Mets Morning News: David Wright throws for third time

Meet the Mets

David Wright threw a baseball for the third time since his June neck surgery, but still hasn’t done so in front of spectators not affiliated with the team.

The Mets have significantly cut back the starting pitchers’ spring training throwing program. It’s drawn rave review thus far.

Michael Conforto and Jay Bruce are competing for a starting spot, but that doesn’t mean they’re not rooting for each other.

Tradition Field is no more.

Rafael Montero, once ranked No. 68 on Baseball America’s 2014 preseason prospect list, is working toward getting his career back on track.

This could be a make-or-break season for prospect Wuilmer Becerra. The 22-year-old would likely need to add power to have a shot at being an impactful major leaguer.

The Mets have four relievers vying for two bullpen spots.

Around the NL East

Tell me if you’ve heard this before: An NL East team is inking a former NFL player who hasn’t played baseball since high school to a minor league contract. Something tells me new Atlanta Braves farmhand Sanders Commings is a better prospect than Tim Tebow.

Fish Stripes named Josh Willingham the 32nd-best Marlin of all time.

The Good Phight’s Felske Files podcast was joined by Grant Brisbee to discuss the new automatic intentional walk rule.

Federal Baseball ranked the Nationals’ new player photos.

Around the Majors

Grant Brisbee and Kelsey MicKinney each weighed in on the automatic intentional walk.

Rays outfielder Colby Rasmus (wisely) shaved off whatever was living on his chin.

According to FanGraphs’ Jeff Sullivan, the league is unusually top-heavy this season.

Yesterday at AA

The Mets added minor league bullpen depth in righty Wilfredo Boscan.

David Capobianco reacted to MLB.com’s ranking of the 30 best Mets prospects.

This Date in Mets History

In 2010, the Mets signed catcher Rod Barajas to a one-year, $1 million pact. Two and a half months later, he hit the first walk-off home run in Citi Field history.