Recapping the latest Mets news as Opening Day approaches

With Opening Day right around the corner, MLB teams have been working hard to finalize their rosters. The Mets, in particular, had several important decisions to make regarding their player personnel. In this article, we will take a closer look at each notable decision and offer brief insight on them. 

"Steven Matz shutdown for three weeks, Gsellman to replace in rotation"

A few days ago, manager Terry Collins informed the media that left-hander Steven Matz would undergo an MRI after experiencing elbow discomfort. Today, it was determined that the results came back negative. However, Matz will miss the first three weeks of the season and Robert Gsellman will take his spot. 

Matz (pictured) finds himself on the disabled list once again

Gsellman, 23, went 4-2 with a 2.42 ERA in eight games for the Mets last year. He will now play a tremendous role for a team that expects big things in 2017. Recently, the youngster received praise from his skipper. 

"There are guys who just have a feel for when they are on the mound and a demeanor when they pitch, and I think Robert has learned a lot from his experience last year," Collins said. "He sees the older guys, the way they prepare this spring, and I think he's grown up in his preparation and how he goes about things and takes his outings down here not with a grain of salt."

"Lagares to hit DL with oblique injury, Conforto and Kelly to break camp"

Conforto (pictured) will look to bounce back in 2017

Outfielder Juan Lagares will (unofficially) begin the season on the disabled list after suffering an oblique strain in an exhibition game a few days ago. The 28-year old hit just .239/.301/.380 in 79 games last year, but was expected to open the 2017 year as the team's fourth outfielder. 

Ty Kelly will temporarily replace Lagares on the 25-man roster. The utility player hit .241/.352/.345 in 39 games for the Mets in 2016, and does not figure to receive much playing time. However, with experience all around the diamond, particularly third base, left field, and second base, Kelly's versatility will help Terry Collins in late-game situations. 

Perhaps the most noteworthy move on this list, New York decided to bring young outfielder Michael Conforto up north for Opening Day. While some are upset about the transaction, specifically citing his anticipated lack-of playing time, it appears that the team is rewarding the former first-rounder after a hot spring showing. In 60 at-bats, the 24-year old hit .300 with three home runs and five RBI. He will look to rebound his numbers after a rough 2016 campaign. 

"Wheeler makes rotation, Montero to begin year in major league bullpen"

For the first time since 2014, Zack Wheeler will toe the rubber on a major league field. The 26-year old was informed that he not only made the team, but he will be directly inserted into the starting rotation. This spring, Wheeler posted a 5.11 ERA in 12.1 innings pitched, and despite his innings limit, the Mets are okay with letting the youngster start the season with the big-league club. 

"We felt like we needed to start the motor a little bit (on Zack)," Collins told the media. "The bullpen is really a bad role if you haven't pitched in two years. We said 'Let's run him out there.'

Wheeler (pictured) will get the chance to straighten his career out

Meanwhile, Rafael Montero was told that he had made the roster as well. However, the former top prospect will begin the year in the bullpen, seemingly entering a long-relief role with the occasional spot start. The 26-year old performed very well in spring training, putting up a 1.77 ERA in 20.1 innings pitched. Ultimately, the decision came down between he and Seth Lugo, who helped carry Puerto Rico deep into the recent World Baseball Classic. While Montero put up a strong showing, it is hard to ignore the fact that he had been out-of-options and a demotion to Triple-A would have required a passage of waivers. 

"Familia suspended for 15 games for violating domestic violence policy"

Closer Jeurys Familia was recently handed a 15-game suspension by Major League Baseball following a domestic violence incident that had occured in late-2016. The suspension was expected by virtually everyone, but many did not anticipate it being so short. In any event, the 2016 All-Star will be eligible to return to action on April 20th in a game against the Phillies. 

