Mets Morning News: Mets interested in Antonio Bastardo, Paul DePodesta leaves for Browner pastures

Meet the Mets

The Mets' front office took a blow Tuesday, as Paul DePodesta was hired by the Cleveland Browns as Chief Strategy Officer. DePodesta, who served as the Mets' Vice President of Player Development, was hired by general manager Sandy Alderson in 2010.

Calling DePodesta's departure a "stunning move," Ken Davidoff of the New York Post explained the negative impact this development will have on the team's front office. Will Gibson of Waiting for Next Year outlined the challenges DePodesta will face in a rebuilding Browns organization.

The Mets are among the teams in talks for left-handed reliever Antonio Bastardo. Bastardo, a veteran of seven major league seasons, posted a 3.39 FIP with the Pirates in 2015.

Mike Puma of the New York Post reflected on Mike Piazza's career, as the 12-time All-Star appears likely to receive the necessary 75 percent voting to enter baseball's Hall of Fame.

Tyler Kepner of the New York Times spoke with Jim Duquette, Steve Phillips, and Jim Bowden on the Mets' past pursuit of Ken Griffey Jr.

Ted Berg of USA Today marveled at Bartolo Colon's battle rope prowess.

Around the Majors

Cliff Corcoran of SI profiled Yoenis Cespedes in his "What's He Really Worth?" column.

After a physical scheduled for Wednesday, Daniel Murphy's three-year deal with the Nationals will be complete.

Former Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulous will join the Dodgers' front office, with no specific role yet revealed.

Ryan Zimmerman and Ryan Howard are each suing Al Jazeera for defamation. Al Jazeera's recent documentary "The Dark Side" suggested that the two players were PED users.

David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported a "50/50 chance" of Kelly Johnson reuniting with the Braves this offseason. The 33-year-old utilityman posted a .718 OPS in 128 regular season at-bats with the Mets in 2015.

This Date in Mets History

On this date in 2010, five former Mets appeared on the Hall of Fame ballot, including eventual HOF inductee Roberto Alomar.

Happy birthday to Marlon Anderson, Casey Fossum, Roy Staiger, and Ed Bauta!