Mets Morning News: A good day for Lucas Duda, Zack Wheeler, and Michael Conforto

Meet the Mets

The Mets lost to the Cardinals 6-1 yesterday, but Michael Conforto had yet another productive day at the plate. He collected another hit off a lefty which is a promising sign for the young outfielder.

Conforto is just one of the youngsters that need to prove themselves if the Mets want to contend beyond 2017.

Lucas Duda resumed swinging a bat after a hip issue sidelined him for a couple of days.

Zack Wheeler continues to progress and threw live batting practice for the first time this spring.

David Wright got a second opinion on his shoulder and will return to camp later in the week. Despite his limited playing time, the team is better off with his presence.

For now, third base will be manned by Jose Reyes who has grown to like the new position.

The opening at third could also be an opportunity for T.J. Rivera to earn a spot on the team.

Reliever Fernando Salas has been unable to pitch in any Grapefruit League games because of an issue with his work visa.

Baseball Prospectus takes a look at the Mets’ bullpen projections.

There are five non-roster invitees that have a shot at making the team.

The success of the team is once again dependent upon the health of the team

Noah Syndergaard is a star on the rise both on and off the field.

Around the NL East

The Braves’ pitching struggled in an 8-7 loss to the Yankees. The 2017 Braves seem to be a mishmash of talent.

Christian Yelich continued his hot spring in the Marlins’ win over the Astros.

The Phillies have some promising prospects that could force their way on to the team.

Is Shawn Kelley the right man for the Nationals’ closer role?

Around the Majors

Grant Brisbee believes March is the worst month for baseball.

The market seems to have turned against sluggers. They are no longer getting the lengthy, lucrative contracts they desire.

Red Sox ace David Price has a new rule named after him to help umpires identify a set position with a runner on third.

Pool A should be an interesting bracket to watch when the World Baseball Classic gets underway next week.

White Sox slugger Jose Abreu testified that he resorted to extreme measures to destroy his fake passport when he came to the United States.

Yesterday at AA

Steve Sypa wrote about the Mets’ top 20 prospects according to Fangraphs.

Matt Varvaro paid homage to MVP Baseball 2005.

Max Gelman updated Lucas Duda’s injury situation.

This Date in Mets History

On March 2, 1966 Commissioner William Eckert ruled that Tom Seaver was ineligible to sign with the Braves after they drafted him in January. Seaver’s college team had played a couple of exhibition games before the draft, which violated a rule that prohibited amateurs from signing with a professional team after the start of the school season.