Mets Morning News: Plenty Of Talk About The Bullpen

Meet the Mets

As the title up above says, there was a lot of focus on the bullpen this weekend. First, Ken Davidoff reports that the Mets haven't shut the door on a possible Jose Valverde signing. His stuff seems to have diminished but since it's late February, it seems like he'll make a lot less than expected.

Other bullpen highlights: Sidearming righty Greg Burke's new delivery has been a pleasant surprise. The Mets' bullpen is old. Jeurys Familia has a shot at a big league bullpen spot to open the season. There are also Q&A's with Bobby Parnell and LaTroy Hawkins.

It shouldn't be a surprise but Terry Collins confirmed that Zack Wheeler is going to start the year at AAA Las Vegas.

ESPN's Sweetspot blog has an offseason report card for the Mets.

In the event that Marlon Byrd is not the answer in right field, Adam Rubin introduces some of the lesser known candidates for the job.

Johan Santana should make his spring debut within the next two weeks or so.

Jordany Valdespin will be spending a good amount of time in the infield during camp.

Around the Majors

With Padres' lefty Clayton Richard avoiding arbitration and agreeing to a contract, there are no arbitration hearings for the first time ever.

Aroldis Chapman is moving to the Reds' rotation this year.

Ozzie Guillen talked to the Orioles about their 3rd base coaching job for this year. If Ozzie doesn't get that, at least he gets paid $2.5 million for the next 3 years by the Marlins.

The Giants are unhappy with Pablo Sandoval's weight issues again.

Yesterday At AA

Brock Mahan looks back at February 16th in Mets' history. RIP Kid.