Mets Morning News: Hope springs eternal

Meet the Mets

Tim Britton breaks down the ten biggest questions the Mets are facing this year. (Paywall Alert)

Joel Sherman details the biggest obstacle facing the club this year.

Jeff McNeil is confident heading into spring training.

Wilson Ramos expects that the Noah Syndergaard saga is behind them.

Jeurys Familia is in the best shape of his life, dropping 30 pounds over the winter thanks to “working hard and eating right.” Familia concedes that he was overweight last season.

Edwin Diaz believes the Mets can have one of the best bullpens in baseball.

Rick Porcello will rock the number 22 jersey, as he did during his tenure with the Red Sox. Dominic Smith has switched over to number 2.

Jeff Wilpon released a statement following the failed deal with Steve Cohen, which did not provide a whole lot of new information.

There is a lack of transparency this time around regarding the potential sale.

Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling did their best Gary Cohen impressions, and it was as great as it sounds.

Anthony Carter, a 33-year-old reliever who has pitched in Japan, Mexico, independent ball, and the minors, has been working out with the team.

Former Mets reliever Vic Black has accepted a player development role in the Pirates organization.

Around the National League East

Jim Salisbury looks at ten storylines to follow in Phillies camp this spring.

The Braves are facing renewed calls to end the tomahawk chop and change their imagery. (Paywall alert)

The Washington Post discusses how contract extensions for Mike Rizzo and Dave Martinez of the Nationals could look different.

The Washington Nationals shared their 2020 promotional schedule.

A top Marlins’ prospects is turning to Derek Jeter in the wake of the Kobe Bryant tragedy.

Around Major League Baseball

Ken Davidoff examines the top question for each MLB team heading into 2020.

Major League Baseball is exploring a radical new playoff system with some head-scratching ideas that could be in place by 2022.

Tony Clark says this is the first the Player’s Association has heard of the expanded playoffs.

In acquiring Mookie Betts and David Price, another vanquished opponent of the 2017 Astros is bulking up.

The Dodgers ended up with a better return the second time around.

Yankees’ starter Masahiro Tanaka feels cheated of a World Series title as a result of Houston’s sign-stealing efforts in 2017.

Former major league pitcher Mike Bolsinger states that the Astros cheating in 2017 changed the course of his career forever, and is suing the team as a result.

Old friend Juan Lagares is heading west after signing a minor-league deal with the Padres. He stands to make $1.4 million if he makes the roster.

The Diamondbacks inked Nick Ahmed to a four-year contract extension.

Athletics right-hander Daniel Mengden had successful surgery on his right elbow on Monday.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

The new episode of From Complex to Queens gives listeners a peek behind the curtain into the thought process behind the Top 25 Mets prospect list.

This Date in Mets History

Reigning 1986 World Series MVP Ray Knight left the Mets in favor of a two-year deal with the Orioles on this date in 1987.