Meet the Mets
The Mets played their spring training opener yesterday and fell 2-1 to the Miami Marlins at Clover Park. Many of the team’s new faces took their first swings in a Mets uniform and Brandon Waddell pitched two scoreless innings. However, the Mets were held hitless until the fifth inning and didn’t score until an A.J. Ewing sacrifice fly in the eighth.
Francisco Lindor, who is recovering from hamate surgery, was not a participant in yesterday’s game, but his recovery is progressing.
Darryl Strawberry opened up to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com about his brush with death back in December—the second such incident in the past two years.
Back in the day, the Mets had a Cookie Club. Now they have a Chess Club and Sean Manaea is its leader.
“There’s a lot of stuff I can learn in the game, which is really important,” Bo Bichette said after making his spring debut at third base. “I’m enjoying the new challenge.”
Around the National League East
Phillies reliever José Alvarado is among the players who did not pass insurance protocol and will therefore be unable to participate in the World Baseball Classic.
Phillies owner John Middleton did a wide-ranging interview with The Inquirer, including about negotiations with now-Met Bo Bichette, about which he said he went “to bed at 11 o’clock thinking we had a deal.”
Marlins first baseman Christopher Morel talked about learning the new position.
Around Major League Baseball
Tributes continue to pour in for Hall of Famer Bill Mazeroski, whose passing was reported yesterday. Not only did Maz hit a walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series, he also was the first player to hit a home run against the Mets in 1962.
Twins pitcher Joe Ryan is undergoing an MRI after being removed from yesterday’s start with lower back tightness. The Twins will provide an update today on his status.
The Cardinals signed Ramón Urías to a one-year, $2 million contract.
The Yankees are dealing with a…stinky situation at their spring training facilities.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
A.J. Ewing is closer to the majors than you may think and you should be excited about it, writes Lukas Vlahos in his season preview.
This Date in Mets History
On February 22, 1966, the Mets traded OF Wayne Graham, IF Bobby Klaus, and C Jimmie Schaffer to the Phillies for slugger Dick Stuart. It didn’t exactly work out so great for the Amazins.