Mets News and Morning Links 3/20/2022

 

Good Morning.  Happy Birthday Brooklyn Cyclones Pitcher Josh Hejka. Mets win first Spring Training game with 3 1st inning HRs, Buck likes Luis Guillorme, and Dom Smith learns by watching great MLB hitters.

Section Links: Mets Links, MLB Links, and This Day in Mets History.

Mets Links: 

Mets 6 Nationals 2 (Box Score). Luis Guillorme SS 3 for 4, HR, 2 RBIs, 1 run scored; J.D. Davis 3B 0 for 2, 1 run scored, 1 K; Mark Vientos 3B, 0 for 1; Dominic Smith 1B 2 for 3, HR, Triple, 2 RBIs, 1 run scored, 1 K; Ronnie Mauricio, SS 0 for 1, 1 K; Daniel Palka DH 0 for 3, 2 Ks; Brett Baty, PH/DH 0 for 1, 1 K; Tomás Nido C 1 for 3, 1 run scored, 1 K; Nick Plummer LF 1 for 3, HR, 1 run scored, 2 RBIs; Matt Reynolds 2B 0 for 2, 1 walk, 1 run scored; Khalil Lee RF 0 for 2, 1 walk, 1 K; Jake Mangum CF 1 for 3, 2 Ks; Josh Walker 3 innings, no runs, 1 hit, 2 walks, 2 Ks; Álex Claudio 1 inning, 2 hits, no runs; Colin Holderman 1 inning, 1 unearned run, 1 walk, 2 Ks; Rob Zastryzny 1 inning, no runs, no hits, 1 K; Eric Orze; 1 inning, no runs, 1 hit, 1 K; Stephen Nogosek; 1 inning, no runs, no hits, 1 walk; Trey Cobb1 inning, 1 run - earned, 1 hit, HR, 1 K; 

Metsmerized: New York Mets Blitz Nationals In Spring Training Opener, 6-2.

 NY Post: Mets’ Dominic Smith examined these greats swings during offseason. “’I watched a lot of Big Papi [David Ortiz], I watched a lot of Miguel Cabrera, I watched a lot of Mike Trout...Just watching those hitters and how they move, and then adding what I do well and trying to move similar to those guys, I think that’s the reason why I’m able to do what I did [Saturday].’”

NY Post: Mets’ Buck Showalter on what his biggest goal is for this spring training. “’Health,’ Showalter said. ‘Just be ready. If you told me I could have one thing, I’d have our players available on Opening Day.’”

Luis Guillorme opens the night with a dinger! 💣 pic.twitter.com/lenrDVsBNk

— SNY (@SNYtv) March 19, 2022

DOM GOES OPPO 🌮 @TheRealSmith2_ pic.twitter.com/HBJewIVluJ

— SNY (@SNYtv) March 19, 2022

Nick Plummer has the Mets' third home run of the first inning! 💣💣💣 pic.twitter.com/lnfJaPEtbw

— SNY (@SNYtv) March 19, 2022

Dom with an RBI triple! 🏃 @TheRealSmith2_ pic.twitter.com/8tOxZxZGA7

— SNY (@SNYtv) March 19, 2022

Luis Guillorme's rapid fire relay throws are officially back. pic.twitter.com/Sf14nU6rwU

— SNY (@SNYtv) March 19, 2022

Luis Guillorme drives in another with an RBI single! pic.twitter.com/DdJZdaQnBP

— SNY (@SNYtv) March 20, 2022

Josh Walker admits it was "a little intimidating at first" to have the locker next to Max Scherzer:

"It's an absolute privilege to be near a guy like that and I hope to get to know him a little more as camp goes on." pic.twitter.com/1lcTUHLcD2

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) March 19, 2022

"I'm happy with the progress of my swing and everything, but still a lot of work to go."

- Dom Smith pic.twitter.com/BhV9PCdxNU

— SNY (@SNYtv) March 20, 2022

Dom Smith says he watched video of great hitters like David Ortiz, Miguel Cabrera and Mike Trout to better understand his swing: pic.twitter.com/iQFaA1zc8f

— SNY (@SNYtv) March 20, 2022

Dom Smith talks about the competition for at-bats in the Mets' DH spot:

"I think it's just fun. I think bringing in all these guys, it just brings the best out of each player. It's perfectly fun and fine to have that type of competition in camp." pic.twitter.com/ibYM1TEg4j

— SNY (@SNYtv) March 20, 2022

"It's just a reminder of what he can do when he's healthy"

Buck Showalter talks about Dom Smith's impressive night at the plate: pic.twitter.com/sdWSWWIlQX

— SNY (@SNYtv) March 20, 2022

Buck Showalter is already a fan of Luis Guillorme:

"I reminded him how important he is on our club. We don't have someone that can do what he does." pic.twitter.com/Dnf46QsSkJ

— SNY (@SNYtv) March 20, 2022

"They expect to break camp with Smith, McNeil and Davis, more likely than not, on the roster"@martinonyc shares some insight on Dom Smith's night and more: pic.twitter.com/o9uHdKjhTI

— SNY (@SNYtv) March 20, 2022

Mets play the Cardinals this afternoon at 1.  David Peterson on the mound.  Game will be on SNY.

