Mets Morning News: Matz draws interest from the Bronx

Meet the Mets

The Yankees have reached out to the Mets to inquire about pitcher Steven Matz. Nothing is remotely close, but the cross-town rivals have been burdened by two significant starting pitching injuries so far.

The Mets are still for sale, and Ken Griffin has emerged as a potential buyer. Griffin’s spokesman denies the rumor.

The Mets are once again operating with a mismatched outfield, defensively.

Jeff McNeil is the “hero of the common man” and his journey is a great example for all.

Wilson Ramos took criticism directed at him to heart, and used it to motivate him as he tried to change his approach at the plate.

Michael Augustine of Fangraphs looks at ways to help Paul Sewald who can, in turn, help the Mets’ bullpen.

Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com looks at the team’s farm system and development strategy.

Anthony DiComo’s weekly mailbox looks at when the club will make a decision on the final spot in their rotation, among other things.

Around the National League East

John Oliver aired his grievances with the new design of the Phillie Phanatic on Last Week Tonight.

Former Met tormentor Chipper Jones is joining ESPN as an analyst.

Max Scherzer knows what caused his back issues last year, and will work to avoid those same troubles in 2020.

A Nationals reporter wanted to help kids play basketball, and his readers took it from there.

Around Major League Baseball

Mike Trout shared the exciting news that he is going to be a father.

The Yankees used their personal touch to ‘shock’ Gerrit Cole and win him over.

ESPN takes a look at which team could end up being this year’s Nationals.

MLB is working on a plan to combat cheating in the game in the wake of the Astros’ scandal.

Former Houston hurler, and current Blue Jays pitcher, Ken Giles said he would give back his 2017 World Series ring if asked.

The Cubs will need to decide around July whether they are World Series contenders as they decide what to do with their high-end players who are approaching free agency, according to Theo Epstein.

A new organization has emerged for sidearm and submarine pitchers that’s meant to challenge the idea of throwing overhand and advance their cause.

The one-knee catching revolution is catching on, and the Yankees hired the guy who sparked it.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

I brought you a season preview for Michael Conforto, who is primed for another big year.

Brian Salvatore caught you up on the trade rumor surrounding Matz.

Episode 49 of From Complex to Queens looks back at some high school players the Mets couldn’t sign over the last three years.

This Date in Mets History

Manhattan Borough President Hulan Jack proposed a 110,000 seat stadium for the New York Giants on this date in 1956, which was denied due to its hefty $75 million price tag. Two years later, the Giants left New York, and four years after that, the Mets were born.