Mets Morning News: The Yankees Might Want To Start Scoring Some Runs Soon

Meet the Mets

Lefty reliever Justin Hampson was removed from the Mets' 40-man roster and he elected free agency.

While it's not official yet, the Mets' front office is expecting catcher Josh Thole to be arbitration eligible as a Super Two this offseason. As a result, Thole's 2013 salary could jump up close to $1 million.

In winter ball, Jordany Valdespin is back in right field. Let's hope this is just further development as prep for a utility role and not a big league starting job.

Strength and conditioning Brad Andress will not return in 2013. Andress had been with the club for two seasons.

At his blog, Collin McHugh wrote about his big league stint and how the grass is often as green as it is on the other side.

Toby Hyde continues his Top 41 prospect review by going over #6-11 on the list. Meanwhile at Beyond The Box Score, Spencer Schneier has a Brandon Nimmo prospect profile.

Yesterday At AA

James Kannengieser takes a look at the disaster that was the 2012 Mets' catchers. Be very, very careful when you click on that link. If disgustingly low wOBA's make you queasy, I'd advise against it.

Michael Donato, formerly known as Ceetar, makes his AA debut with a look at some of the potential bounce back candidates still on the Mets' roster.

This Date In Mets' History: October 16th, the day when the 1969 Mets were on top of the world.

Around the Playoffs

It's do or die time for the Yankees. The Tigers won game three of the ALCS by a score of 2-1 to go up 3 games to none, as the Yankees' offense was again on the fritz. Justin Verlander held the Yankees to just two hits over 8+ innings and Phil Coke survived a late-inning scare by striking out Raul Ibanez to seal the deal. The Tigers can clinch a trip to the World Series tomorrow, as they'll send Max Scherzer up to the hill against CC Sabathia at 8:00 PM.

The NLCS heads to game three, as the Cardinals and Giants are tied at a game apiece. First pitch in St. Louis is at 4:00 PM and the pitching matchup features Matt Cain against Kyle Lohse.

Around the Majors

Baseball America released their year end awards and Mike Trout won the Player Of The Year and the Rookie Of The Year.

Matt Cain's underwhelmed a bit in the postseason so far and while his fastball velocity is steady, the ace's slider and release point have been off. Meanwhile, Mr. Cain was coy when talking about what may happen when Matt Holliday steps in the batter's box.

Former MLB'er and ex-Mets' third base coach Eddie Yost passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 86.

Alex Rodriguez tabloid time? Alex Rodriguez tabloid time. Sigh.

If you've got some free cash lying around, Ozzie Smith is selling some mementos from his career. You want a Gold Glove or a World Series ring?