Mets Spring Game 2 of 15, vs. STL
Sunday, March 19, 1:10 p.m.
📺 SNY, 🎙️ WCBS 880 pic.twitter.com/GsWqaHLQNo

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) March 20, 2022

NY Post: Mets’ Buck Showalter on what his biggest goal is for this spring training. “’Health,’ Showalter said. ‘Just be ready. If you told me I could have one thing, I’d have our players available on Opening Day.’”

NY Post:

• Mets reliever Trevor May working on split-changeup
• Mets’ Brandon Nimmo relishing challenge of playing in ‘beast’ East
• Yankees get first look at shortstops of present — and future
• Mets’ Dominic Smith ‘healthy’ and says he won’t ever play hurt again

Mets.com:

• Rose back in booth, boosted by fans' 'overpowering' support
• Walker wowed by clubhouse company

Metsmerized:

• New York Mets Blitz Nationals In Spring Training Opener, 6-2
• MMO Spring Training Game Thread: Mets vs Nationals, 6:05 PM
• Thomas Szapucki, Jordan Yamamoto Cut From Major League Camp
• Michael Conforto Returning Makes Sense For Mets
• Memorable Mets Yearbook Covers
• A Look at the Mets’ Projected Bullpen

Mack's Mets:

• Open for Discussion: Who is doing what?
• Reese Kaplan -- Spring Training's Early Observations

The Mets Beat Report is back! Updating you on all the major stories from camp...and be sure to check out the full video here:https://t.co/IU8xo3C9K6 pic.twitter.com/bVQWYMwZrB

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) March 19, 2022

SportSpyder Mets Links: 

MLB and SportSpyder NL East and MLB Links:

Some of yesterday's Spring Training Highlights:

Welcome back, Vladdy. We missed you. pic.twitter.com/qPDrd1I1u1

— MLB (@MLB) March 19, 2022

Have a day, Pirates prospects!

Oneil Cruz, Endy Rodriguez and Tucupita Marcano each went yard for Pittsburgh.

Here's where Cruz ranks on our new Top 100 Prospects list: https://t.co/XiYzKc1Rrb pic.twitter.com/ORtIa75ZlN

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) March 19, 2022

"I'm telling you, this kid is special."

Tooled-up Padres prospect CJ Abrams showing some 💪

He's No. 9 on our new Top 100 Prospects list: https://t.co/fiom2hIeLr pic.twitter.com/OjbKEyklrP

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) March 19, 2022

Luis Campusano 🚀

No. 44 on the Top 100 Prospects list: https://t.co/TdATo4c5Mz pic.twitter.com/hf8ejKrIUQ

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) March 19, 2022

Orelvis Martinez with his first hit -- and first homer -- of the spring for the Blue Jays.

Martinez is No. 38 on our Top 100 Prospects list: https://t.co/fHPdH5H8t4 pic.twitter.com/4RMFIvOpRe

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) March 19, 2022

First Grand Salami of Spring 💥 pic.twitter.com/ITZKHH7khD

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) March 19, 2022

The Apple: Does Billy Have Another Surprise On Deck? Tim Ryder suggests the Mets keep up with the Braves who added Matt Olson and Kenley Jansen and the Phillies who added Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos.

213 Miles from Shea: Get To Know A Non-Roster Invitee: Stephen Nogosek.

Here is yesterday's Spring Training Scoreboard.

MLB.com:

• 5 hitters who could bounce back this season - Francisco Lindor among the 5 mentioned.
• World Series MVP Soler agrees with Marlins (source) 
• Vlad Jr. tees off in debut -- see where this ball lands
• They already signed 2 superstar infielders -- Story next?
• Twins' stunning deal with Correa sends ripples through AL
• Donaldson goes deep for first HR with Yanks
• Phils can't wait for Castellanos era: 'What a lineup we're about to have'
• New pitch-calling device a big hit with Rays battery
• Watch Top 100 Prospects show today at 11 a.m. ET

MLB Trade Rumors:

