John From Albany – Mets Breakfast Links 1/14/2020

Tough game for Jonathan Niese in the Dominican league last night.  That, and lots more links this morning.

First, as Mack’s Mets noted yesterday, the Mets will name their Spring Training street address after Mike Piazza.

Also as Mack’s Mets had yesterday, MLB handed down the punishment to the Astros for the sign steal scandal in 2017. “MLB will fine the Astros $5 million and take away their first- and second-round picks in the 2020 and 2021 drafts”.

Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated that “Firing AJ Hinch and Jeff Luhnow Was Jim Crane's Only Option. Has anybody else been fired on live TV, let alone two successful shepherds of a franchise at the same time? Stunning as it was, Crane acted logically given the findings of the commissioner’s investigation.”

Per the NY Post’s Joel Sherman: “But if we have learned anything in modern America, it is hard to get consensus on much, including whether these penalties were too lenient or too harsh. So I will offer this — they were harsh enough to get across what Manfred wanted to deliver: That those who cross the line by using technology to cheat do so at the peril of losing their jobs and perhaps their right to ever participate in Major League Baseball again.”

Also Per the NY Post fired manager AJ Hinch said the following: “I regret being connected to these events, am disappointed in our club’s actions within this timeline, and I accept the Commissioner’s decision,” Hinch said in a statement. “As a leader and a Major League Manager, is it my responsibility to lead players and staff with integrity that represents the game in the best possible way. While the evidence consistently showed I didn’t endorse or participate in the sign stealing practices, I failed to stop them and am deeply sorry.”

Yahoo Sports reported on “Disgraced Astros GM: 'I am not a cheater,' as he points finger at players, coaches.”

Last Word on Baseball says the Red Sox should fire Alex Cora.

Per the NY Post: “Mets’ Carlos Beltran avoids discipline in Astros cheating scandal. Carlos Beltran was the only player singled out in Major League Baseball’s exhaustive report involving the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal, but the new Mets manager avoided punishment. After repeatedly denying any involvement, Beltran was mentioned prominently in the report released by MLB commissioner Rob Manfred on Monday…”

Per Bill Madden in the Daily News: “And speaking of managers, though Carlos Beltran was reportedly one of the ringleaders in the Astros’ cheating in 2017, he was a player at the time and Manfred chose to mete out discipline only to those in management. But just because Beltran avoided suspension, on the occasion of his being named Mets manager, he lied to the New York media about having any knowledge or involvement in the Astros’ 2017 cheating. Say what you will, but with Astros owner Jim Crane taking Manfred’s action a step higher by firing Hinch and Luhnow and the Red Sox expected to do likewise with Cora, the Mets keeping Beltran is a bad visual.”

Call to the Pen says no punishment for Carlos Beltran, yet. Manny Gómez points out that just like the PED players are not being into the Hall of Fame, Carlos Beltran may face a similar fate with the cheating scandal. “Baseball writers have had zero problem withholding players they deem to be cheaters, like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, from Cooperstown. I can think of no reason why they wouldn’t hold Beltran to the same standard.”

Mets 360 noted that “Drafting mistakes necessitate Jake Marisnick deal.” David Groveman wrote: “All of this leads to the Mets trading a couple of prospects for a $1.9 Million Dollar 1.2 WAR center fielder with a career .227 batting average. Jake Marisnick is not a bad player, but no team should ever “need” to trade for a fourth outfielder. Teams are supposed to stockpile the key defensive positions so that such trades are never necessary. Based on the Mets draft history, it looks like that might be something Sandy Alderson forgot.”

Amazing Avenue continued to look at the Mets 25 top prospects with #14 - Junior Santos.

Reflections on Baseball thinks that Russel Martin fits the Mets back-up catcher need.

Rising Apple’s Tim Boyle had how Marcels Projections on Baseball Reference had some high projections for Tomas Nido: “In 281 trips to the plate, Nido is projected to slash .222/.279/.381. While far from great, they’re much better than he has done in his major league career thus far. In addition to hitting for a much better average than I would predict, Nido is projected to knock 12 doubles and 9 home runs.”

Rising Apple’s Tim Boyle also noted some free agents that Steve Cohen should consider buying next winter: Mookie Betts, George Springer, J.T. Realmuto, Robbie Ray, and Trevor Bauer.

MLB Trade Rumors reported that Eric Hanhold cleared waivers and was outrighted by the Orioles to Triple-A.

MLB Trade Rumors reported that the Tigers signed Ivan Nova.

Per MLB Trade Rumors the A’s obtained infielder/outfielder Tony Kemp in a trade with the Cubs in exchange for minor league infielder Alfonso Rivas.

Last night in the Dominican Republic, Jonathan Niese lasted just 1.2 innings and gave up 4 runs on 5 hits and a walk in a 7-4 loss for the Aguilas Cibaenas against the Tigres del Licey (box).

Carlos Gomez went 0 for 5 with 2 strikeouts.

In the other game, the Leones del Escogido beat the Toros Del Este 2-0 (box). 

Cesar Puello went 0 for 3 with a walk and a strikeout.

Jordany Valdespin went 2 for 4.

In Puerto Rico, the Indios de Mayaguez beat the Gigantes de Carolina 6-5 (box).  No current or ex-Mets participated.  

Mack’s Blast From The Past comes from January 2012: Michael Friere looked at new Mets Frank Francisco and Jon Rauch. 

Born on this date:

• Dave Marshall (1943)
• Ross Jones (1960)
• Mike Pelfrey (1984)
• Aaron Altherr (1991)
• Jurgen Jimenez (1996)

Died on this date:

• Johnny Murphy (1970)
• Don Cardwell (2008)

Transactions:
New York Mets selected Terry McDaniel in sixth round of free agent draft on January 14, 1986.

New York Mets traded Masato Yoshii to the Colorado Rockies for Bobby Jones and Lariel Gonzalez on January 14, 2000.

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

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