on himself on a daily basis is significantly more than anybody else on the team. So I don’t necessarily agree with the fact that other players don’t work hard, I think it’s just, to expect everyone to work the way that Tommy Pham works every day is a little bit much. And that works for him, and what I do works for me.”

Canha concluded his answer by stating he “can understand where he’s coming from based on what he does and maybe he expects other people to do the same as him,” which perhaps speaks more to Pham’s competitiveness, desire to win, and personality than to the work ethics of certain Mets players.

Whatever the reason for the Mets’ demise this year, Canha doesn’t seem to think it’s for a lack of effort. When asked, “Why didn’t it click this season?” by Sherman, Canha acknowledged he doesn’t have a definitive answer but pointed to injuries and suspensions to the pitching staff, saying, “It made it tough to win” early in the season when some of the best pitchers on the team were unavailable.

The conversation took on a lighter tone when Sherman asked Canha about Buck Showalter, to which Canha heaped praise on his former skipper: “Right when you say his name, I just smile, because I love Buck. Playing for him was amazing and so much fun, and just a great experience,” before raving about Showalter’s attention to detail and his handling of the players on his team. “I think Buck could manage any team. I don’t think he’s a part of a problem there or anything like that.”

Canha was then asked about Pete Alonso and whether he could shed any light on the reports that Alonso is a problem in the Mets’ clubhouse, which Canha vehemently denied.

“He feels like such a New York guy, he really embraces that role…he’s so all-in on the Mets. I loved playing with Pete. Saying that he’s a problem in the clubhouse couldn’t be further from the truth. I could say, ‘Oh, well everyone has their own opinion,’ but I honestly can’t imagine how anyone would come to the conclusion that Pete is a problem in the clubhouse. It’s the opposite of that.”

Both Heyman and Sherman, who have carved out great careers in New York media and have spent plenty of time around the New York Mets, attested to Canha’s review of Alonso as a person and teammate.

While Canha’s time with the Mets didn’t come to the happiest of endings, it’s clear that he holds his time and his relationships with the team in high regard. The Mets will unfortunately be sitting at home this October, but Canha will have the chance to be a key part of a playoff team for the second year in a row.

The post Mark Canha Praises Pete Alonso appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Good morning, Mets fans!

Anthony Rieber of Newsday wrote about how the Mets added a locker room specifically for women employees this offseason right near the player’s clubhouse. Buck Showalter spoke about how this was one of the biggest priorities for the team: “We wanted to be ahead of it. That was a priority in the offseason, the No. 1 thing to get that done… We didn’t want a women’s locker room. We wanted the best one in baseball.”

Elizabeth Benn, the director of major league operations for the Mets, praised Steve and Alex Cohen for being proactive, inclusive, and making the facilities a comfortable workspace for women.

Latest Mets News

The Mets won a thriller on Friday night, defeating the Guardians 10-9 in the 10th inning. Playing from behind since the first inning, the Mets rallied multiple times including while down two in extras to win. In his first game against his former team, Francisco Lindor was 3-for-6 with the walk-off hit to win it for New York.

José Quintana received positive news on his latest CT scan and will begin throwing from the mound today for the first time since his surgery.

The Mets announced the selection of Gary Sánchez to the big league roster with Michael Pérez being optioned to Triple-A. Th team also announced that Tomás Nido started a rehab assignment in Single-A St. Lucie.

Tim Locastro was placed on the 60-day injured list with a right thumb UCL sprain. During a Triple-A game, he hurt his thumb sliding back to first base and then aggravated it swinging later in the game. Buck Showalter indicated that Locastro might need surgery.

In order to activate Carlos Carrasco off the injured list, the Mets optioned reliever Josh Walker to Triple-A.

Latest MLB News

Jose Altuve returned to action on Friday night for the first time since his hand broke after a hit-by-pitch during the WBC. He went 0-for-4 with a walk.

The Cubs DFA’d veteran Eric Hosmer. A few of the other moves made by the club include placing Cody Bellinger on the injured list, reinstating Nico Hoerner from the injured list, and promoting Edwin Ríos and Mike Tauchman to the major league team.

The Giants promoted their no. 11 prospect, catcher Patrick Bailey, to the major league roster with Joey Bart going on the injured list. They also promoted reliever Ryan Walker to the major league roster with Ross Stripling going on the injured list. The team also designated Cal Stevenson for assignment and put Heliot Ramos on the 60-day injured list.

