Mets Morning News: Mets don't get any luckier in Las Vegas

Meet the Mets

Getting out of Florida did little to mend New York's losing ways. Lucas Duda notched three hits and drove in the only Mets run in their 5-1 defeat to the Cubs in Las Vegas. Our boys will wake up in Vegas this morning having gone 14 games without a victory.

Sin City native Paul Sewald started the game for the Mets and tossed three scoreless frames before the Cubs broke through against Chasen Bradford in the fifth.

The Mets trounced the Cubs in last year's National League Championship Series, but there could be a rivalry brewing between the two clubs.

Chicago skipper Joe Maddon believes his team will be better prepared to face the Mets' talented pitching staff if the two sides meet in the postseason again.

Although we heard that the Mets were looking to bring in a different backup catcher, it looks like Kevin Plawecki will indeed appear on the Opening Day roster.

The Mets have mixed feelings about having to watch the Royals raise their World Series championship banner when they host New York for the first game of the regular season on Sunday.

The jersey that Mike Piazza wore when he hit his dramatic home run in September 2001 is soon going up for sale.

Around the National League East

Carlos Torres opted out of his contract with the Braves and is now a free agent.

Fish Stripes wonders if Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon should care about walks.

Top Phillies prospect J.P. Crawford will start the season at Double-A Reading, and Philly fans shouldn't be upset about that.

Federal Baseball breaks down Bryce Harper's recent MLB.com commercial.

Around Major League Baseball

SB Nation's 2016 MLB Preview has arrived!

The Red Sox have benched Pablo Sandoval in favor of new starting third baseman Travis Shaw.

Detroit's J.D. Martinez hit three home runs against the Yankees on Thursday.

The Orioles may have to part ways with Korean outfielder Hyun Soo Kim after he failed to make Baltimore's Opening Day roster.

If you thought a Jacob deGrom garden gnome was strange, you should check out these other weird giveaways.

Yesterday at Amazin' Avenue

Chris McShane wrote a complete preview for the most highly anticipated Mets campaign of the decade.

Matt Varvaro celebrated the reunion of Mike Francesa and Chris Russo by reminding us of the dynamic duo's greatest Mets moments.

This date in Mets history

The Mets allowed 11 runs in the sixth inning during an Opening Day defeat at San Diego.