Mets Morning News: The end of an era

Mets Morning News

In a move that would have been unthinkable just a couple of years ago, the Mets announced that they will designate Matt Harvey for assignment, effectively ending his tenure with the team. More on that below.

With the news about Harvey dominating the day, the Mets still had a game to play. Unfortunately, their pitching let them down again, as they surrendered eight runs to the Rockies. Though the offense fought hard, the Mets were never able to dig out of the hole created in the first inning when Zack Wheeler surrendered five runs.

Choose your recap: Amazin’ Avenue short and long, NY Times, Post, Daily News, Newsday, MLB.com, Bergen County Record.

Jay Bruce made his first start at first base on Friday, and it went decently well.

Michael Conforto will be given a “mental day off” today.

The Mets look to have dodged a bullet with Jacob deGrom’s injury.

Gavin Cecchini has quietly had a great start to his season at Triple-A.

The owner of the Rumble Ponies surprised some kids with a $500 check to help them visit Cooperstown.

And now for the Harvey takes. There are a lot of them. You will like some, you will hate some, some may confuse you. I do not agree with every one of them, but they’re being presented here so you can see them, read them, dismiss them, or embrace them as you like:

Tyler Kepner said there were no easy answers for where it all went wrong for Harvey.

Joel Sherman argued that Matt Harvey wasn’t worth saving.

Tim Brown said Harvey made the right call refusing the Mets’ offer.

Peter Botte said every Mets fan’s nightmare is Harvey taking the mound for the Yankees.

Brendan Kuty said a source from the Yankees told him that Harvey wouldn’t be a good fit with the team, for reasons he describes in the article.

Steve Popper said Harvey never recovered from Game 5 in the World Series.

Kevin Kernan argued that letting Harvey go makes the most sense for both sides.

John Harper argued that Harvey did this to himself by having a bad attitude.

David Roth said that the constant cattiness between the Mets and Harvey made this moment inevitable in the long run.

Scott Boras outlined the reasons why Harvey rejected assignment to the minors.

Matt Ehalt wondered where Harvey will end up.

Ken Davidoff ranked the top five possible landing spots for Harvey.

Mike Rosenstein also wondered where Harvey will catch on.

Newsday looked back at Harvey’s highs and lows with the Mets.

Justin Tasch chose his best and worst moments of Harvey’s Mets career.

Brian Lewis also looked at Harvey’s highs and lows.

Kevin Kernan spoke to a few Mets players and got their reactions to the Harvey news.

For what it’s worth, the Mets are telling teams they’ll eat a significant portion of Harvey’s salary if they trade for him.

Around the National League East

The Braves finally called up Jose Bautista, but even a double in his first at-bat couldn’t help the Braves beat the Giants.

The Marlins continued to struggle against the Reds.

Bryce Harper’s two homers helped the Nationals top the Phillies.

Around Major League Baseball

Albert Pujols joined the 3,000 hit club during Friday’s Angels game.

The Dodgers pitchers threw a combined no-hitter against the Padres in Mexico.

Gerrit Cole nearly threw a no-hitter for the Astros, striking out sixteen and allowing just one hit against the Diamondbacks.

Miguel Cabrera headed to the DL with a hamstring strain.

Rob Manfred indicated MLB might expand to 32 teams.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Daniel Convery handled the Daily Prospect Report.

Joe Sokolowski was back with another “This Week in Mets Quotes.”

Nicholas Schreiber previewed the Mets/Rockies series.

This Date in Mets History

Mike Piazza broke Carlton Fisk’s record for most home runs by a catcher on this date in 2004.