Mets Morning News: Bruce gets introduced, Michael Conforto could return in May

Meet the Mets

Jay Bruce was officially re-introduced at Citi Field, and the slugger revealed he was always open to returning to New York especially after Mickey Callaway was hired.

To make room for Bruce on the 40-man roster, reliever Kevin McGowan was designated for assignment.

Sandy Alderson was pleased with Bruce’s return but admitted they are likely not done making moves. Sandy’s preference is to sign a free agent over making a trade, and there are still quite a few options for the GM to choose from.

Alderson also addressed a few of the other concerns surrounding the Mets like the logjam at first base and the state of the bullpen.

Bruce’s return is crucial since the Mets will be shorthanded in the outfield at the start of the season. They are hoping Michael Conforto will only miss the first month and make his return around May 1.

Amed Rosario is already in Port St. Lucie and working on improving his plate discipline.

The Columbia Fireflies introduced their new coaching staff for 2018.

Around the National League East

The Braves acquired reliever Shane Carle from the Pirates.

Fish Stripes sat down for an interview with the tattoo artist that has many high profile clients from around the league.

If the Phillies want to be competitive this season they will need Jerad Eickhoff to remain healthy and productive.

Around Major League Baseball

The Red Sox’s offer to J.D. Martinez was reportedly for five years and $100 million but agent Scott Boras said those reports were not true.

The MLB Network aired a problematic segment about players with “bad” contracts. The timing is suspect since so many free agents are still unsigned and teams are becoming increasingly hesitant to hand out long-term contracts.

The slow offseason has gotten to the point where one top free agent admitted he is willing to wait until the middle of the season before signing a contract.

Gerrit Cole is happy to be away from the Pirates and on a team that is willing to invest in winning.

Cole is not the only one unhappy with the Pirates. Their fans have started a petition to force owner Bob Nutting to sell the team.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Aaron Yorke wrote about how Adrian Gonzalez is at the top of the depth chart at first base.

Chris Flexen came in at number four on Steve Sypa’s list of the top 25 Met prospects.

Allison McCague covered the Conforto news.

Brendan Carducci reported on the ongoing Josh Harrison rumors.

This Date in Mets History

In 1938, Rogers Hornsby was snubbed by the Hall of Fame. He would become the Mets’ third base coach in their inaugural season, serving under Casey Stengel.