Mets Morning News: Frank Viola stepping away from organization, GM search about to get underway

Meet the Mets

After serving as a pitching instructor in the minor leagues for eight seasons, Frank Viola is stepping away from the organization.

The Mets will kick off their general manager search this week when they bring in Doug Melvin for an interview.

Former Red Sox GM Ben Cherington was originally rumored to be in the running for the job, but now he is not expected to interview for the position.

By all accounts Jacob deGrom has had a fantastic season, but his value to the team might be higher than originally thought.

Two pitching greats discussed deGrom’s season and how special it really was.

Noah Syndergaard seemed to be following deGrom’s lead by getting a haircut but it was a false alarm.

Around the National League East

The Braves named Anibal Sanchez as their Game 2 starter against Clayton Kershaw. Dansby Swanson will not play in the NLDS as he recovers from a partial ligament tear. The players’ union will be filing a grievance against the Braves on behalf of prospect Carter Stewart who the Braves elected not to sign after drafting him.

Since the Marlins traded away many players recently, there are plenty of former Fish still playing this month.

The Phillies suffered a stunning collapse in the second half of the season, and it was quite a mix of factors that led to their demise.

Nationals’ GM Mike Rizzo backed his ace as the choice for the NL Cy Young.

Around Major League Baseball

Bullpenning backfired for the Oakland Athletics who were felled by the Yankees in the AL Wild Card game.

The Yankees will now take on Boston in the ALDS and of course the two teams have a lot of history with each other.

Major League Baseball is suspending Addison Russell 40 games after allegations of domestic abuse were made against him. Russell’s former wife reveals why she spoke up and what the investigation was like (paywall alert).

Despite the Cubs’ early playoff exit, manager Joe Maddon is expected to return next season.

After a historically bad season, the Orioles have parted ways with GM Dan Duquette.

Despite the strategy backfiring for Oakland, the Brewers will be relying on their bullpen for Game 1 of the NLDS.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

David Capobianco wrote about the few things the Mets did right in 2018.

This Date in Mets History

After another disappointing season, both Omar Minaya and Jerry Manuel were fired on this date in 2010.