Familia (pictured) led the MLB in saves (51) in 2017

To repair his image and avoid future related situations, the 27-year old has already completed twelve 90-minute counseling sessions. In addition, he will be making donations and speak to incoming rookies on the subject. Recently, he made a statement regarding the suspension:

"Today, I accepted a 15-game suspension from Major League Baseball resulting from my inappropriate behavior on October 31, 2016. With all that has been written and discussed regarding this matter, it is important that it be known that I never physically touched, harmed or threatened my wife that evening. I did, however, act in an unacceptable manner and am terribly disappointed in myself. I am alone to blame for the problems of that evening."

Familia's closer role will be temporarily taken over by Addison Reed. In 80 relief appearances, Reed posted a 1.97 ERA in 2016, but primarily served as New York's setup man. 

Noah suspended 20 games for drug violation

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, the NBA has suspended Knicks center Joakim Noah for 20 games after he violated the league's anti-doping policy. 

Noah (pictured) has not seen NBA action since mid-February

Noah, 32, had been in his first season with New York before undergoing surgery on his left knee in late-February. Before the procedure, he played in 46 games with New York, putting up 5.0 PPG and 8.7 REB in just over 22 minutes of action. 

"Joakim was completely forthcoming and cooperative throughout the investigation and we believe that this isolated occurrence was a regrettable mistake," the NBA players' union said in a statement. "Joakim has offered his deepest apologizes for this infraction, and neither he nor the NBAPA will pursue an appeal."

Hernangomez (pictured) will see an expanded role in 2017-18

With three years and $55,590.00 million (excluding 2016-17) remaining on his deal, Noah represents a huge burden for the Knicks payroll. His suspension could alter the Knicks off-season plans, whether that be seeking out a veteran center or replacing him internally. This year, youngster Willy Hernangomez has done an excellent job for New York and Kyle O'Quinn has proven to be a nice bench piece. Additionally, head coach Jeff Hornacek has discussed the possibility of moving sophomore player Kristaps Porzingis to center next season. 

The suspension firmly closes the door on Noah's return possibility in 2016-17. Through constant injuries and poor play, the veteran has done more bad than good and could see a major decline in minutes following this violation. Time will tell to see where he lies in the Knicks' future plans, but right now it looks like GM Phil Jackson struck out big time with the Noah signing. 

Jets add veteran McCown to quarterback mix

According to Mike McCartney on Twitter, quarterback Josh McCown has agreed to terms with the New York Jets. McCartney, McCown's agent, announced that it was a one-year deal worth $6 million in guaranteed money. 

McCown, 37, has evolved into an NFL journeyman throughout his 15-year career. Primarily a backup quarterback, the veteran spent the past two seasons with the Cleveland Browns, but struggled with injuries and poor play. Interestingly, Browns head coach Hue Jackson offered McCown a job on his staff at the end of the 2016-17 season, but McCown clearly feels that he still has enough left in the tank to play another year. 

McCown (pictured) will suit up for his eighth NFL team 

Holding a combined 2-20 record as a starter in the last three seasons, McCown will not be viewed as a savior to the franchise. However, he has seen much more success as a backup quarterback and that may be where the Jets envision him in 2017-18. Right now, his competition consists of Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg, both of whom have seen little-to-no NFL action in their brief careers. 

McCown (left) speaking to Manziel (right) in Mar. 2016

Perhaps the Jets see McCown as a mentor to the younger players. Recently, Hue Jackson claimed that the veteran helped Johnny Manziel, Cody Kessler and Kevin Hogan make the transition from collegiate-ball to professional. 

In addition, Jackson also said "(McCown) knows what it takes to coach and play in this league, and he's going to be a rising star in this profession if that's what he chooses to do."

McCown has accumulated over 14,000 passing yards in his career, including 79 touchdown passes. On October 11, 2016, he had a career day, throwing for 457 yards against the Baltimore Ravens. 

For more on the McCown signing, please click here. 

