Mets Morning News: Mike Piazza drops by Mets camp

Meet the Mets

The Mets fell to the Astros 5-4 yesterday. Joey Lucchesi’s scoreless spring ended in the third inning, though part of it was due to bad luck. Overall, Lucchesi, who is competing for a rotation spot, pitched well outside of that one frame.

In the loss, the B-lineup turned a triple play on a Jose Altuve liner.

Albert Almora Jr. helped his cause with a three-run homer.

Luis Rojas spoke to the media before the game and referred to James McCann as “outstanding”.

Mike Piazza dropped by camp and spoke to the media. In his remarks, he said that “the future looks bright” under new ownership and believes people should take Jacob deGrom’s Hall of Fame chances seriously right now after spending some time chatting with him earlier in the morning.

He also spent some time with Francisco Lindor and revealed what he told the shortstop about staying in New York, saying, “If it’s meant to be, he’s going to be here”. He spoke about the value of feeling comfortable before committing long-term to an organization.

The formerly blonde backstop also commented on Lindor’s new hair color.

Piazza will be a guest instructor this spring, and recent data has shown that he is actually an all-time great at framing.

The Mets Legend also announced that he will be present at the September 11 game against the Yankees, which will mark the 20th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks.

While not wanting to spoil anything, Piazza hinted that more retired number announcements could be on the horizon. The team has yet to announce a new date for the Jerry Koosman ceremony, but David Wright, Gary Carter, and Keith Hernandez, among others, would be logical choices.

The aforementioned Wright discussed the late Shannon Forde with the NY Post’s Ken Davidoff.

Michael Conforto indicated that he would like to be a Met beyond this year. As such, the time to pay him is now, writes Deesha Thosar.

Jon Heyman is not hearing much optimism on the Conforto extension front, however.

Tim Healey’s Mets Notebook explored soulmate-level defense, Luis Guillorme not playing yesterday, and Lucchesi’s thoughts on potentially being used as an opener.

Tim Britton examined how the Mets are aiming for a development win with Jacob Barnes. (Paywall Alert)

David Adler of MLB.com looked at teams who are helped and hurt by their April schedule. The Mets have one of the easier schedules to start the season, which could help their playoff chances.

Jack Leiter, son of Al Leiter, is earning comparisons to some pitching greats after his no-hitter.

Around the National League East

The Nationals appear serious about extending Juan Soto and Trea Turner, both of whom turned down offers following their 2019 World Series victory.

Tanner Rainey wasn’t too concerned about his rough spring debut.

Unsurprisingly, Aaron Nola will get the Opening Day nod for the Phillies.

Philadelphia made some roster cuts, and their bullpen picture is coming into focus as decisions loom.

As the regular season nears, the Braves’ roster decisions draw closer.

The Marlins’ second base race is coming down to the wire.

Around Major League Baseball

Ken Rosenthal and Nick Groke of The Athletic broke down how it all went wrong for the Rockies. (Paywall Alert)

The Blue Jays revealed that Kirby Yates will be out “several weeks” with a flexor strain.

Dodgers fans had some fun trolling the Red Sox with a billboard outside Fenway Park thanking them for Mookie Betts.

Justin Wilson called for a trainer and had to leave his outing. He was diagnosed with shoulder tightness and will be re-evaluated today.

Speaking of former Met relievers, Tyler Clippard is destined for the injured list and won’t throw for at least six weeks after suffering a sprained right shoulder.

Bleacher Report ranked all 30 major league rotations.

The MLB.com staff listed ten pitchers who could surprise some people and win the Cy Young Award.

ESPN ranked MLB’s best players, from 100 to 51.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Allison McCague previewed Marcus Stroman’s 2021 season, while David Capobiano did the same for closer Edwin Diaz.

Episode 106 of From Complex to Queens brought us a way-too-early draft special!

This Date in Mets History

On this date in 2007, the Mets signed Fernando Tatis Sr. to a minor league contract. He was a solid contributor off the bench in 2008, though his bat was less impactful in 2009 and 2010. Fourteen years later, his son has become one of the key faces of the sport.