Mets Morning News: Team USA wins WBC, Zack Wheeler’s bid to join the rotation hits a snag

Meet the Mets

It was a tough day at the ballpark for Mets pitchers, and they fell to the Marlins 15-9 in a spring training game.

Steven Matz was hit hard by the Marlins, and he lamented the lack of command of his fastball as the reason for his poor start.

Zack Wheeler also had a tough outing ,which might have pushed him down the depth chart as the battle for the fifth rotation spot continues. Even if Wheeler does not make the rotation, the bullpen is not an ideal fit for him.

Seth Lugo got the start in the finals for Team Puerto Rico in the WBC, but he struggled against a formidable United States lineup.

Curtis Granderson had a good day at the plate in the cleanup spot and he could remain there permanently once the season begins.

If their lineup remains healthy, the Mets will have power hitters deep into the batting order.

David Wright gave an update on where he is in the recovery process from his shoulder trouble.

Michael Conforto discussed his views on the crowded outfield situation and his relationship with Jay Bruce.

Pitchers attempting to hit Noah Syndergaard last season did not fare very well.

With mostly the same roster as last season, how far will the Mets go?

The Mets exhibition game against Army was moved from West Point to Citi Field over concerns about the condition of the field.

“True baseball man” and former Mets manager Dallas Green died at the age of 82.

Around the NL East

The Marlins have several options to replace Martin Prado at third with Derek Dietrich being the most likely candidate.

Max Scherzer made his Grapefruit League debut for the Nationals and was a little rusty. The Nationals still have not made a decision on who their closer will be when the season starts.

Around the Majors

The United States captured the title in the WBC for the first time ever. Blue Jays starter Marcus Stroman no-hit Puerto Rico for the first six innings and was the tournament’s MVP.

Detroit second baseman Ian Kinsler backtracked a bit from some controversial comments he made about how to play the game.

There were some thrilling moments throughout the tournament from players around the world.

Major League Baseball can no longer stay on the fence when it comes to the WBC.

Padres starter Jered Weaver has had a difficult spring and is now dealing with a “dead arm.”

Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson returned to action after suffering a strained right calf earlier in spring training.

Yesterday at AA

Thomas Henderson wonders if Robert Gsellman can replicate his production from last season.

Nicholas Brosnan believes Asdrubal Cabrera will once again be a solid addition to the lineup in 2017.

Aaron Yorke covered the latest round of roster cuts and the changes to the final exhibition games of spring training.

Jonathan Maseng wrote about the passing of Dallas Green.

This Date in Mets History

After spending thirteen years in a Met uniform, shortstop Bud Harrelson was traded to the Phillies on this date in 1978 for infielder Fred Andrews.