Meet the Mets
Asdrubal Cabrera, signed to a two-year contract by the Mets on December 10, had only good things to say about his new organization. Most notably, Cabrera claimed he would be comfortable playing third base—presumably, in the event of an injury to David Wright. The switch-hitter has played just one major league game at third base.
Connor Buchmann, a right-handed pitcher in the Mets' farm system, was suspended for 50 games after testing positive for amphetamine use. An 11th-round pick in the 2014 draft, we released a profile of Buchmann shortly after his selection.
The Mets will be among the teams in attendance for Denard Span's open workout after the New Year. Span, who has been linked to the Mets at times this offseason, was examined in our 2016 free agent profile series.
The most recent World Series odds have the Mets pegged at 14/1 to win it all; on par with the Royals, but behind the Giants and Cubs at 6/1.
Noah Syndergaard offered a tongue-in-cheek apology for the MLB's recent increase in 95+ MPH pitches.
Around the Majors
The division rival Washington Nationals have a deal in place to acquire Brandon Phillips from the Reds. The primary roadblock remaining is Phillips' no-trade clause; according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, financial adjustments to Phillips' contract will be required before a deal is finalized.
The Mariners re-signed Hisashi Iwakuma to a one-year contract. A failed physical prevented Iwakuma from joining the Dodgers after agreeing to terms on a contract.
Johnny Cueto was formally introduced to San Francisco media after signing a five-year, $90 million contract on Dec. 5.
Chipper Jones will join the Braves' front office as a Special Assistant to Baseball Operations.
Yesterday at AA
Chris Gaine outlined the reasons to avoid re-signing Yoenis Cespedes.
Matt Varvaro examined John Olerud's case to be considered an all-time Mets great.
Chris Strohmaier wrote up a review of Daniel Murphy's 2015 season.
Steve Schreiber listed 31 Mets fans who are must-follows on Twitter.
Episode 164 of Amazin' Avenue Audio was released, focusing on the recent signings of Jerry Blevins and Bartolo Colon.
This Date in Mets History
On this day in 1993, the Mets signed Joe Orsulak to a three-year, $2.4 million contract. Orsulak would be remembered as a hard-nosed player who provided excellent value for his contract, on teams with overpaid, underachieving players such as Bobby Bonilla and Vince Coleman.
Happy birthday to Willie Blair and Joe Randa!