The Red Sox signed outfielder Bradley Zimmer, who will report to Triple-A Worcester.

The Pirates activated pitcher Rob Zastryzny from the injured list and designated Miguel Andujar for assignment.

Latest on MMO

Colby Morris recapped the latest notable performances of Mets’ minor leaguers.

Michael Famulari wrote about Pete Alonso hitting a home run in three straight games against the Rays.

Michael Mayer analyzed the blockbuster Mets-Guardians trade from 2021 with Cleveland in town for a three-game series.

Michael Mayer and Sal Manzo talked about Kodai Senga, the young bats on the team, and more in the latest MMO Weekly.

On This Date in Mets History

1999: Robin Ventura became the first player in MLB history to hit a grand slam in both ends of a doubleheader, doing so against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Birthdays: Wilson Valdéz (45), Wayne Housie (58)

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Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized

Good morning, Mets fans!

Buck Showalter told the media on Friday that Justin Verlander will throw a bullpen session in Port St. Lucie today. Verlander has been on the injured list since Opening Day with a right teres major strain and his bullpen session today is another step in the right direction to getting him on the mound for his Mets debut. Verlander said last week that it is “very reasonable” to expect he will be back by the end of April.

Latest Mets News

The Mets beat the A’s 17-6 on Friday night, drawing 17 total walks and being helped by Francisco Lindor‘s seven RBIs which tied a career high. The Mets will go for the series victory this afternoon at 4:07 p.m. ET.

Latest MLB News

ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that the Giants signed pitcher Logan Webb to a five-year, $90 million contract extension.

Evan Drellich of The Athletic wrote about the future of MLB TV blackouts and whether it is possible to make watching baseball games more accessible.

Brendan Kuty of The Athletic wrote about Aaron Judge and his victory in a legal battle over his “All Rise” catchphrase.

The Mariners placed pitcher Marco Gonzales on paternity leave and promoted Tommy Milone to the major league roster in a corresponding move. Milone started Friday night’s game for Seattle.

The A’s also made a few roster moves, promoting Hogan Harris and Tyler Wade, while optioning Adam Oller and Nick Allen to Triple-A. They also designated Cal Stevenson for assignment.

Latest on MMO

Jack Markowski analyzed Jeff McNeil‘s increased walk rate to start the 2023 season.

Michael Famulari argued that the time is right for the Mets to call up Brett Baty to the major league team.

Michael Mayer listed his top 35 Mets prospects for the 2023 season.

On This Date in Mets History

1968: Tom Seaver pitched the first ten innings of a 24 inning contest with the Houston Astros. The Mets lost the game 1-0 in what was, at the time, the longest game in team history, clocking in at just over six hours.

Birthdays: Daniel Zamora (30), Adeiny Hechavarria (34), Aaron Laffey (39), Ricky Otero (51), Jeromy Burnitz (54)

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Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized

Good morning, Mets fans.

According to USA Today‘s Bob Nightengale, Brooks Raley is being replaced on the Team USA roster due to injury, with former Met Aaron Loup taking his spot. It’s not certain what kind of injury Raley is dealing with, or how severe the injury is, but it’s enough to keep him out of the World Baseball Classic which raises concerns. Raley was acquired from the Rays this past offseason and is projected to be the lone left-hander in the Mets’ bullpen this season.

WBC Scores

Japan defeated Korea 13-4.

Chinese Taipei defeated Italy 11-7. Mets minor leaguer Claudio Scotti pitched in the ninth inning for Team Italy.

Latest Mets News

Details of the first ever Amazin’ Day have been announced. On March 25, anyone wearing a Mets hat or any Mets gear will have access to several events and celebrations across New York City.

Buck Showalter told the media Friday night that Brandon Nimmo will make his Grapefruit League debut on Sunday. Showalter also said that the team is still gathering information on José Quintana, who has a stress fracture in one of his ribs.

Darin Ruf said that the arthritis in his right wrist is feeling better but is still bothering him.

John Sheridan wrote on MetsMinors.net about Brett Baty and how Eric Chávez sees a lot of himself in the Mets’ prospect.

Steve Gelbs posted a GoFundMe link on Twitter to raise funds for a family who recently lost their home to a fire. The family has also been dealing with medical issues with their baby boy, and Gelbs got to know them when his own daughter was having health issues. Anyone who would like to donate can click this link.

