Mets Morning News: Mets Hold The Line In Scott Hairston Contract Negotiations, Still Need Outfielders

Meet the Mets

Rumor has it that the Mets balked at Scott Hairston's asking price of two years, $8 million. Seems pretty reasonable to me. Hopefully Sandy Alderson has something else up his sleeve.

Three Mets officially filed for arbitration yesterday: Ike Davis, Daniel Murphy, and Bobby Parnell will all enter arbitration for the first time.

We're getting closer to spring training, as the equipment truck leaves for Port St. Lucie soon. Will Brandon Webb be at Mets' spring training? They're keeping tabs on the righty, who is trying to make a comeback. We know that five non-roster invitee prospects will be in camp and Toby Hyde runs through them.

Around the Majors

Rafael Soriano has signed on with the Nationals with a two-year, $28 million deal. That Nats' bullpen suddenly looks pretty stacked.

World Baseball Classic rosters will be announced on Thursday.

Dave Cameron took a look at how we should expect Michael Bourn's defense to age over the next few years and, well, it doesn't look very good.

Jonah Keri wonders whether the Diamondbacks have lost their leverage in a future Justin Upton trade after what has transpired this offseason. And at the Hardball Times, Jeff Moore asks what exactly is the Diamondbacks' plan?

Former Braves' closer John Rocker is back in the news because, unsurprisingly, he said something really dumb.

Yesterday At AA

Rob Castellano continues with the AA top prospect list, reviewing #30-40.

Eno Sarris wonders who Lucas Duda could become. Spoiler alert but Jason Kubel does seem like a pretty realistic comp.

Matthew Callan recaps the second episode of the recently released first season of This Week In Baseball.

Reports say that the Mets will not trade Zack Wheeler in a deal for Justin Upton. Good. Unfortunately, they need outfielders and it looks like they won't give Scott Hairston what he wants.

David Moseder looks back at former Mets' hitting coach Tom Robson, who I recall for his mustache and the giant aviator glasses he wore.