Meet the Mets
Yes, the Mets’ first game is still a day away, but they’re certainly ready for it. The Opening Day lineup has already been announced.
As of now, this is Terry Collins’s last season under contract with the Mets, but you can bet your butt he’s ready for it (he didn’t use the word butt).
Rafael Montero got a spot on the Opening Day roster, as Seth Lugo gets ready for an MRI.
David Wright does not have a spot on the team due to his health, and he says that’s really bothering him.
Some of the Mets’ young starters discussed the tantalizing possibility of a “five aces” rotation.
Around the NL East
The Braves are looking to play spoiler on Opening Day. Talking Chop doesn’t seem too optimistic about their season.
Meanwhile, Fish Stripes is getting Marlins fans ready for the year with some bold predictions. Their first game is Monday in Washington.
In a surprising move, the Nationals have opted to not have Max Scherzer start a game in that opening series against Miami. He’ll instead pitch their fourth game of the year against Philadelphia.
The Phillies start their season in Cincinnati, but the days leading up the season have had a somber tone. The man who led the team to its first World Series title, Dallas Green, was honored at a memorial service Saturday.
Around the Majors
The Mets may not be part of the Sunday slate, but there’s a nice triple header to whet your baseball appetite. The Yankees take on the Rays in Tampa, the Giants are in the desert to face the Diamondbacks, and the defending champion Cubs will go up against the Cardinals in St. Louis.
We assume you’re probably giddy for baseball as is, but here are 162 more reasons to be excited.
You should also keep your eyes on the interesting experiment going on in San Diego with Christian Bethancourt.
It won’t be a happy start to the season for Adrian Beltre. The Rangers’ third baseman is headed to the disabled list.
Party like it’s 2003. The Dodgers and Eric Gagne are reportedly working on a deal.
John Gibbons has signed an extension that will keep him in the Blue Jays’ dugout.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
We brought you a big batch of Mets previews ahead of Opening Day.
David Capobianco says health is the only thing standing in the way of Steven Matz.
Chris McShane says Rene Rivera has solidified himself as the team’s backup catcher. He also says Jose Reyes will have to step up while filling in as the Mets’ regular third baseman.
And finally, Michael Martone says Jeurys Familia will look to return to his dominant form once he’s back from his suspension.
Meanwhile, Eater New York filled us in on the best places to grab a bite when you make a trip to Citi Field this season.
This Date in Mets History
37 years ago today, Davey Johnson managed his first game for the Mets. It didn’t go well, but he sparked a quick turnaround that set the team up for their successful run in the mid 80s.