Latest MLB News

Barry Svrluga of The Washington Post reported that Keibert Ruiz and the Nationals agreed to an eight-year contract extension with two club options that could bring the total value of the deal to $50 million.

Matt Monagan of MLB.com spoke to Team Italy pitcher Joey Marciano about his relation to famous boxer Rocky Marciano.

Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune spoke to former Met prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong and how his defense continues to improve.

Jake Mintz at FOX Sports wrote about Team Israel’s Shlomo Lipetz and his impact on the team.

Latest on MMO

Michael Famulari evaluated several bullpen candidates and their performances so far this spring.

Mike Mayer wrote about Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio‘s continued success this spring.

Tyler Antonelle recapped game one of the split squad doubleheader on Friday while Ross Bentley recapped game two.

On This Date in Mets History

Birthdays: Jeremy Hefner (37), Rich Hill (43), Bobby Abreu (49), Steve Reed (58)

The post Morning Briefing: Brooks Raley Dealing With Undisclosed Injury appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Though pitchers and catchers are officially set to report to spring training on Wednesday, many of the Mets’ staff have made their way to Port St. Lucie to get the season going. (Those playing in the World Baseball Classic—like Edwin Díaz and Adam Ottavino—had to report over the weekend.)

As players trickle in over the next week, Buck Showalter took to the podium to provide updates on topics surrounding the team. Díaz also spoke to the media for the first time since his contract extension press conference. Let’s see what we learned.

Starling Marte Should Be Good to Go

Showalter said he doesn’t feel there is anything to cause doubt in Starling Marte’s Opening Day status. The right fielder had surgery on his core in the offseason, and he’s not playing with the Dominican Republic in the WBC as he heals.

No Opening Day Starter… Yet

The Mets’ skipper would not commit to naming an Opening Day starter for the 2023 season yet. The two candidates—Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander—are equally deserving, and it might end up as a toss up. Unlike 2022, where the plan was to have tenured Jacob deGrom start Opening Day (that eventually went to Tylor Megill last minute), there isn’t a clear-cut, elite, tenured pitcher to slot in Opening Day before the spring even starts. “It’s a good problem to have,” Showalter said.

Of Verlander, though, Showalter said “he knows what’s going on” regarding team expectations (winning a World Series), noting that he’s looking forward to going through a full season with the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner.

Edwin Díaz is Happy to Be Back

Matching a similar sentiment has Buck Showalter (and Brandon Nimmo the day before), Díaz echoed that the team’s goal is to win the World Series this season. Díaz plans to continue his personal goal of “striking everybody out” now that he’s locked down a five-year, $100 million-plus deal with the Mets.

Pitchers Get to Throwin’

Here’s Kodai Senga putting in work in St. Lucie:

Some more work for @kodaisenga: pic.twitter.com/YrvTgDvQ6k

— SNY (@SNYtv) February 14, 2023

And here’s Justin Verlander:

Noted Mets pitcher Justin Verlander throws a bullpen session on his first day at spring training pic.twitter.com/tRWgO5VjcX

— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) February 14, 2023

The post Buck Showalter Doesn’t Have Opening Day Starter Plans… Yet appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Good morning, Mets fans!

Tim Healey of Newsday captured Buck Showalter‘s response to the Mets hiring Carlos Beltrán as a special assistant to Billy Eppler: “That’s a great addition for us. … As much as Carlos is willing to do (regarding on-field instruction), I’ll take him.” Beltran was selected for nine All-Star games, won three Gold Gloves, and earned two Silver Slugger awards during his career, so Showalter and the Mets will hope that his highly successful career as a player will translate to success in his new front office role.

Now, it is time for the morning briefing.

Latest Mets News

Brett Baty was asked on SNY (via Yahoo) about his relationship with Francisco Álvarez: “He’s one of my best friends even though we don’t speak the same language. It’s super fun to be around him right now.”

Up to 12 Mets could be participating in the World Baseball Classic. The finalized roster will be released tonight. However, Ross Bentley reports that Showalter is somewhat concerned with his players playing in the event, saying, “We are excited and proud that they are going, but they can’t come back and be way behind.”

Howie Rose interviewed Steve Cohen. Click here for the full interview. Michael Mayer has a summary of the interview.

The Thurman Munson Awards are given to professional and Olympic athletes in recognition of their athletic achievements and contributions to the community. Brandon Nimmo and Showalter were honored at the event on Tuesday night.

