The Morning Report 6.1.2015 | Tejada the New 3B, Matz Nipping at Niese's Job, Conforto in the MLB in 2015?, Minor League Affiliate Relocations

David Wright Injury Tracker | In California to see specialist. Received a cortisone shot.

Mitch Abramson | NY Daily News- Terry Collins announced that Tejada had solidified his grip on the third basemen’s job with David Wright still rehabbing from a back injury. “Right now he is, he’s earned it,” Collins said after Sunday’s 4-3 win over Miami. “As we all know, he can do a lot of things when he’s playing well and right now he’s playing well.” After riding the bench much of the season and watching as others got to try their hand at third with Wright sidelined, Tejada has finally gotten his shot and taken advantage of it. In his third straight start at third base, Tejada — batting second again — has proved that he should remain on the field.

(Chris Soto: Say what you want about Tejada...but he clearly is the best option for the Mets to be that 8th guy in the line-up even though I don't agree with the defensive alignment [I'd prefer Flores at 3B, Tejada at SS]. With both Eric Campbell and Danny Muno failing to take holding of the job, Terry Collins turned to his old buddy who is taking full advantage.)


Anthony Reiber | Newsday- The best thing that can be said about Jon Niese's start against the Marlins on Saturday is that Mets fans won't have to see him again for six days. Niese's performance continued an alarming pattern that has to have Mets decision-makers wondering if they really have six starters who are worth throwing out there when they expand the rotation this week. Said Niese: "It's very surprising. It's frustrating more than anything because my arm feels great, my body feels great." The way Niese has looked in his last four outings (20 innings, 23 runs, 20 earned runs), Steven Matz would be a better option right now. Matz, by the way, is perfectly lined up to start Friday. Niese's day. Just sayin'...

(Chris Soto: I would be surprised to see the Mets turn to Matz just yet...but I do think Niese's leash is becoming uncomfortably short. Matz has about 2 starts left before he reaches the club's 150 IP above A+ rule so I would expect that Niese would get at least those 2 chances to show he belongs. It's unfortunate that Niese has ZERO trade value; not because he isn't pitching well, but because teams are just so nervous about his injury history/risk.)


James Newman | Mets360- Over this past week, the Mets announced that they promoted their 2014 first round draft pick Michael Conforto to Double-A Binghamton. The [current] starting outfield has had ups and downs, and is not contributing to its full offensive potential, and there is not much production waiting in the wings behind these three players. Due to the power Conforto seems to offer, he may have the advantage of reaching the big leagues earlier than Nimmo. With both players in Double-A, it seems more likely that both players will be on the team at some point in 2016, however if the Mets need a left-handed power hitting outfielder off the bench, Conforto could be called on later this season if he his performing in Double-A at a high level.

(Chris Soto: I'd have to disagree 100% with James. I doubt there is any chance that Conforto gets promoted to the MLB this season. The Mets will not promote Conforto unless he is going to be in a starting role. NOT as a left handed power bat off the bench. From that standpoint, I don't see Conforto unseating any of the current OF'ers as they are all beginning to produce better results.)


Adam Rubin | ESPN New York- The New York Mets' South Atlantic League affiliate is relocating from Savannah, Georgia, to a new stadium in Columbia, South Carolina, for the 2016 season. Hardball Capital, which owns the low-A club, made the move official with a news conference in Columbia on Thursday. Mets general manager Sandy Alderson attended the announcement. Spirit Communications Park is scheduled to open in March 2016. The Savannah Sand Gnats may not be the only Mets affiliate on the move, either. A U.S. District Court judge issued a preliminary injunction last month banning the sale of the Binghamton Mets to another party while a group pursues a federal civil lawsuit claiming it had an agreement to purchase the Double-A club for $8.5 million and move it to Wilmington, Delaware.

(Chris Soto: The Sand Gnats move has been a long time coming as the City of Savannah was just not committal about keeping the team there via upgrading Grayson Stadium. Spirit Park is going to be a "top of the line" facility so the Mets won't be too upset about the move, plus it brings the team just a little bit closer to New York. Now the Binghamton Mets situation may be a bit more dicey....While a settlement has been reached, it's apparent that the team is trying to move somewhere warmer. Generally, the club doesn't promote straight from AA though so if a potential move to a better facility is in the works then, again, I doubt the Mets will be too upset about it. )