• Marlins To Sign Jorge Soler
• AL Notes: Correa, Tucker, Meadows, Winker, Upton
• Diamondbacks Sign Wilmer Difo To Minors Contract
• Blue Jays Continue To Pursue Left-Handed Hitting
• Carter Kieboom Suffers Forearm Injury, Likely To Miss Opening Day
• Injury Notes: Urias, Rortvedt, Funkhouser
• Diamondbacks’ J.B. Bukauskas To Miss “Months” With Teres Major Injury
• Brewers Renew Devin Williams’ Contract
• Marlins Looking For Center Fielder
• Nationals Sign Jace Fry To Minors Deal
• Rays To Sign Ryon Healy To Minors Deal
• Reds To Sign Kyle Zimmer
• Mets No Longer Looking To Trade Smith, McNeil, Davis?
• Michael Conforto Turned Down Nine-Figure Extension Prior To 2021 Season
• Phillies Sign Austin Wynns To Minors Deal

Yahoo Sports:

• World Series MVP agrees to deal with Marlins
• Seattle Kraken vs. Detroit Red Wings - Game Highlights
• Are the Mets the favorites in the NL East or do the Braves and Phillies have the upper hand? | What Are The Odds?
• MLB Insider on resurgence of Dom Smith, who is unlikely to be traded | SNY MLB Insider
• Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Rangers - Game Highlights
• a Goal from Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Rangers
• a Goalie Save from Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Rangers
• Mets takeaways from Saturday's 6-2 spring training win over Nationals, including Dominic Smith's hot start at plate
• Joc Pederson recruits MLB free agent Trevor Story to Giants on Instagram
• Mets vs Nationals Highlights: Mets belt three homers in first inning, top Nationals 6-2 | Mets Spring Training

ESPN:

• MLB free-agency grades: A+! Carlos Correa signing a stunning slam dunk for Twins
• Nick Castellanos can really hit, but the Phillies' defense could be really bad
• Braves boost bullpen with former Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen

CBS Sports:

• MLB free agency: World Series MVP Jorge Soler agrees to three-year contract with Marlins, per report
• MLB free-agent tracker: Carlos Correa joins the Twins; Freddie Freeman, Kris Bryant head to NL West
• Hall of Famer David Ortiz was targeted by drug kingpin in 2019 shooting, investigation finds

FanGraphs:

• For Outfielder-Starved Phillies, Castellanos a Necessary Overpay
• Carlos Correa Opts for Options, Chooses Minnesota

Braves.com:

Who named 'The Night Shift'? Let them (kind of) explain

Marlins.com:

World Series MVP Soler agrees with Marlins (source) 

Avi shows off 'real power,' homers in 1st AB as Marlin

Notes: López sharp in ST start; catcher depth

Phillies.com:

Notes: Wheeler's timeline; Clearwater anniversary; Schwarber's role

Phils can't wait for Castellanos era: 'What a lineup we're about to have'

Phils broadcaster laughs off foul ball to chest: 'Didn't even feel much of it'

Nationals.com:

For Gray, '22 brings chance to make strides

Rogers comfortable, eyes place in rotation 

Injuries & Roster Moves: Kieboom likely to miss Opening Day

Nats' position battles to heat up as games begin

Today in Mets History Per Ultimatemets.com: 

Born on this date:

• George Altman (1933)
• Steve Dillon (1943)
• Rick Parker (1963)
• Blas Minor (1966)
• Manny Alexander (1971)
• Josh Hejka (1997)
• Federico Polanco (2001)

Died on this date:

• Luis Alvarado (2001)

Transactions:
New York Mets purchased Frank Lary from the Milwaukee Braves on March 20, 1965.

New York Mets signed free agent Octavio Dotel on March 20, 1993.

New York Mets traded Jason Phillips to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Kaz Ishii on March 20, 2005.

Baseball Reference:

1961 - The New York Yankees of the American League announce the team will oppose any plan that would enable the new National League expansion franchise in New York, NY to use Yankee Stadium. This decision leaves the old Polo Grounds as the only viable option for the NL's new team, the New York Mets, who will begin play in a year's time.

National Pastime.com:

1973  In an exhibition game played in Puerto Rico, Willie Mays, subbing for manager Yogi Berra, pilots the Mets to an 8-3 win over the Pirates.

Want more?  Check out https://sportspyder.com/mlb/new-york-mets/news. 

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3/20/1961 The Yankees announce that they will not allow the Mets to play their home games at Yankee Stadium while Shea Stadium is being built. The Mets instead play at the Polo Grounds in 1962 and 1963. During Yankee Stadium renovations in the 1970s, the Yankees played at Shea. pic.twitter.com/xYvwYwu0uW

— This Day in Mets History (@NYMhistory) March 20, 2022