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Meet the Mets
The Mets have reached out to Curtis Granderson as their search for outfield help continues. Granderson would certainly be an upgrade over what the Mets have, but the sticking point for me is going to be the dollar amount.
Sandy Alderson is reportedly not going to be giving out any large-scale contracts to free agents, effectively ending the Mets pursuit of Shin-Soo Choo, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Robinson Cano. Many thought that was the case before the offseason, but now we have it straight out of the big-cheese's mouth.
Continuing on that theme, Alderson says that the reason is not because the Mets lack the capability, but instead that it would not bode well for team building.
The Mets may be mulling a reunion with Mike Pelfrey in the event they can't land an upper-tier starting pitcher. As you may recall, Mike Pelfrey is a superior version of Matt Harvey, so he should be an anchor in the Mets' rotation for years-to-come.
According to Joel Sherman of the Post, the Mets primary concern this offseason will be upgrading at shortstop, either via trade or via free agency.
Andy Martino suggests that the Mets prefer Lucas Duda over Ike Davis, and then editorializes why he feels that's a bad decision. Mr. Martino makes some good points, and it will certainly be one of the Mets biggest situations to watch during the offseason.
The Mets reportedly attempted to lay the groundwork with the Brewers for an Ike Davis deal, however, the deal has reportedly stalled.
Jared Diamond of the Wall Street Journal suggests that there are many avenues the Mets could go down in order to fix the team, including looking for bargains, but Sandy Alderson must do something soon
The folks over at FanGraphs give their take on the Mets situation for this coming year, and although it will probably be shocking to most of you, the outlook isn't good.
The Mets will be hosting their annual Thanksgiving food drive today. Anyone who brings 10 non-perishable food items will receive two free tickets to a Mets game this season, and a bag of the same chocolate coins that Jeff Wilpon has been offering to Bronson Arroyo.
Around the MLB
Wil Myers and Jose Fernandez win AL and NL Rookie of the Year, respectively. Having had the opportunity see Jose Fernandez's first career start in person was one of the highlights of my baseball year, and both players are poised to have special careers.
Ben Cherington was voted The Sporting News' top MLB executive today at the Winter Meetings. Congrats to Mr. Cherington on a great season.
Don Mattingly was officially announced as having been brought back by the Dodgers in 2014. Mattingly had an option that had vested with the Dodgers' playoff appearance, though it was suggested the Dodgers may buy the contract out.
The Cubs are reportedly in the hunt for Japanese sensation Masahiro Tanaka. Theo Epstein has shown in the past that he has no problem going after international free agents, however it doesn't seem that the Cubs will have the resources to land Tanaka.
The Twins have officially moved Joe Mauer to first base, ending the former catcher's excellent run behind the plate.
The Braves will be building a new stadium in the Atlanta suburbs, set to open in 2017. This was surprising news given that the Braves have only called Turner Field home for 19 years; however, the team failed to negotiate a new lease with the city of Atlanta.
The Reds have hired former Met Jay Bell as their new bench coach, ending his run as Pirates hitting coach.
Yesterday at AA
Joshua Ryan profiled former divisional rival Raul Ibanez, who is coming off a good year in Seattle
Steve Sypa talked to us about Casey McGehee who is coming back to the United States after two years in Japan.
Lastly, James Kannengieser provided his view on the new camouflage jerseys the Mets will be wearing, and asked for your opinion as well.
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