Mets Morning News: Yoenis Cespedes reports to Mets spring training

Meet the Mets

Yoenis Cespedes arrived to Mets spring training yesterday, three days before the team's official reporting date for position players, and called his return to the team "just coming home." That seems to have made the Mets happy.

Cespedes will get lots of practice in center field during spring training. David Lennon wonders if Cespedes can live up to the hype. Here's a comparison between Cespedes and Roger Clemens. Well, okay.

There aren't many battles for the Mets' Opening Day roster, but the team has a couple of spots in the bullpen up for grabs. Former first-round pick Josh Smoker, who is trying to get to the big leagues after a couple of shoulder surgeries and several years in the minors an independent ball, is grateful for the opportunity he's gotten with the Mets.

While Jim Henderson has major league experience—and had success, too—he's also trying to work his way back from injury and make the Mets' bullpen this year.

Dan Warthen sees something "extra special" about Matt Harvey this spring. Considering Harvey was great last year with what Warthen deemed to be not his best stuff, it'd be pretty exciting if he's right.

Around the NL East

Daniel Murphy says his new Nationals teammates will help him figure out the Mets' starting pitchers.

Around MLB

Tyler Kepner of the TImes writes up the state of the knuckleball.

This date in Mets history

Today is J.J. Putz's birthday.