Anthony Franco of MLB Trade Rumors writes about Pete Alonso as an extension candidate for the Mets.

Michael Mayer reports that former Cardinals outfielder Shane Robinson will be the Mets minor league outfield/base running coordinator this season. Robinson spent the 2022 season as a bench coach in the Padres farm system after retiring as a player in 2021.

Latest MLB News

Mike Puma of the New York Post reports that the Marlins have spoken to Terry Collins about a possible consultant’s role within the organization. Collins and Marlins general manager Kim Ng worked together with the Dodgers.

Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Ronald Acuña Jr. will play for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. The decision was made Wednesday. The Braves feel comfortable because they will monitor Acuña’s knee for a few weeks in camp before he joins his country.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com polled MLB executives on which signings were the best in terms of value and fit for the club. For the Mets, Edwin Díaz, Kodai Senga, and Justin Verlander each got a vote.

Nick Pollack of Pitcher List announced the launch of PL8, which includes New mobile design, MLB Percentiles for every stat, PLV metrics on player pages, PL Pro fantasy tools, Custom Article Feed, Usage/MPH arrows, and In Game Log.

Latest on MMO

Ross Bentley explains new MLB rules for the 2023 season.

Ross Bentley writes about how Francisco Lindor and Edwin Díaz reportedly pushed for the Mets to hire Carlos Beltrán.

On This Date in Mets History

1956: Mookie Wilson was born.

Other birthdays: Todd Pratt (56), Doug Linton (58)

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Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

The 2023 World Baseball Classic is set to begin next month, and while the event is a unique and exciting one for the players and fans, it may cause some MLB managers to lose sleep.

Buck Showalter will be one of the managers hit hardest by the WBC this spring, as up to a dozen Mets may end up participating in the event (full rosters will be revealed on Thursday evening).

Updated list of Mets WBC participants via Buck Showalter

Playing
Pete Alonso
Jeff McNeil
Brooks Raley
Francisco Lindor
Edwin Díaz
Eduardo Escobar
Omar Narváez
José Quintana
Cam Opp
Claudio Scotti

Maybe
Adam Ottavino
Michael Pérez

Probably Not
Starling Marte

— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) February 8, 2023

The Mets are set to be without their entire starting infield, starting catcher, closer, top lefty reliever, and No. 4 starter at minimum for parts of spring training. While Showalter appreciates what the WBC can do for the game, he also expressed some concerns when speaking about the event at the Thurman Munson Awards Tuesday.

“We are excited and proud that they are going, but they can’t come back and be way behind,” Showalter said. “You worry when guys start their clock up that quickly, but [the WBC] is good for the game, I am told, and that is the bottom line. It enhances our game globally and I support it, but I am looking at it selfishly from what’s best for the New York Mets.”

In addition to losing time in Port St. Lucie, injuries are another natural concern when players participate in the WBC as players will be playing in high-leverage situations without having gone through a full spring training schedule. Showalter noted that he believed there should be a limit on how many players a team is allowed to send to the event to keep it fair for all clubs.

“It would be interesting to go through all 30 teams and see what the number is for each one,” Showalter said. “Wouldn’t you think that to keep a competitive level for spring training you might have a limit so somebody wouldn’t gain an advantage over somebody else?”

The silver lining for the Mets sending so many players to the WBC is that it does give added opportunities for young players who otherwise might be splitting time with veterans. The Mets will get long looks at the progress players like Francisco Álvarez, Brett Baty, Mark Vientos, and Ronny Mauricio have made this offseason with the regular starters all out.

Besides that, there’s not much Showalter can do except stay in communication with his players and the WBC managers to ensure they are staying as ready as possible for Opening Day. While the WBC will assuredly be a fun event, Showalter and Mets fans everywhere will be watching it with partially bated breath.

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Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Over the last week or so, multiple Mets have been out an about in public appearances, from the Baseball Writers Association of America awards dinner to a community event in Flushing about the area surrounding Citi Field. Let’s take a look at what some of the Mets personalities have talked about.

Justin Verlander

At the BBWAA dinner, Justin Verlander accepted his Cy Young award for the 2022 season. As he began his speech, he addressed Mets manager Buck Showalter, who was there accepting his NL Manager of the Year award.

“I’ve had the pleasure of playing for some great Hall of Fame managers in my career,” Verlander said, “and I really look forward to having the opportunity to play for, in my opinion, another one.”

