Mets Morning News: Easter Sunday will soon give way to Niese-ter Monday (and real, live BASEBALL!)

Meet the Mets

Spring training came to a close, as the Mets fell to the Orioles 7-1 in Sarasota. Dillon Gee and Jeremy Hefner struggled in their final spring appearances. With spring over, the Mets head back to New York, where they will have a workout at Citi Field today.

Terry Collins revealed his Opening Day lineup, announcing that his outfield to start the year will feature Lucas Duda in left field, Collin Cowgill in center field, and Marlon Byrd in right field. All three players will be starters and will not be used in platoon roles. The club still has one roster decision to make on Sunday, as Justin Turner will test out his calf to see whether he is DL bound or not.

Johan Santana has decided to go forth with his shoulder surgery. The lefty will go under the knife on Tuesday, likely putting an end to his Mets' career. Thank you for everything, Johan. Jay Jaffe at Sports Illustrated asks whether Santana is a Hall of Famer?

The Daily News has an interview with SNY's Gary, Keith, and Ron.

Down in the minors, Zack Wheeler will make the Opening Day start for Triple-A Las Vegas when they open the season in Sacramento on April 4. Whenever the Mets decide to call up Wheeler, it makes sense to look into a long-term extension for the righthander. The team released a few players from its minor league ranks, the most notable names being 2008 1st rounder Brad Holt and diminutive lefty Danny Herrera.

Around the Majors

Braves reliever Jonny Venters is headed to see Dr. James Andrews about his elbow.

Cole Hamels has a mustache now and he was shooting hot dogs out of a hot dog cannon.

The Rockies sent outfielder Tyler Colvin down to Triple-A yesterday. The 27-year old, who does not walk all that often, hit .290/.327/.531 with 18 home runs for Colorado and would likely be the Mets' best hitting outfielder.

16-year old Japanese pitcher Tomohiro Anraku threw 232-pitches in one outing and followed it up with a 159-pitch complete game just days later. That makes my arm hurt.

Yesterday At AA

Chris McShane looks at some of the best fantasy options on the Mets' roster.

Brock Mahan looks back at March 30th in Mets history.