Mets Morning News: Outfield Prospect Puello Gets Linked To Biogenesis, Spring Training Optimism Abounds

Meet the Mets

Mets' outfield prospect Cesar Puello was linked to the Biogenesis clinic yesterday. The team issued a statement last night. Also linked was former top prospect Fernando Martinez, now of the Astros.

Daniel Murphy is back in New York and received a cortisone injection for his sore intercostal muscle. Meanwhile, Frank Francisco's elbow has improved but the team is still unsure when the righty may be able to begin throwing again.

There's plenty of spring training optimism to go around Mets' camp in Port St. Lucie.

In the Star Ledger, Jorge Castillo has an excellent profile of dark horse sidearming righty Greg Burke, who apparently had 20 teams interested in him before he agreed with the Mets on a minor league deal.

David Wright chose the familiarity of the Mets' organization over potentially quick success in a new city. Probably important to point out he also chose the money on the table now over the money potentially on the table next winter.

Did you know that Shaun Marcum was a shortstop in college? Well, now you do!

Around the Majors

Aside from Puello and Martinez, three other players were linked to Tony Bosch's Miami clinic: Padres SS Everth Cabrera, Athletics' reliever Jordan Norberto, and Padres pitcher Fautino de los Santos.

Baseball America's Top 100 Prospect List is out and the Mets have three players on it: Zack Wheeler checks in at #11, Travis d'Arnaud is at #23, and Noah Syndergaard is at #54.

Red Sox reliever Alfredo Aceves is testing new manager John Farrell and the Sox won't take it this year.

Not surprisingly, the Braves will retire Chipper Jones' #10 later this year.

It looks like Roy Halladay will not get the Phillies' opening day start this year. Meanwhile, the Philly version of WFAN "reported" that the Phillies are aggressively pursuing Giancarlo Stanton. I think they may have a better shot at acquiring a unicorn or a leprechaun for right field.

Yesterday At AA

Steve Sypa takes another look at International Free Agent possibilities.

James Kannengieser asks you to come up with your projection for Ike Davis in 2013. Hopefully it involves lots of moonshots and lots more #DrunkIke memes.

David Moseder looks back at February 19th in Mets' history.