Mets Morning News: Granderson sent home with eye issue, Viola touts Matz's development

Meet the Mets

Curtis Granderson was forced to leave Mets camp today with an eye issue. It was later reported that it may be pink eye, and because of that, the Mets sent him home.

Frank Viola was bullish on Steven Matz's development. The Las Vegas 51s pitching coach predicted a Rookie of the Year win for the young lefty.

The Mets bullpen seems to be ready to get the season underway. Antonio Bastardo told reporters that they would dominate the beginning with their starters, and the end of games with their relievers.

Logan Verrett talked with Kristie Ackert about trying to make the roster. Verett is one of several candidates in the tough race for a bullpen spot.

Terry Collins admitted his excitement over the Mets first intrasquad scrimmage today. Many of the pitchers who are vying for a roster spot will be featured.

Mike Podhorzer at Fangraphs talked about Michael Conforto and how Steamer sees him. Podhorzer thinks that Conforto could overshoot his Steamer projection in a number of areas.

WFAN's Ed Coleman chatted with Mike Piazza at Mets camp on Sunday. Piazza talked about working with Travis d'Arnaud and some advice he had for Yoenis Cespedes.

Kevin Kernan of the Post opined that Matt Harvey deserves the ball on Opening Night in Kansas City. He thinks that it would be fun to spoil the Royals' party.

Around the NL East

Phillies president Andy McPhail took offense to the notion that his team is tanking, saying that they're not intentionally trying to lose 120 games.

The Nationals said that they will make a competitive offer to Stephen Strasburg. The announcement comes on the heels of a report saying they wouldn't negotiate during the season.

Around the Majors

Fangraphs released their team defense preview, and unsurprisingly, the Royals topped the list. The Mets did not fare so well, in case you were wondering.

Troy Tulowitzki is still not happy about his exit from Colorado. In an interview with USA Today, the Blue Jays shortstop said that he can't see himself ever talking with Rockies' management again.

The Diamondbacks are about to become dog-friendly! The club announced they'll be adding air conditioned seating, and a dog run in a part of the park where you can bring Fido.

Mike Trout debuted a new Smart Bat that may revolutionize baseball stat-keeping. The bat is designed with remote sensors that allow it to send such info as swing velocity and angle of attack.

Yesterday at AA

Matt Varvaro's Mind Boggler for the week featured the Mets all-time shutout leaders.

Chris McShane is excited for Noah Syndergaard's second season, and thinks he could be even better than year.

Steve Schreiber handicapped the King of Spring Training race by rolling out all of the wonderful nominees.

Noell Purcell told us that Ruben Tejada likely won't be cut, but could be traded.

Jeffrey and Aaron talked about their favorite thing, shortstops, on Episode 174 of Amazin' Avenue Audio.

This Date in Mets History

On March 1, 1976, Tom Seaver told the Mets that he wouldn't report to spring training without a new contract in place.

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