Mets Morning News: Upton's deal with Detroit may set Cespedes up for a big contract

Meet the Mets

Justin Upton is headed to the Tigers. The 28-year-old outfielder snagged a six-year, $132.75 million deal to play in the Motor City. The fallout from this, of course, is that there's one less suitor for Yoenis Cespedes. John Harper argued that Upton's deal is only going to make it more difficult for the Mets to sign Cespedes, even if there's one less team looking for his services.

Kevin Kernan opined that Michael Conforto's workmanlike attitude, and even-keeled demeanor are the marks of a superstar in the making. I think we were all impressed by his maturity last season.

Mark Simon of ESPN took a good look at the Mets' Steamer projections for this upcoming season. Steamer seems to really like the starting rotation, while thinking that Curtis Granderson and Jeurys Familia won't be able to replicate their success.

Our friends at Brew and Orange ─ a Mets and beer themed blog, started by some folks from Amazin' Avenue ─ are having a giveaway, and all you need to do is tell them a story about Mike Piazza and you!

Around the Majors

In an interesting post on Fangraphs today, we got an inside look at where analytics is headed in the current MLB landscape, and where it sits currently as a corporate function of baseball.

Grant Brisbee mentioned how much he disliked the idea of the DH in the National League, but added that it wouldn't take long to get used to.

Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago noted that the Cubs still have plenty of assets, and if something doesn't work out during the season, they can make a trade.

Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Marlins beat writer Juan C. Rodriguez, who passed away from brain cancer at the age of 42.

Yesterday at AA

Our Top-25 Prospects countdown continued, as Greg Karam told us about Desmond Lindsay.

Matt Varvaro's Mets Mind-Boggler for the week had to do with the best Mets of the 1970's.

This Date in Mets History

On January 19, 1972, Yogi Berra was elected into the Hall of Fame. Somehow, Berra didn't make it in on the first ballot, which seems like an injustice.

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!