Mets Morning News: If Aaron Harangs some pitches, the Mets get themselves a protected pick

Meet the Mets

The Mets fell to the Brewers last night by a score of 4-2, as Carlos Torres allowed a trio of home runs.

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In game three of the final series of the season, Aaron Harang takes on Brewers' prospect Jimmy Nelson in his first big league start this afternoon at Citi Field.

The Mets announced their Sterling Award winners yesterday and hosted all of the players at Citi Field last night. Noah Syndergaard was there and so were Dominic Smith and Allan Dykstra, among the rest of the group.

Adam Rubin reported yesterday that except for Shin-Soo Choo, the Mets may be unwilling to chase after free agents with Qualifying Offers this winter. He also says that the Mets may not go beyond four years on any free agent. Well, we'll see.

Speaking of qualifying offers, the Mets are just a loss away from a protected pick. The only way the Mets can not get a protected pick would be by winning the final two games against the Brewers. A split or Brewers sweep would get the Mets inside the bottom 10.

Is Vic Black a possible closer in waiting for the Mets?

Yesterday At AA

Chris McShane writes that the Mets should not count on Daisuke Matuszaka in 2014. Me: agree, though I wouldn't be against a minor league deal with him stashed in Las Vegas for future use if he was willing to agree to that.

Jeff Paternostro continues his best prospects series by looking at Binghamton outfielder Cory Vaughn.

Around the NL East

The Braves beat the Phillies 1-0 despite Cliff Lee mostly dominating.

The Marlins beat the Tigers 3-2. Owner Jeffrey Loria fired the team's President of Baseball Operations Larry Beinfest yesterday and replaced him with Dan Jennings. It sounds like there could be more firings in Miami.

The Nationals defeated the Diamondbacks 8-4 behind Stephen Strasburg and three-run homers from Jayson Werth and Wilson Ramos.

Around the Majors

The Rays fell to the Blue Jays yesterday, dropping them into a tie with the Indians for the two AL Wild Card slots. The Rangers are still just a game behind both teams with two to play.

The Cardinals have clinched the NL Central with a shutout victory over the Cubs.

You might want to cross Hunter Pence off of your AAOP wishlists. The veteran outfielder seems like he may be close to re-signing with the Giants.

Mariners' manager Eric Wedge has decided not to come back to the team in 2014.

Clayton Kershaw is pretty incredible at pitching baseballs.

Scott Kazmir got stuck in a hotel elevator for an hour and a half on Thursday night.

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