Mets Morning News: Bruce changing his swing, Conforto ‘paying dues’ in search for roster spot

Meet the Mets

Tim Tebow’s throwing mechanics are as strange as ever, David Roth of VICE Sports writes.

Jay Bruce consulted the Mets’ director of baseball research and development for help with his swing.

The Mets will have their hands full with Washington in the NL East, Ken Davidoff of the Post writes.

Marc Carig of Newsday discussed some of the tough decisions Terry Collins will face with his Opening Day roster.

Adam Kaufman of BP Mets doesn’t think Noah Syndergaard should throw his changeup more than he did last season.

Michael Conforto is “paying his dues” in his battle for a roster spot.

Around the NL East

Ryan Lawrence of Philly Voice detailed the roster spot battles in Philadelphia’s camp.

The Braves are interested in Cubs outfielder Matt Szczur.

Don Mattingly needs to figure out who will take the injured Martin Prado’s roster spot.

The Nationals may not need a long man out of the bullpen, Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post writes.

Around Major League Baseball

Team USA defeated Japan in the World Baseball Classic semifinal last night to advance to the championship game. That takes place tonight with Mets pitcher Seth Lugo on the mound for Puerto Rico.

David Price may be out until May with an elbow injury, Evan Drellich of CSN reports. In other injury news, Didi Gregorious of the Yankees will miss all of April with a strained shoulder.

Clayton Kershaw’s career ERA has dropped every season since 2008, and Ben Lindbergh of The Ringer thinks the trend will continue in 2017.

Eno Sarris of Fangraphs ranked each team’s first base depth, and Nicholas Stellini ranked third base depth.

Barry Bonds has returned to the Giants in an advisory role.

The White Sox inked Tim Anderson to a six-year, $25 million contract.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Matt Varvaro previewed Josh Smoker’s role out of the bullpen.

“The Mets are Good now. And that really is great,” Steve Schreiber writes.

This Date in Mets History

On this date in 1962, the Mets and Yankees played against each other for the first time in a game decided by Richie Ashburn’s walkoff single in the bottom of the ninth.

Happy birthday to Ike Davis, Joe Smith, Juan Uribe, Jeremy Griffiths, Cory Lidle, and Dan Boitano!