Mets Morning News: Edwin Diaz loves his new team, Mickey Callaway hopes to improve

Meet the Mets

Edwin Diaz was a little surprised he was traded by Seattle but he is happy to be with his new team. His new manager and teammates are also excited the electric closer is with the Mets.

Mickey Callaway is hoping to learn from last year’s mistakes and wants to improve communication with the players.

The second-year manager downplayed any pressure he feels, but with Jim Riggleman serving as the bench coach Callaway could be on the hot seat sooner rather than later.

Despite struggling for most of the 2018 season, Jason Vargas will most likely be the Mets’ fifth starter when the season begins.

According to Callaway, Peter Alonso will have to earn his spot on the ballclub if he wants to be the team’s first baseman.

Both Todd Frazier and Zack Wheeler support Jacob deGrom in his desire to get an extension done with the team.

Matt Harvey is trying to resurrect his career with the Angels but he talked about the disappointment he felt with himself when things went wrong with the Mets (paywall alert).

The newly-minted Syracuse Mets introduced their coaching staff for 2019.

The Mets are considering finding a new home for their spring training complex with the cost of renovations to First Data Field escalating.

Around the National League East

Braves’ GM Alex Anthopoulos was finally questioned about Atlanta’s payroll heading into the new season.

Baseball America ranked the Marlins as 13th in their Organizational Talent Rankings which is a jump for Miami.

The Phillies and Aaron Nola agreed to a four-year extension worth $45 million.

The Nationals have reportedly traded reliever Trevor Gott to the Giants.

Around Major League Baseball

The Royals signed reliever Jake Diekman to a one-year deal worth $2.25 million.

C.C. Sabathia is planning to retire after the 2019 season.

After 10 years in the majors, pitcher Doug Fister is retiring.

Despite what many fans think, Manny Machado and Bryce Harper are not being greedy.

With all the hand wringing MLB is doing over pace of play, is that what fans are really concerned about?

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Michael Drago argues that now is the perfect time to extend Jacob deGrom.

Robert Wolff thinks Clay Buchholz would be a solid final move the Mets could make whereas Kenneth Lavin believes Craig Kimbrel would be a fantastic signing.

This Date in Mets History

Omar Minaya signed Jose Lima and Livan Hernandez on this date three years apart.