Verlander has played for Jim Leyland and Dusty Baker in the past—the former who is in the Hall of Fame and the latter who will be.

Buck Showalter

Speaking of Buck Showalter, the manager spoke with NJ.com‘s Bob Klapisch about the Carlos Correa saga, Steve Cohen, and many more topics. One of them was his ace from 2022—Jacob deGrom—leaving for the Texas Rangers. In the conversation, Showalter told Klapisch that deGrom said there was a “real reason” why he left New York.

“He said, ‘someday I’d like to sit down with you and explain what really happened. I really thought I’d be back there,'” Showalter said of his conversation with deGrom. He essentially said that the Rangers made an offer that was “light years” ahead of everyone else, and that he believes deGrom was happy playing in New York City.

Steve Cohen

As for the man who went on a nearly $600 million spending spree once deGrom signed with Texas, Mets owner Steve Cohen made another appearance at a “vision session” for the area around Citi Field. As someone who expects to be heavily involved in what the area around Citi Field turns into, Cohen said fans have made it clear the Mets need to “do better” with the area around the park. “Across the country, ballparks have been adding meaningful experiences for both fans and the entire community,” Cohen said. “Queens shouldn’t be an exception.”

Max Scherzer… And Donovan Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell, the basketball star, is the son of Mets senior director of DEI and Player Relations Donovan Mitchell Sr. He’s a huge Mets (and baseball fan). On the cover reveal announcement of MLB The Show 2023, Mitchell was filling time with Robert Flores before Jazz Chisholm’s cover was eventually unveiled. During the time, he said Max Scherzer challenged him to a one-on-one basketball game. (Scherzer would get mopped, but I enjoy the competitiveness.)

Also, of his beloved New York Mets, Mitchell said the team has “a lot of talent. …  I always trust in Uncle Steve.”

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New York Mets manager Buck Showalter was named the National League Manager of the Year by the Baseball Writers Association of America.

In his first year with the Mets, Showalter led the Mets to 101 wins–the second-most in team history–and a tie for first place in the NL East. (They lost the division to the Braves based on head-to-head records.)

He was cited by players as bringing a level of professionalism and a wealth of baseball knowledge to the dugout. Showalter set the tone early in his management tenure by leading the players out of the dugout toward the Nationals after Francisco Lindor was hit by a pitch in the face in the second game of the year. It was the fourth time the team had been hit by a pitch just 14 innings into the season.

His now-trademark stare after his players got hit a record was displayed on broadcasts from then on.

This is Showalter’s fourth Manager of the Year win, and he now has a win in each of the last four decades: 1994 with the New York Yankees, 2004 with the Texas Rangers, 2014 with the Baltimore Orioles and now 2022.

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Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Baseball Writer’s Association of America and MLB Network announced the finalists for the National League and American League Cy Youngs, MVPs, Jackie Robinson Rookies of the Year, and Managers of the Year for the 2022 season.

Highlighting the list was the Mets manager Buck Showalter being named a finalist for NL Manager of the Year. After failing to make the playoffs and finish with an above .500 record in 2021, Showalter led the Mets to 100 wins and their first playoff appearance since 2016.

Each of the finalists on the list was distinguished for their performance in their respective leagues during the 2022 season. Notable snubs from the list were Oliver Marmol, who at age 35 became the youngest manager in MLB history and led the Cardinals to the 2022 NL Central title, and Bobby Witt Jr., who finished with a 20-30 season and 56 extra-base hits on the season.

Below are the finalists for the 2022 BBWAA awards and the dates for when the winners will be announced.

Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year award: November 14

Managers of the Year: November 15

Cy Young awards: November 16

MVP awards: November 17

NL Cy Young Finalists

Sandy Alcantara

Julio Urías

Max Fried

AL Cy Young

Justin Verlander

Dylan Cease

Alek Manoah

NL MVP

Paul Goldschmidt

Manny Machado

Nolan Arenado 

AL MVP

Aaron Judge

Shohei Ohtani

Yordan Alvarez

NL Rookie of the Year

Michael Harris II

Spencer Strider

Brendan Donovan 

AL Rookie of the Year

Julio Rodríguez

Adley Rutschman

Steven Kwan

NL Manager of the Year

Buck Showalter

Brian Snitker

Dave Roberts 

AL Manager of the Year

Terry Francona

Scott Servais

Brandon Hyde

Who do you think will win each award?

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