Mets Morning News: Cinco de Metso

Meet the Mets

Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez, and Ron Darling make their return to the virtual realm tonight when they call SNY’s MLB The Show 20 simulation of the digital Mets taking on the digital Reds at Citi Field.

Jeff McNeil, fresh off his semifinals appearance in the MLB The Show Players League, will join GKR in the virtual booth. His run in the Players League shows fans that he has many talents beyond being a really, really good hitter.

Michael Conforto’s days with the Mets could be numbered.

David Wright is not a fan of Wrigley Field, despite its reputation as one of baseball’s most iconic parks.

Buck Showalter spoke with Bob Klapisch and provided his positive impression of Luis Rojas, among other things.

Jay Horwitz shared the origins of the “Let’s Go Mets!” chant.

SNY started airing all five games of the 1969 World Series last night. If you tune in beginning tonight, you can catch all four wins from the Miracle Mets’ first title.

In his latest Tedquarters post, Ted Berg implored Alex Rodriguez to buy the freakin’ Mets already.

Mets’ prospect Tommy Wilson is finding his own spotlight in the Mets farm system. Tommy is the son of Thomas F. Wilson, best known for playing Biff Tannen in the Back to the Future trilogy.

Around the National League East

In order to comply with social distancing guidelines, Dave Martinez said Nationals players may sit in the stands.

NBC Sports Philadelphia looked at the ex-Phillies players who fans can watch once KBO games start airing on ESPN.

The Phillies distributed thousands of cases of foods to pantries amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Philadelphia also treated 350 employees to a virtual pizza party.

Braves skipper Brian Snitker recalled Atlanta’s 1995 World Series victory.

Around Major League Baseball

ESPN and the KBO reached an agreement after a long negotiation. In the deal, ESPN will broadcast six KBO games per week, beginning earlier this morning with Opening Day.

The first slate of games includes three games beginning at 5:30am over the next three days.

ESPN will re-air the games later in the afternoon as well.

David Lennon shared some pertinent details about the ESPN-KBO broadcast agreement.

Should a player in the KBO test positive for COVID-19, the league is expected to shut down for three weeks and then reassess the situation.

There are plenty of former MLB players in the KBO, including former Mets legends Chris Flexen (Doosan Bears), Drew Gagnon (KIA Tigers), and Aaron Altherr (NC Dinos).

Negotiating during the pandemic represents a crucial test for the MLBPA.

Giants fans still have a special place in their heart for Barry Bonds. (Paywall Alert)

25 play-by-play broadcasters looked back at their career and chose one call they wish they could take back. (Paywall Alert)

With The Last Dance serving as the most talked-about sports television event right now, The Athletic looked back at Michael Jordan’s brief and largely unsuccessful run playing baseball. (Paywall Alert)

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Lukas Vlahos examined a world where the Mets made a theoretical trade in 2016 to bring in Gleyber Torres.

McShane’s OOTP Mets team rebounded with a 4-2 stretch last week.

David Wright is your winner of the UltiMET of the Millennium Madness tournament!

Steve Sypa provided an update on the CPBL team that the From Complex to Queens crew have started following.

Episode 58 of From Complex to Queens went up!

This Date in Mets History

Mike Piazza hit his 352nd home run as a catcher on this date in 2004, surpassing Carlton Fisk for first on the all-time list for homer runs.