Mets Morning News: Undefeated And Obviously World Series Bound

Meet the Mets

I hope you all celebrated the return of baseball yesterday, as the Mets defeated the Nationals 5-3 in their spring training opener. Shaun Marcum allowed three early runs but Zack Wheeler, Cory Mazzoni, Darin Gorski, and Bobby Parnell combined for 7 scoreless innings. Ruben Tejada also showcased his muscles when he hit a two-run first inning home run. Toby Hyde has a nice wrapup on Wheeler's outing.

The Mets play some split squad action today as half of the squad will take on the University of Michigan at home, while the other half heads to Kissimmee to take on the American League's Houston Astros. That game will feature Matt Harvey on the mound and Travis d'Arnaud will be behind the plate. Welcome to the future.

Pedro Feliciano will be shut down for at least two weeks after a potentially serious heart condition was discovered during his physical. Feliciano has a small hole in his heart and he also had an irregular heartbeat.

The Mets may have to develop some guidelines with Travis d'Arnaud on when it comes to blocking the plate, in order to try to keep him healthy. We had video of d'Arnaud blocking pitches at spring training here at Amazin' Avenue yesterday.

As the tutor to Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler, Dan Warthen has the Mets' future in his hands. Maybe he'll invite them to go for pizza on the mound as well.

Collin McHugh was a major leaguer at the end of the 2012 season but in the offseason, he worked in an office.

Around the Majors

It's February 24th and Kyle Lohse, the man who threw 211 innings with a 134 ERA+ a year ago, is still a free agent who's attracting little interest on the market.

Marlins' catcher Jeff Mathis is expected to miss 6 weeks after suffering a broken collarbone during yesterday's spring training opener.

The Giants are discussing extensions for GM Brian Sabean and manager Bruce Bochy.

In a small deal, the Phillies dealt reliever Michael Schwimer to the Blue Jays for a minor leaguer.

Curt Schilling's famous bloody sock sold for over $92,000 at an auction last night. Disappointed you missed out on that? Well, you can still buy Alex Rodriguez's 2009 World Series ring, which will be placed up for bids by A-Rod's famous cousin Yuri Sucart.

Finally, according to a judge, the Yankees truly are the Evil Empire. How long until they throw that onto a t-shirt and sell it at the stadium?

Yesterday At AA

Eric reminds us of that time back in 2002 when Mo Vaughn hit a monstrous home run halfway up the Shea Stadium scoreboard.

Chris McShane has more pictures from Port St. Lucie: big league camp and STEP camp.

Brock Mahan looks back at February 23rd in Mets' history.