Mets Morning News: Conforto in Alderson’s long-term plans, Bill Webb passes away

Meet the Mets

Longtime Mets TV director Bill Webb passed away at 65. Keith Hernandez, Ron Darling, Gary Cohen, and Kevin Burkhardt shared fond memories of Webb in an SNY video tribute.

Sandy Alderson told reporters he never gave a Michael Conforto trade serious thought. While Alderson noted Conforto’s “long-term value,” he made no commitments of his role on this year’s team.

Brian Jordan, a veteran of MLB and the NFL, is rooting for Tim Tebow’s success with the Mets.

MLB.com beat writer Anthony DiComo answered several questions in his latest mailbag. He threw cold water on the Mets’ reported interest in Brett Lawrie, claiming the team is content with Wilmer Flores, T.J. Rivera, Ty Kelly and Matt Reynolds as back-ups.

Noah Syndergaard has no problem with Jose Bautista-esque bat flips, telling Ken Davidoff of the Post “I see it as he was having fun out there.”

ESPN’s Jessica Mendoza joined Yoenis Cespedes for an intense workout routine.

James Wagner of the New York Times chronicled the ways Michael Conforto altered his swing over the offseason.

Around the NL East

The Phillies hope instructor Roy Halladay can bring a mental edge to their pitching staff.

Don Mattingly, who “abhors bad baserunning,” has made a point of improving his team’s performance on the basepaths.

Jeff Sullivan of FanGraphs lauded the “dynamite” bullpen the Marlins have assembled.

The Nationals brought a familiar face into camp; signing John Lannan with the hope of turning him into a submariner.

Expectations for the Braves are mixed entering the season, as Brad Rowland of Talking Chop explains.

Around Major League Baseball

Rian Watt of VICE Sports gave a rundown of the AL Central.

Rodger Sherman of The Ringer wrote about Team Israel of the World Baseball Classic: “clearly the most impressive Jewish baseball team ever assembled.”

Alex Rodriguez joined Fox as a full-time analyst.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Chris McShane and Brian Salvatore hosted episode 227 of Amazin’ Avenue Audio!

This Date in Mets History

On this date in 2006, Al Leiter made his lone World Baseball Classic appearance, allowing two runs on three hits.

Happy birthday to Willard Hunter!