Mets Afternoon News: Because getting the news late is better than not getting it at all!

Meet the Mets

Well hello there, Zack Wheeler! The 23-year old phenom struck out 12 Padres over 6 innings as the Mets defeated San Diego 4-1 in their series opener last night.

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Jon Niese makes his second start since returning from the DL this evening, as the Mets take on Ian Kennedy and the Padres once again at 10:10 PM.

Mark Simon wrote about Eric Young Jr, who a scout quoted within thinks could be a solid utility player off the bench for the Mets. I agree.

Mets pitchers have not been good at the plate.

We're still waiting on the Buck baby, at this point.

Wilmer Flores is wearing a boot during the day but apparently will be allowed to pinch hit.

Terry Collins says he likes instant replay but thinks that infielders might be in danger if the neighborhood play on double plays disappears.

The Cyclones are going to host Unity Day on Monday, after the statue of Jackie Robinson in front of MCU Park was defaced last week.

Toby Hyde passes along info that the Sand Gnats may be looking into a move to Columbia, South Carolina.

Yesterday At AA

Major League Baseball is planning to update the instant replay rules, as Stephen Schmidt explains.

Joe Sokolowski provides us with the week in Mets quotes.

Aaron Yorke previewed the Mets and Padres series and I spoke with jbox from Gaslamp Ball about what to expect from the Padres this weekend.

Around the NL East

Rafael Soriano blew a save and the Nationals lost to the Giants 4-3. Baseball Prospectus takes a look at the Nats' new future.

At Talking Chop, Scott Coleman took a look back at the 2005 Baby Braves.

Around the Majors

Reports are saying that the Phillies will announce the firing of manager Charlie Manuel this afternoon at a 2:30 press conference. Oh, Ruben Amaro Jr. You are the best.

Did Alex Rodriguez really gain an edge from using PED's?

The Twins haven't been good in a few years but they have a dominant, cheap bullpen.

So one time, a baseball player sent a rat to a female sportswriter.

If you read an article or find a link that you think would be a great addition to a future edition of Mets Morning News, please forward it to our tips email address tips@grission.com and we'll try to add it in.