Mets Morning News: Back to work

Meet the Mets

The Mets were off on the Fourth of July, but now welcome the Phillies to Citi Field for a weekend series against their rivals.

Jeff McNeil took advantage of the off day and was an official judge in the hot dog eating contest at Coney Island.

Unfortunately for the St. Lucie Mets, their holiday got off to a rough start when their fireworks caught fire during the game.

With Jacob deGrom on the mound, Tomas Nido will most likely be catching the ace and with more playing time he has seen an uptick in offense so far this season.

With the return of a couple of key players in the bullpen, the Mets might finally have the bullpen they envisioned at the start of the season.

With the Mets’ season over by July 4, it is time for GM Brodie Van Wagenen to take responsibility for the mess he helped create.

Despite owning the second-worst record in the National League, the Mets are apparently not ready to sell their pieces just yet.

There are plenty of reasons to root for Pete Alonso in the Home Run Derby when he takes center stage in Cleveland.

Alonso should be well prepared since he got some advice from two past winners of the Derby.

Around the National League East

The Braves’ offense helped carry them to a big win over the Phillies.

The Marlins have yet to win a game in July and were swept by the Nationals.

The Phillies continued their freefall and are now in third place after dropping the series to Atlanta.

The Nationals came back to sweep Miami with home runs by Kurt Suzuki and Anthony Rendon.

Around Major League Baseball

With the Cubs scuffling, manager Joe Maddon could find himself on the hot seat if the team doesn’t turn it around.

With teams looking to sell at the Trade Deadline, there are a few names who aren’t necessarily superstars but who could be good additions to teams looking to improve down the stretch.

More injury replacements were needed in the American League for the All-Star Team.

Luis Castillo had a no-hitter working against the Brewers in the seventh inning before it was eventually broken up.

Bud Selig has a new book coming out and hopes it will give greater insight into his time as commissioner including how steroids were dealt with.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Maggie Wiggin filled in on Amazin Avenue Audio (The Show) and she and Brian tried to make sense of the Mets and their bullpen.

Maggie also wondered what direction the Mets go in with Dominic Smith.

This Date in Mets History

On this date in 1962, the Mets signed 19-year-old Cleon Jones to a contract worth $1,000.