Mets Morning News: Who needs pranks for one day a year, when you have LOLMets for 365?

Meet the Mets

The Mets, behind a strong performance from Jon Niese, blanked the Nationals 2-0 in Viera yesterday. New Mets acquisition Jerry Blevins stuck out Bryce Harper in the first outing of his Mets career.

Terry Collins admitted that he was pleased about the Mets starters control during spring training.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis admitted that he misses Matt den Dekker already, as the two have long been together in the Mets system.

In an interview on WFAN, Rob Manfred said that Fred Wilpon was a "victim" and as such, looks at him and Frank McCourt differently.

Ron Darling appeared on Bill Price's podcast to discuss broadcasting and the Mets.

Despite not having a winning season in several years, the Mets are among the top six teams in home ticket pricing.

Joel Sherman writes that the Mets spring training can make us believe, but could also just be a mirage.

Ken Davidoff, in the Post, says that the Mets are one of the offseason's big losers.

Karl de Vries at Rotographs thinks that Travis d'Arnaud is poised to have a big fantasy year.

AstroMets wants to know if 2015 is about #SandysMess or #OmarsTeam.

Kelli Gail previews the Mets 2015 season for The Huffington Post. Correction: the Mets season opens on Monday, not Sunday, as the article mentions.

Around the NL East

Matt den Dekker spoke to the Washington media for the first time about the trade that sent him to The District.

Around the Majors

For the first time in Major League Baseball history, the average contract will be more than $4 million.

Adam Wainwright will start the season opener for the Cardinals on Sunday night in Chicago.

Former Mets hero Endy Chavez was released by the Mariners yesterday, after opting out of his contract.

ESPN concluded ranking the top players in baseball, and I think you'd be unsurprised at their number one choice.

Sam Miller at JABO says that the stupidest rule in baseball has nothing to do with the game itself.

Yesterday at AA

Resident fun-slinger Nathan Gismot says that we should be encouraged by spring training.

Matt Vavaro asks if Johnny Monell has done enough to break camp with the big club.

Chris McShane profiled new Mets pitcher Alex Torres.

If you see a great addition to Mets Morning News, send an email to our tips address, tips@grission.com, and we'll try to add it in!