Mets Morning News: Alderson, Cohen release statements following accusations against Callaway

Meet the Mets

Late last night, a story broke on The Athletic that detailed accusations of lewd behavior against former Mets manager Mickey Callaway that spanned across his last three organizations. This included Callaway aggressively pursuing, “at least five women who work in sports media, sending three of them inappropriate photographs” and also requesting photographs in return. In addition, “he told one of the women that if she got drunk with him he’d share information about the Mets.” (Paywall Alert)

Both Steve Cohen and Sandy Alderson released statements following the story being published. Cohen, who was just a minority shareholder at the time, said, “This conduct reported in The Athletic story today is completely unacceptable and would never be tolerated under my ownership”. Alderson said that he was “appalled by the actions reported today” and that he as “unaware at the time of Mickey’s hire or at any time during my tenure as General Manager.”

Alderson also stated that the team will review their vetting process going forward.

Deesha Thosar noted that if it’s true that Alderson did not know, then somebody in the organization knew because they investigated an incident in August 2018.

In his latest piece for Faith and Fear in Flushing, Greg Prince talked about suspending the benefit of the doubt after realizing that, at one point, he thought that Callaway seemed like a nice guy.

The Mets made a depth move, acquiring starter Jordan Yamamoto from the Marlins in exchange for minor league infielder Federico Polanco.

Yamamoto ingratiated himself to his new fanbase, using the proper #LFGM hashtag in his welcome post.

Justin Toscano examined how this move can help the Mets in 2021 and beyond.

The acquisition gives the Mets another rotation option.

Earlier this offseason, the Met were linked to starter Jake Odorizzi. Jon Morosi noted that the team could still look to him if they miss on Trevor Bauer, though he mentioned the Angels, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Giants, and Twins as possibilities too.

SNY apologized for a Cohen tweet that went very wrong.

Anthony DiComo took a stroll down memory lane with some of the best debut seasons in Mets history.

Around the National League East

It was J.T. Realmuto’s love for Philadelphia that brought him back to the Phillies. I’m sure $115.5 million also helped.

The Good Phight wrote about the Phillies’ recent moves and why they mean the team is just about done this offseason.

Braves Legend and Mets Killer Chipper Jones has returned to the Atlanta organization as a part-time hitting consultant.

Fish Stripes examined an ideal scenario for the Marlins’ second base job in 2021.

Around Major League Baseball

Cleveland released a statement on Callaway following the story being publication.

The Angels followed with a statement of their own on Callaway.

The Player’s Association is reportedly unhappy with plans to delay a season and want more economic guarantees from the league. (Paywall Alert)

With the MLBPA formally rejecting the league’s offer yesterday, Major League Baseball issued a statement that they have instructed teams and players to prepare to report for spring training on time in February.

With the two sides again negotiating on how to proceed with an MLB season, caution and distrust go hand in hand.

Major League Baseball hired some familiar names to join its Baseball Operations Department. The list includes Former Future Met hire Michael Hill and 19-year MLB veteran Raul Ibanez as their SVPs of On-Field Operations, Joe Martinez as their Senior Director of On-Field Strategy, Bo Porter as Consultant of Coaching Development, and former Met Rajai Davis as the Senior Director of On-Field Operations.

Dustin Pedroia, whose Hall of Fame-worthy career was derailed by injuries, officially announced his retirement yesterday.

The Red Sox paid tribute to the former MVP, Rookie of the Year, and 3x World Series champion.

David Wright shared his favorite story on Pedroia.

The Angels acquired starting pitcher Alex Cobb from the Orioles.

In return, Baltimore picked up second baseman Jahmai Jones, the Angels’ second round pick from the 2015 draft.

Dan Connolly of The Athletic broke down Baltimore’s decision to trade Cobb. (Paywall Alert)

The Cardinals completed their trade for Nolan Arenado. St. Louis officially parted with Austin Gomber, Elehuris Montero, Tony Locey, Mateo Gil and Jake Sommers in return for the All Star third baseman.

38-year-old Edwin Encarnacion is training to return, and wants to play two more season, with a goal of reaching 500 home runs.

During his gap year, Theo Epstein will be taking his talents to Arctos Sports Partners and will serve as an “executive-in-residence”.

Yesterday At Amazin’ Avenue

Dave Capobianco wrote about the troubling revelations about the team’s former manager.

Lukas Vlahos covered the team’s trade for Yamamoto.

Lukas also graded the club’s recent signing of reliever Aaron Loup.

Episode 98 of From Complex to Queens continued the look at the annual top 25 prospects countdown list.

This Date in Mets History

The Mets officially acquired Johan Santana from the Twins on this date in 2008. 1,581 days later, Santana would become the first (and, to date, only) Mets pitcher to toss a no-hitter.