Mets Morning News: Silence makes the heart grow fonder

Meet the Mets

Yoenis Cespedes reported to Mets camp, and immediately made it known that he doesn’t want to talk to the press, saying “Not today, not tomorrow, not at all this year.”

Cespedes also launched a long homer during batting practice yesterday, and added another one later during his session.

According to Luis Rojas, Cespedes looked good running and can do field drills as well.

Rojas was less optimistic on Jed Lowrie, refusing to commit to whether he would be ready for Grapefruit League games.

Despite that, Lowrie is a ‘full go’ during spring workouts.

Rojas was ‘very emotional’ after addressing the team yesterday.

The Mets promoted Rich Donnelly to manager of the St. Lucie Mets. Donnelly had previously been Syracuse’s bench coach.

Brad Brach found a home with the Mets after being let go by the Cubs last August.

Anthony DiComo shared the latest prediction for the Mets’ Opening Day roster.

Around the National League East

The Braves have promoted Alex Anthopoulos to president of baseball operations. The team has also extended their manager, Brian Snitker, and his staff through the 2021 season.

Following a brief coaching stint with the Mets in 2018, Ruben Amaro Jr. is returning to the Phillies and will serve as a studio analyst for NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Marlins first baseman Jesus Aguilar took some grounders at short.

Around Major League Baseball

The Astros cheating scandal remains the focus among players around the league. The usually quiet Mike Trout expressed his disgust for what Houston did, as well as the punishment they received from the league.

Gleyber Torres chimed in with his disapproval, saying he doesn’t believe the Astros when they say they didn’t cheat in 2019.

Former Met Justin Turner wasn’t much kinder, saying Houston’s championship “wasn’t earned”. Turner believes they should have had their title stripped.

Turner also had some choice words for commissioner Rob Manfred.

Angels skipper Joe Maddon thinks people need to stop talking about Houston’s scandal.

The Astros got some more bad news, as pitcher Francis Martes was suspended 162 games for his second positive PED test.

Punishing the Astros has not been as easy for Major League Baseball as revealing a collarbone tattoo was for Jose Altuve.

Manfred says he regrets not acting sooner. (Paywall Alert)

Joel Sherman argues that Manfred should take a mulligan and dish out stiffer penalties to Houston for 2020 and beyond. He outlined some of his unique ideas as well.

There are a number of different ways that teams can utilize the newly-created 26th spot on the roster.

The Brewers have agreed to terms with free agent utility man Brock Holt, bolstering their bench and dashing my dreams of the Mets signing him in the process.

Sheryl Ring believes the Indians can still be a good team even without pitchers Corey Kluber and Mike Clevinger.

Indians president Chris Antonetti shared his thoughts on Francisco Lindor’s future in Cleveland.

Following offseason shoulder surgery, Josh Reddick admits that he believes he suffered the injury after running into Pete Alonso last spring.

A fan is suing Brett Gardner for a truly strange reason. The Yankees’ outfielder has responded by filing a restraining order against said fan.

Red Sox owner John Henry shared a statement following the team trading away franchise cornerstone Mookie Betts.

Perhaps in an effort to appease their fanbase, Boston is close to striking a deal with free agent catcher Jonathan Lucroy.

Pitcher Daniel Bard is attempting to make a comeback with the Red Sox this season. He last pitched in the majors in 2013 and minors in the 2017.

The Giants will not invite Aubrey Huff to the anniversary celebration for their 2010 World Series title. (Paywall Alert)

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

David Capobianco previewed the upcoming season for Mets’ catcher Wilson Ramos.

Episode 47 of From Complex to Queens touches on a number of topics, including the recently-announced pay raise for minor leaguers.

This Date in Mets History

Happy Birthday to pitcher Shawn Estes, who turns 47 today. Celebrate by watching Estes take Roger Clemens deep back in 2002 at Shea Stadium.