Giants, Pierre-Paul agree to multi-year contract

On Friday, the Giants and pass-rusher Jason Pierre-Paul agreed on a four-year deal worth $62 million. The contract includes $40 million in guaranteed money and can reach $66 million through incentives. 

Jason Pierre-Paul signed a four-year deal that @JordanRaanan reports will pay him $62 million, including $40 million guaranteed.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2017

Last month, New York used the franchise tag to retain Pierre-Paul, thus keeping him on a one-year deal worth roughly $16.9 million. The new contract will provide some monetary relief to the Giants, who are close to the salary cap. 

Pierre-Paul (pictured) will remain with Big Blue for another four seasons

Pierre-Paul, 28, has been a fixture in the Giants defensive unit for the past six years. His best season came in 2011, where he led the eventual Super Bowl-winning Giants with 16.5 regular season sacks. However, his career hit a major snag in July 2015, as he severely hurt himself in a fireworks incident, forcing him to lose his right index finger. 

The South Florida product bounced back in 2016-17, racking up seven sacks and eight batted passes in 12 games played. Some doubted his ability to return to Pro-Bowl form, but it appears that Pierre-Paul had adapted to his new form of life and that the Giants are confident enough to give him a lucrative contract. 

"We're happy to get a long-term deal with Jason," said GM Jerry Reese. "Not only is he one of our best players, he is one of our leaders."

For his career, Pierre-Paul has accumulated 50.0 sacks and 11 forced fumbles, and will continue to add to those totals as he enters his age-29 season. 

Giants bring in a pair of quarterbacks

The Giants entered this off-season in need of a backup play-maker behind Eli Manning and on Friday, they filled that demand by signing two quarterbacks. Both Josh Johnson and Geno Smith will join Big Blue for the upcoming 2017-18 campaign. 

Johnson (pictured) will return to NYG for a second season

Johnson, 30, was a fifth round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2008 NFL Draft. After a brief stint as Tampa Bay's starter, he settled into a backup role with the Browns, Bengals, and Ravens. The San Diego University product originally joined the Giants in August 2016 after being cut by Baltimore in the preseason. 

Despite not entering a game in 2016-17 and his overall lack of experience, the Giants seem happy with Johnson's progression and are content with handing him the offense if called upon. Considering Manning has not missed a start since his rookie year in 2004, in-game experience may be hard to find for Johnson. 

Interestingly enough, the Giants also came to an agreement with quarterback Geno Smith, who is still recovering from a torn ACL. The former second-round pick had spent the last four years with the Jets, but has seen his playing time diminish due to injuries and sub-par play. Smith will be reunited with wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who is also coming from the rival New York Jets. 

Smith (pictured) will receive a much-needed change of scenery

The Jets had interest in bringing Smith back, but it is unclear to what extent. Both San Diego and Cleveland had inquired on the West Virginia product, but it appears that the 26-year old is content with a second or third string role. 

In Smith's first two seasons, he started 29 games and racked up 5,571 passing yards. However, during that time, he had completed just 25 touchdown passes to go along with a total of 34 interceptions. As a participator in only three games in the past two years, one has to believe that the Giants will temper their expectations with Geno Smith.   

Jets buy low on Claiborne

After letting go of Darrelle Revis earlier this month, the Jets have found his replacement. On Friday, New York signed cornerback Morris Claiborne to a one-year contract worth $5 million.

The #Jets are signing former #Cowboys CB Mo Claiborne to a 1-year deal worth $5M, source said. More than Dallas offered. Prove-it deal.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2017

Claiborne, an LSU product, was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Since that point, he has struggled to make a name for himself in the league, dealing with injuries and mediocre performances. In 2016-17, Claiborne had his best season to date, but was limited to just seven regular season games. 

At just 27-years old, Claiborne still carries plenty of youth and truly represents a "buy-low" option for Gang Green. According to Ian Rappaport of NFL.com, the Jets offered more money than Dallas, thus prompting Claiborne's decision to join New York.  

