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Mets Morning News
The offense had a big day but the pitching struggled against the Cardinals in a game that ultimately means nothing in the grand scheme of things.
New Met Kevin Pillar had a good day at the plate a day after Albert Almora hit a home run. The two give the Mets options and solid depth in the outfield.
The defensive metrics no longer favor Pillar in center but manager Luis Rojas believes they don’t tell the whole story.
The team doesn’t just have solid depth in the outfield, the additions of Jonathan Villar and Jose Martinez also deepen the Mets bench and gives Rojas options when filling out his lineup card.
After his meeting with the press, Rojas offered well wishes to Aaron Boone who is taking a leave of absence from the Yankees after undergoing a medical procedure.
The bullpen is comprised of a lot of good arms but they could be volatile.
Jacob deGrom will make his spring debut over the weekend against the Astros whereas Dominic Smith is set to make his debut as the designated hitter against Nationals.
The team is taking precautions to keep everyone safe during the ongoing pandemic, but the saftey measures do present some challenges.
PECOTA might hate the Mets but it loves Richard Staff.
Khalil Lee was a bit shocked when he was traded to the Mets, but he is happy to be with his new team.
Around the National League East
Drew Smyly enjoyed a successful debut with the Braves but the team ultimately fell to the Orioles.
The Marlins signed former National Gio Gonzalez to a minor league deal.
Jose Alvarado is hoping for a fresh start and a return to form with the Phillies.
The Nationals might be one of the only teams without fans in the stands come Opening Day. Jon Lester will undergo surgery to remove his thyroid gland but he isn’t expected to lose too much time.
Around Major League Baseball
The league is not expected to adopt the universal DH or expanded playoffs for the 2021 season.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone is away from the team after undergoing a procedure to get a pacemaker put in. Bench coach Carlos Mendoza will be the interim manager until Boone returns.
Governor Newsom is confident there will be fans allowed at games on Opening Day in California.
Astros starter Framber Valdez was diagnosed with a fractured finger after he was hit by a comebacker by Francisco Lindor, and there is no timetable yet for his return.
Shohei Ohtani crushed a home run over the batter’s eye in center in his spring debut at the plate.
Old friend Andres Gimenez is off to a good start with his new ballclub and could be the team’s Opening Day shortstop.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
David Capobianco previewed Jake Hager’s season while Steve Sypa wrote about what can be expected from Brett Baty this year.
On the latest episode of A Pod of Their Own, author Andrea Williams joined the show to discuss her new book Baseball’s Leading Lady: Effa Manley and the Rise and Fall of the Negro Leagues.
This Date in Mets History
Happy Birthday Jack Fisher!
On this date last year, the Mets went viral after they were mic’ed up during a game.