Mets Morning News: Winter meetings are coming

Meet the Mets

With baseball's winter meetings set to get underway today in Nashville, the hot stove is heating up again. No matter how hot it gets, though, the Mets are still unlikely to bring back Yoenis Cespedes. The outfielder is looking at deals that are more expensive than what New York would like to spend on him.

However, that doesn't mean that the whole band is breaking up. Jerry Blevins could reunite with the Mets, who are still looking for left-handed relief help. The legendary Bartolo Colon might even return in a bullpen role.

Ben Zobrist remains the top target for the Mets, but they will also consider bringing back Daniel Murphy depending on how the market develops.

Meanwhile, New York is still willing to part with Jon Niese if the price is right. The lefty isn't being actively shopped, though.

Wilmer Flores is going to stop playing winter ball for now due to an ankle injury he sustained on a hit by pitch.

Around the National League East

Jonathan Papelbon has filed a grievance against the Nationals after the team suspended him without pay for his actions against Bryce Harper in September.

Talking Chop wonders if the Braves will trade Shelby Miller this week.

After non-tendering Henderson Alvarez, the Marlins are in need of a pitcher. Perhaps Ian Kennedy can be their guy.

The Good Phight takes a look back at the turmoil facing the Phillies franchise in the early 1940s.

Around the majors

MLB.com has the top stories to follow at the winter meetings. And also, some bold predictions.

After losing Zack Greinke to Arizona, the Dodgers have reached an agreement with Hisashi Iwakuma. They also might try to trade for Jose Fernandez.

In bullpen news, Darren O'Day has a deal in place to return to the Orioles, while the Royals are about to give Joakim Soria a second stint in Kansas City.

Elsewhere, the Tigers are getting two years of Mark Lowe, and the Athletics have signed up for three with Mark Madson.

This date in Mets history

The Mets acquired Howard Johnson, traded away Wally Backman, and watched Jose Reyes sign with Miami.