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Meet the Mets
Behind some strong pitching by Noah Syndergaard, the Mets defeated the Astros 2-1.
After the game, Thor weighed in on the New York Giants trade of Odell Beckham Jr.
Luis Avilan got the save against the Astros, and after a strong spring he seems to be the favorite to grab one of the final spots in the bullpen.
With the time running out on Grapefruit League action, it appears likely that Todd Frazier and Jed Lowrie will not be ready for Opening Day.
After finding success in the majors last season, Brandon Nimmo is much more confidant this spring despite facing some setbacks (paywall alert).
The team has repeatedly stressed taking the best roster north, but if the Mets keep Pete Alonso off the roster they might end up regretting it.
Dominic Smith has been playing well this spring too and eventually the Mets will have a decision to make between the two first basemen.
Jay Bruce was injured most of last season and would’ve played through it had the coaching staff not stepped in.
The NL East is predicted to be a tight race but each team is facing questions that could affect the standings at the end of the year.
Around the National League East
The Braves are not currently pursuing free agents Dallas Keuchel or Craig Kimbrel. Ronald Acuna Jr. continued his good spring in the Braves’ loss to the Nationals.
The Marlins defeated the Cardinals 4-1.
The pressure is on Gabe Kapler to produce this season after the team’s poor performance in 2018.
The Nationals reportedly signed reliever Tony Sipp to a one-year deal worth $850,000.
Around Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball and the player’s union agreed to a new deal that would create a single Trade Deadline as well as an Election Day for the All-Star Game.
ESPN ranked the top fifty players in the game right now and Mike Trout once again took the top spot.
The White Sox are planning to keep top prospect Eloy Jimenez in the minors at the start of the season, which prompted a reaction from Collin McHugh on Twitter.
There are plenty of established stars in the league, but there are several others who are poised to have a breakout season.
Some other very good players could take the next step into elite territory this year.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
Brian, Steve, Lukas, and Kenneth chat about the Mets’ minors on the latest episode of Amazin’ Avenue Audio.
Lukas Vlahos took a closer look at the minor league signings the Mets made this offseason.
Robert Wolff thinks Devin Mesoraco adds depth to the catcher position especially after the trade of Kevin Plawecki.
This Date in Mets History
On this date in 1961, George Weiss was named the team’s first president. Weiss would be the man who would eventually hire Casey Stengel as the team’s manager.