Mets Morning News: The Dark Knight is on the rise

Meet the Mets

Matt Harvey is feeling great and has resumed throwing as he works his way back from surgery.

Harvey, Noah Syndergaard, and Brandon Nimmo spread some holiday cheer to children in Queens.

Noah Syndergaard was just the latest in a long line of Mets to play Santa at the annual holiday party.

Jose Reyes will see some time in the outfield during spring training.

Center field is becoming a more valuable spot on the field, and the Mets could use an upgrade at that position.

Around the NL East

Talking Chop counted down the 20th-16th ranked prospects in the Braves system. Freddie Freeman had a career year for the Braves in 2016. What will the Braves’ rotation look like with the additions of Bartolo Colon and R.A. Dickey?

The Marlins signed infielder Tyler Moore to a minor league deal. They have been looking at adding pitchers because they believe the offense will bounce back. Fish Stripes took a closer look at Jeff Locke, one of Miami’s new acquisitions. Andrew Cashner, their acquisition at the trade deadline last season, was unproductive in his short tenure with the team. Fish Stripes also continued their countdown of the top 100 All-Time Marlins and number 74 on their list is pitcher Scott Olsen.

The Phillies re-signed Andres Blanco to a one-year deal. The Good Phight ranks the Phillies’ first base prospects.

Daniel Murphy discussed his first season with the Nationals and what lies ahead for the team. General manager Mike Rizzo is happy Derek Norris is back with the team.

Around the Majors

Plenty of one-year deals were signed. The Orioles signed catcher Welington Castillo for one year, pitcher Derek Holland signed a one-year deal with the White Sox, and pitcher Tommy Milone signed with the Brewers for one year.

One writer filled out a head-scratching Hall of Fame ballot.

The Diamondbacks could be moving the catcher market in a different direction.

The Cardinals could sign Edwin Encarnacion to play first base.

Josh Hamilton is attempting a comeback with the Rangers.

Yesterday at AA

Steve Sypa recapped the top 25 Mets Prospects for 2017.

David Capobianco dug deeper into Asdrubal Cabrera’s power surge last season.

Chris McShane is looking at all options to try and find the Mets a reliever.

Max Gelman wrote about Jeurys Familia and Asdrubal Cabrera not receiving clearance to play in the winter league.

Kate Feldman believes that baseball’s new anti-hazing policy is a step in the right direction.

This Date in Mets History

The Mets gained and lost on this date in their history. In 2004, they signed Cy Young winner Pedro Martinez to a four-year contract.

Two years earlier Edgardo Alfonzo said goodbye to the organization he loved when he signed with the Giants. Rey Ordonez was sent packing to the Rays on the same day. He had grown unhappy with the organization and made some disparaging comments after the 2002 season ended.