Mets Morning News: deGrom and Granderson made their spring debuts, as the Mets tied the Yankees

Meet the Mets

Yesterday was a big day in Mets camp, as Jacob deGrom made his spring training debut. deGrom was admittedly rusty in his first outing, but even still, managed to give up only one run on five hits in three innings. The Mets managed to get out to a 4-1 lead with help from Yoenis Cespedes, but blew the lead when Antonio Bastardo gave up two home runs. Curtis Granderson also made his spring training debut, picking up two hits in the process.

Ruben Tejada may be of interest to the Cardinals, according to reports. St. Louis is looking for a shortstop now that Jhonny Peralta is sidelined for two or three months with a thumb injury.

Matt Harvey was pretty happy with his slider in Tuesday's contest. Harvey told Mike Puma that, even though it often eluded him last year, he was happy with his control of the pitch.

Fangraphs released their KATOH projections for some Mets prospects. The system thinks Gavin Cecchini will have a big season, and Amed Rosario won't be far behind.

Seemingly always pleasant, Curtis Granderson continues to stay upbeat as he gets older. Kevin Long said that he's never seen him in a bad mood.

Brian Cashman told the media after the game that the Yankees hope to model their young pitchers after the Mets' staff. Cashman noted that the Mets had to go through some lean years, but have to be happy with where they are now. John Harper says that Cashman knows that he ultimately won't have the pitching that the Mets have.

Around the NL East

Former Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. had some interesting things to say about analytics, and the way the team used them. He basically said that his dislike of analytics was a ploy to gain a competitive advantage.

Fangraphs notes that the Mets and Nationals will probably have the weakest strength of schedule in the National League. It's not surprising with the Phillies and Braves in their current state.

Around the Majors

The Cubs and Jake Arrieta couldn't come to terms on a "mega extension." Arrieta wanted more years than the Cubs were willing to offer.

Tim Lincecum is preparing to pitch in a showcase by working out in Arizona. The Royals reportedly found out where, showed up, and were asked to leave.

Buster Posey opined that spring training is too long, and it's picked up some traction. The argument is that it used to be a time for players to get in shape, but now they are in shape all year.

In the wake of his signing with the Athletics, Ken Rosenthal told the story of Rich Hill. Hill became a sensation when he had a strong finish last season with the Red Sox at age 35.

Yesterday at AA

Chris McShane said that even though it's hard to believe, Yoenis Cepedes is still on the Mets, and is set to rake in 2016.

Steve Schreiber is excited to see what Jerry Blevins can do after his abbreviated 2015 season.

This Date in Mets History

Today marks the date of the first spring training practice in Mets history. The '62 Mets opened up on March 10 of that year.

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