The Morning Report 9.9.2015 | Mets Crush the Nationals Hopes, Cespedes for MVP?, How about Cespedes as a Met in 2016?

Adam Rubin | ESPN New York- Even when the New York Mets trailed by six runs in the seventh inning, closer Jeurys Familia believed his services would be required. “The way we’ve been playing this year, yes,” Familia said. “I said in my mind, ‘I’m going to pitch. I’m going to save this game. We’re going to win.’ That’s the way we’re playing right now.” Highlighted by a three-run double by Yoenis Cespedes and six walks, the Mets posted six runs in the seventh inning to even the score. Kirk Nieuwenhuis then delivered a pinch-hit homer against Jonathan Papelbon an inning later, and the Mets stunned the Washington Nationals 8-7 to open a six-game division lead. “The thought in my mind was, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me,’” Collins said about what became a six-run seventh. “I’m saying, ‘We’re going to tie this thing. You’ve got to be kidding.’”

(Chris Soto: Wow...what an unbelievable game. Despite a stinker of a start by Matt Harvey, the Mets refused to lay down and instead absolutely crushed the Nationals bullpen. Not only that, but they may have also crushed the final bit of the Nationals confidence and resolve. If the team can take this 3rd and final game from the Nats and open up a 7.0 game lead, it will be absolutely massive as it will give them the ability to skip Harvey again, Syndergaard again, and possibly even deGrom. )

Jon Morosi | Just a bit Outside- The National League has a number of strong Most Valuable Player candidates. Bryce Harper is viewed as the front-runner, while Joey Votto, Paul Goldschmidt, Anthony Rizzo and Nolan Arenado have the numbers to merit serious consideration. But what about Yoenis Cespedes? He's one of the top five position players in baseball this year, according to the FanGraphs.com Wins Above Replacement rankings. He's been the majors' most impactful trade deadline acquisition, amassing a 1.027 OPS with 13 home runs in 34 games with the New York Mets. For those who consider team success, he checks that box, too: When Cespedes played his first game for the Mets on Aug. 1, the team trailed the Washington Nationals by two games in the NL East. Now, the Mets have a seemingly airtight six-game lead.

(Chris Soto: Boy, you can certainly build a case for him. Cespedes has completely changed this team's offense and at times has single handedly won inportant games for the club during this incredible run. Unfortunately, since Cespedes played his 1st 100+ games in the AL, i don't think voters will come to his side. In fact, I'm not sure anyone who has been traded from the AL to to NL, or vice versa, has ever won an MVP award?)

Kenneth Teape | Empire Writes Back-  When the New York Mets acquired Yoenis Cespedes from the Detroit Tigers at the MLB Trade deadline, there was little hope that they would be able retain the outfielder in the offseason. Cespedes had a clause in his original contract that stated he could become a free agent after four-years, not the customary six, because of the experience he had playing previously in Cuba. But, the Mets are no longer under that restriction. It was announced Tuesday by general manager Sandy Alderson that the Mets are going to be allowed to remain a bidder throughout the offseason for Cespedes’ services per an agreement between Major League Baseball and the Player Association. “It’s been signed off by all parties, including the union and Major League Baseball,” said Alderson Tuesday.

(Chris Soto: Hey this is excellent news. Even though I still think Cespedes price tag is going to approach a number that even Mets fans would be uncomfortable with, removing this clause at least gives the club a chance to play in the same sandbox as everyone else. The main reason for the clause in the first was because Cespedes did not want a qualifying offer being made to him. However since he was traded mid season, a QO can't be offered to him anyway so the clause became a moot point.)