Mets Morning News: Whaaaaat’s the deal with the New York Mets?

Meet the Mets

A formal vote to approve Steve Cohen as Mets’ owner is on track to happen soon after the conclusion of the 2020 World Series, which will end no later than October 28.

Jerry Seinfeld was recently asked why he didn’t throw his hat into the ring and try to buy his favorite baseball team. The almost-billionaire bluntly responded, “I don’t have the money” and, when pressed further, he expanded on his initial reply with, “Why? So, I could have more people yelling at me on the street when they lose?”

Seinfeld further elaborated that, “The ultimate peak experience of a baseball game is a seat, a hot dog, and a beer. There’s nothing about that.” It looks like Jerry will settle for remaining the team’s most famous fan.

The recent comments made by the Phillies’ owner regarding free agent catcher J.T. Realmuto bodes well for the Mets.

Tim Britton dove into the pros and cons of Brodie Van Wagenen’s two years as GM. (Paywall Alert)

Around the National League East

The Braves and Marlins were the two best teams in the National League East in 2020 and will face off beginning today for a chance to advance to the NLCS. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution predicted that the Braves would not falter against a team they should beat.

Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman was voted the 2020 Baseball Digest/eBay MLB Player of the Year. The voting was conducted by a “blue-ribbon” panel of longtime baseball observers, which includes broadcasters, writers, former players, managers, and executives.

Freeman is a favorite to win NL MVP, but he isn’t signed past next year. He recently discussed the potential of a long-term extension in Atlanta.

Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins recently had Tommy John Surgery to repair the UCL in his non-throwing elbow and will miss four to six months.

Around Major League Baseball

ESPN provided its guide to MLB’s playoff bubble parks.

With four matchups of division foes, there is sure to be plenty of bad blood in all four of these series.

ESPN re-ranked the eight remaining teams as the playoffs resumed yesterday.

Similarly, USA Today examined which team has the easiest route to the world title as they ranked the eight finalists.

The Sports Illustrated staff shared their League Division Series predictions.

MLB announced the umpire crews for the Division Series. The Dodgers and Padres drew the short straw and are stuck with Angel Hernandez for this round.

Will playing at Globe Life Park with the roof open benefit the Dodgers or the Padres?

The Astros jumped out to a series lead yesterday, topping the Athletics 10-5 in Game 1 of the ALDS. In an improbable feat, Houston’s Alex Bregman homered for the fourth consecutive time on October 5th.

The Yankees used homers from Clint Frazier, Kyle Higashioka, Aaron Judge, and Giancarlo Stanton to defeat the Rays 9-3 in Game 1 of a ‘must-watch’ ALDS. Prior to the series beginning, rival American League East managers dished on what they expect.

Former Met and Postseason Hero Rajai Davis will be spending his time at home this offseason in New London and encouraging children to read.

MLB is experiencing a brain drain problem in front offices, and it seems as if the COVID pandemic has accelerated the problem.

Brewers reliever Devin Williams was named the 2020 Baseball Digest/eBay MLB Relief Pitcher of the Year.

Indians’ pitcher Shane Bieber was unanimously voted the 2020 Baseball Digest/eBay MLB Pitcher of the Year.

The Supreme Court denied MLB’s request to dismiss a lawsuit from minor leaguers seeking higher wages. This serves as a win for the players, and the class-action lawsuit will proceed.

It appears as if Theo Epstein will remain with the Cubs for the final year of his contract, but the writing on the wall seems to show him leaving after that. He recently talked about transition in that role.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

David Capobianco strolled down memory lane in an effort to find out which Mets teams since the 1995 season would have made it in an expanded eight-team playoff format.

Episode 82 of From Complex to Queens went up and explored the early years of Sandy Alderson’s tenure with the Mets.

This Date in Mets History

Eight years to the day after the Mets signed a lease with the City of New York to occupy a space in Flushing Meadow for the next 30 years, the Mets defeated the Braves to clinch their first ever trip to the World Series.