Mets Morning News: If a game is played and ends in a tie, did it really happen?

Meet the Mets

The Mets didn’t win Steven Matz’s first start of Spring Training, but they also didn’t lose it as they worked their way to a tie against the Cardinals.

Despite allowing a run early on Sunday, Steven Matz believes that he has found the solution to his vexatious first inning woes.

Breaking his week-long media blackout, Yoenis Cespedes revealed that he’s working at around 85% and thinks playing on Opening Day is a reasonable goal. Cespedes also revealed that one of his greatest motivations is the words of those who said a comeback was impossible.

The media blackout may be over, but Cespedes would still prefer nobody asks about his day at the ranch.

Despite the late start to his career, Jacob deGrom has Tim Lincecum in his rear-view mirror and is on his way to the domain of Johan Santana and Roy Halladay.

Around the National League East

The Atlanta Braves lost a game for the first time this spring at the hands of the Detroit Tigers.

On the other hand, the Marlins are the kings of spring and I, for one, welcome our new fishy overlords.

With a potential legal battle hanging over their heads, the Philadelphia Phillies introduced a new, slimmer, purple-er Phillie Phanatic.

Around Major League Baseball

The frequently-shirtless Brian Dozier finally found his home for the 2020 season with the San Diego Padres.

It didn’t take long for Mookie Betts to make himself at home and take charge in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ clubhouse.

His baseball career might not have reached the Cal Ripken-esque peak that was promised, but Brandon Wood has ultimately discovered happiness with a wife and a son in Montana.

While Cespedes’ ranch adventure was the wildest animal-adjacent baseball story of 2019, Madison Bumgarner and his rodeo riding alter ego have an early case for the 2020 crown.

The players union would prefer the Rays staying right where they are in Tampa, but they wouldn’t be totally opposed to splitting a season with Montreal.

Finishing his career with the 2019 World Series, umpire Gary Cederstrom has retired.

Spring Training has only just begun, but the Houston Astros have already resorted to stealing signs.

This Date in Mets History

1993 Mets legend and Baseball Hall of Famer Eddie Murray turns 64-years-old today.