Mack’s Apples – David Thompson, Michael Conforto, Ty Cobb, Ed Charles, Augie Garrido

Good morning.

John Sickles on –

       

     12) David Thompson, 3B, Grade C+: Age 24, fourth round pick in 2015 from University of Miami Hurricanes; at the time was considered a strong hitter with a questionable glove; his defense has turned out to be pretty good at third base and he can stay there, but bat has been merely solid rather than excellent; hit .263/.325/.429 with 16 homers, 40 walks, 92 strikeouts in 476 at-bats in Double-A; I like him more than many other people do and he could put up big numbers in Las Vegas; ETA late 2018; QUESTION MARK: will he fully tap his raw power? - Minor League Baseball

These 20 players will shape NL East  race –

         

  9. Michael Conforto, New York Mets  The Mets are a little bit better than you might think, even if they're relying just as much on their rotation as always. But if their older lineup has any upside, it's in the quick return of Conforto, who's slated for a May 1 start date after recovering from a shoulder injury. The outfielder was probably their best all-around player last season, and while the Mets are light on young, exciting position players, when Conforto's at his best, he could make up for other issues all by himself.

Family finds eighth Ty Cobb baseball card, valued at $250,000 –

          

What could be better than becoming a millionaire after finding seven vintage baseball cards while cleaning out your late great-grandfather's house?

How about finding an eighth?

Beloved Ed Charles of '69 Miracle Mets dies at 84 –

       

    "Ed Charles, our beloved Glider and Poet Laureate of the 1969 Mets, was one of the kindest and warmest people ever to be a Met," the club said in a statement. "His essays and poems inspired his teammates to the improbable World Series championship. With Jackie Robinson as his role model, Ed perpetuated a legacy of making a positive impact on other people's lives. Everyone at the Mets [is] sending condolences, thoughts and prayers to Ed's longtime companion Lavonnie Brinkley, his two sons Edwin and Eric, sister Virginia Charles and brother Elder.""

                       Mack – Rest in peace Glider.

Cubs' Joe Maddon pays respects to college baseball coaching legend Augie Garrido -

       

    Garrido won five national titles, including three at Cal State Fullerton, where Maddon first met him. Garrido, who won an NCAA-record 1,975 games, went on to win two more titles at Texas over a 47-year career that included a 3-year stint at Illinois.