Mets Morning News: Royals take Series lead, Collins remains Mets manager, everybody loves Kevin Long

Meet the Mets

Joe Maddon opted out of his contract with the Tampa Bay Rays to seek a job elsewhere. The Mets emphatically denied that they would consider getting rid of Terry Collins, which rules Maddon out for the team's plans in 2015.

Kevin Long, the Mets' new hitting coach, has already spoken with Curtis Granderson since the team hired him. And before he was hired, Long had a half-hour phone conversation with David Wright, who thinks Long will be a great fit for the Mets. Terry Collins is impressed by Long, too.

David Wright's shoulder rehab has gone well so far, and the captain will see doctors again in the coming weeks for another assessment of its condition.

Around MLB

The Royals beat the Giants 3-2 in Game 3 of the World Series. That gives Kansas City a 2-1 edge in the series, with Game 4 slated for tonight in San Francisco.

Eno Sarris breaks down the eleven-pitch at-bat that Eric Hosmer had in the sixth inning, which ultimately ended with him driving in the run that was eventually the difference in the ballgame.

Before the game, Jeff Sullivan suggested the Royals deploy the "ultimate outfield" to help defeat the Giants.

The Times profiles Giants bullpen catcher Bill Hayes, who seems to be pretty popular among the team's pitchers. Also from the Times, these Royals aren't the first Kansas City baseball team to use pinch-running as a weapon.

Buster Posey has made a few outs on the bases this postseason.

Beyond the Box Score examines Jake Peavy's inconsistent release point.

Ted Berg asks which of the World Series managers is better at managing his bullpen and has some general feedback after Game 3.

Mark Simon of ESPN has a pretty fantastic memory when it comes to World Series endings.

Around the NL East

Fish Stripes takes a look at the Marlins' Gold Glove candidates: Christian Yelich, Giancarlo Stanton, and Adeiny Hechavarria.

The Phillies might be in the process of shopping Cole Hamels, who will soon turn 31 years old and has been one of the better pitchers in baseball over the course of his career. Grant Brisbee writes that the Phillies are rebuilding, but they don't have the right architect.

Is there a chance the Phillies could turn to Joe Maddon? Probably not.

Federal Baseball profiles Wilmer Difo and Lucas Gioloto, two of the Nationals' most promising prospects.

Yesterday at AA

James K. reminds us of the things we might have forgotten from the Mets' second half this year.

Matthew Callan wrapped up his season-long look back at the 1999 Mets. If you've missed any of the series and are going to miss baseball over the coming months, it's well worth going back and reading these.

And Jeff Wilpon indicated the Mets were sticking with Terry Collins.

This Date in Mets History: "It gets through Buckner! Here comes Knight, and the Mets win it!"