Mets Morning News: Minor Leaguers Sign, Rule Five Guys Added To The 40-Man Roster

Meet the Mets

The biggest news of the day on Tuesday was that the Mets added six minor leaguers to their 40-man roster prior to the midnight Rule 5 protection deadline. Those six players are RHPs Zack Wheeler, Gonzalez Germen, Hansel Robles and recently signed Greg Burke, LHP Darin Gorski, and SS Wilfredo Tovar. The additions of Robles, Germen and Burke were all relatively surprising, as were the omissions of Aderlin Rodriguez and Jefry Marte.

The team also added three AAA veterans on minor league deals -- RHP Carlos Torres, LHP Scott Rice, and CF Jamie Hoffmann. Torres pitched in the majors with the Rockies in 2012, while Hoffmann had a couple of cups of coffee with the Dodgers in 2009 and 2011.

Jeff Wilpon said yesterday that trading David Wright and R.A. Dickey would only be a last resort. To be honest, that scares me more than anything. If they can't work out deals with either guy, they should absolutely be dealt at their peak value instead of being held onto and possibly allowed to walk away via free agency next year.

The Feds are looking into Mets' minority owner and Dodgers' finalist Steven Cohen, who is accused of being involved in an illicit trading scheme.

Ted Berg dove into the dumpster of free agent baseball players and pulled out brand new free agent Ryan Raburn, who could be a good fit as a role player for the 2013 Mets.

Dave Howard explained why the Mets' Opening Day ticket prices that were released on Monday were so high.

Matt Harvey has already begun preparations for the 2013 season, while Ike Davis is going to receive a Thurman Munson award.

Around the Majors

The Blue Jays have named John Gibbons, who managed the club from 2004-08, their new manager. Gibbons has Mets ties, as he was a farmhand in the system during the 80's and played briefly with the big league club in 1984 and 1986. He also managed in the Mets' farm system after his retirement.

Hiroki Kuroda has re-signed with the Yankees, getting a one-year, $15 million deal.

The Mariners designated free agent bust Chone Figgins for assignment on Tuesday, likely ending his awful run with the club. In three seasons and 308 games in Seattle, the 34-year old Figgins hit just .227/.302/.283.

The Rockies flipped lefty reliever Matt Reynolds to the Diamondbacks in exchange for infielder Ryan Wheeler, while the Orioles dealt infielder Robert Andino to Seattle for outfielder Trayvon Robinson.

The Cubs acquired former #6 overall draft pick Barret Loux from the Rangers in exchange for Jacob Brigham. Chicago also DFA'd first baseman Bryan LaHair, who is going to pursue an opportunity to play in Japan.

Dayton Moore and the Royals gave Jeremy Guthrie a 3 year, $25 million contract. Because sure, why not?

News Corp. officially acquired a stake in the YES Network, valuing the channel at $3 billion and paying the Yankees $500 million. Not sure if this is something the Wilpons could eventually do with SNY but with their money woes, they may want to consider it.

Yesterday At AA

Chris McShane takes a look at the near future of Mets' catchers. The quick version: it's bleak.

The Mets raised Opening Day ticket prices and they're not going to get away with it.

TWISNY's Year In Review does a final check-in with Kevin. Because checking in with Kevin is like checking in with heaven, after all!

I reviewed some possible outfield trade targets on the Tigers. There could be a couple of decent buy low options there, I guess.

Here's AA's reaction to the trio of minor league signings the Mets made on Tuesday.

In This Date In Mets History for November 20th, Tom Seaver and Doc Gooden picked up Rookie of the Year awards.