Claiborne (pictured) has plenty to prove in the NFL

After backing out on free agent linebacker Dont'a Hightower, it was unclear where the Jets would direct themselves for the remainder of the off-season. With Claiborne leading the Jets' cornerback group, he will be joined by veteran Buster Skrine and second-year player Juston Burris. 

Claiborne represents a nice stop-gap option for a Jets team that does not expect to make a serious push in 2017-18. As a one-year rental, he still has enough upside to turn his career around, and certainly makes the Jets more competitive for the upcoming season. 

Giants pick up Brandon Marshall

A few days ago, the New York Jets parted ways with wide receiver Brandon Marshall and he was expected to be picked up in relatively short time. On Wednesday, the 32-year old announced on Twitter that he had signed a contract with the New York Giants. The deal will be worth $12 million over a two year period.

Marshall (pictured) has done a fantastic job in handling the bright lights of NY

Marshall, a six-time Pro-Bowler, had struggled in 2016-17, but still poses as a major offensive threat. He will now join Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard to form an incredible trio of wide receivers for quarterback Eli Manning. Interestingly enough, Marshall accepted the Giants contract despite the low-offer. 

Marshall will join Shepard (left) and Beckham Jr. (right) in 2017-18

Marshall said "They definitely didn't offer me the most money. It was probably the least money." Despite this, he explained "It was all about championships, to get straight to the point. They presented the best opportunity to be in a championship organization." 

The Jets released Marshall as per his request, so it isn't particularly surprising to hear that he wanted to join a contender. He has failed to win a Super Bowl in his 11-year career, and the Giants have positioned themselves nicely to make a deep playoff push in 2017-18. 

It is hard to dislike this move since Marshall gives the Giants yet another prolific option for Eli Manning and the offense as a whole, in addition to a veteran presence for a relatively young team. As a well respected player in his successful career, Marshall could serve as a mentor for both Beckham Jr. and Shepard in hopes of improving their game. 

From what it seems like, Jets fans are content with the popular wide receiver going across town and joining the rival Giants. Marshall deserves a chance to win in the National Football League and the Giants provide that opportunity as well as the convenience of playing in the same exact city. With Marshall's seemingly reasonable salary, the Giants still have enough payroll flexibility to improve other areas of need, whether through free agency or the NFL Draft this upcoming June.  

Jets part ways with Brandon Marshall

Last week, the Jets gutted their roster and seemed to change the entire direction of the franchise. The team continued this movement on Friday after they officially released star wide receiver Brandon Marshall, as per his request.

Marshall (pictured)  had one season left on his contract

Marshall originally came to New York in 2015 in a trade with the Chicago Bears. The six-time Pro-Bowler tallied 2,290 total receiving yards in 31 games with the Jets, but his production took a dip this past season. While it could have been a result of a struggling Ryan Fitzpatrick and inexperienced Bryce Petty, Marshall finished with just 788 receiving yards and 3 touchdown catches for Gang Green in 2016-17. 

The Jets are clearly entering a rebuild phase and Marshall, soon to be 33-years old, did not fit into their future plans. New York saved $7.5 million by parting ways with the 11-year veteran, who was set to hit free agency after this upcoming year. Now, Marshall will be a hot commodity on the market, and many teams, including the rival New York Giants, are expected to pursue him heavily. 

The loss of Marshall leaves the Jets without an experienced number one target, but the franchise has high hopes for both Robby Anderson and Quincy Enunwa. Additionally, New York still has Eric Decker, a proven asset who will be returning from both hip and shoulder surgery. 

Anderson (pictured) will have an increased role for NYJ in 2017-18

Marshall's contributions to the franchise cannot be overstated, as he helped return the team to relevancy in 2015-2016. Along with Decker, the duo had paired up with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to form into an offensive juggernaut to go along with an impressive defense. While the time was short-lived, Marshall's legacy with the Jets should be seen as positive, and his release should be understood by most fans that would like the team to return to a competitive state.