Mets option Familia to Triple-A, send Santana to 60 day DL, promote Laffey

The Mets have optioned pitcher Jeurys Familia to Triple-A, and moved Johan Santana to the 60 day disabled list. Santana is now off of the 40 man roster, and the team will make a corresponding move tomorrow. It is expected that they will promote Aaron Laffey to make a spot start against the Marlins on Sunday.

With Shaun Marcum on the disabled list and missing tomorrow's start, the Mets will bring up Aaron Laffey sometime tomorrow morning to make a start against the Marlins. It seems like that the team just wants to see what he can do in one game, and will make a decision about his future with the club shortly after his outing. I wouldn't be surprised if Laffey has a semi-decent outing tomorrow, because he is facing the weak hitters of Miami's lineup. As for the longer-term, I'd rather have Collin McHugh in the rotation because of his youth and decent potential. Hopefully Marcum comes back soon and this situation doesn't need to be dealt with. 

As for Familia, he had options so it makes sense to send him down. From a statistical standpoint, he has been iffy. Hopefully he goes down to Triple-A and works on his control, because that is what is holding him back. He has the incredible velocity on his fastball to be a dominant relief pitcher. However he has a hard time throwing strikes on occasion. 

If the Mets need to make another move in the near future, I expect Greg Burke to be designated for assignment. Burke hasn't played well at all, and made the team despite his poor spring training. I would imagine he would clear waivers, so the organization would still be able to retain him. 

Opening Day was definitely one to remember

Coming into Monday's game, the Mets desperately needed to start their season on the high note, given the recent, and horrific news about Johan Santana and his season-ending, and possible career-ending injury. The entire baseball atmosphere was back, and despite the question marks surrounding the team, several fans showed up to the game. The team routed the San Diego Padres by a score of 11-2, making the transition back into baseball a whole lot easier for those in Flushing. Granted, the Mets will lose games, some that may even be heart-breaking, but this team showed energy and intensity that we as fans haven't been able to see for the last few years or so.

The newly formed outfield played extremely well, and were basically the spark plug that got the offense going. Marlon Byrd and Lucas Duda had nice games, but it was Collin Cowgill who really stood out. Cowgill, first of all, hit a ball in the right-center gap that would have been a single for most hitters. However, he really hustled and ended up getting a double out of it. 

We heard about Cowgill's gritty style of play, and saw a glimpse of it in Spring Training. However, the power is another aspect to his game that could be an asset. Terry Collins recently said that he will have Cowgill lead off basically because he has all of the attributes that a lead-off hitter should have, and is a threat to hit a home run once in a while. That was evident when he hit a grand-slam in the game -- the first of his career and the first Mets player to hit a grand slam on Opening Day in franchise history. The pop that he has to his bat will hopefully lead to more clutch and timely hits. 

As for Niese, he threw 6 2/3 innings of work, allowing 2 runs and striking out four. After the 6th inning, it appeared as though Collins and Dan Warthen were ready to take him out. However, he begged and pleaded to go back out in the 7th inning, and they let him stay for two more outs. That kind of mental toughness really said a lot about the 24 year old pitcher. It showed that he is, and will be capable of handling big game situations in the future, and that he feels like there is always something better he can do, which isn't necessarily a bad way of thinking. 

Lastly, it is worth that Scott Rice made his MLB debut in the 9th inning of this game. Rice, a first round draft pick by the Orioles in the 1999 draft, was a career minor leaguer up to that point. He played with several Independent League teams, including the local Long Island Ducks, but his persistence and dedication allowed him to finally reach the big leagues. He is just yet another great story that has been able to wear a Mets uniform.

Predictions for the 2013 MLB Season

The 2013 MLB season is set to undergo tonight with the Astros hosting the Rangers at 8 pm. Before the season begins, I will show you my predictions for the season, and with any luck, I may end up being right on some of them.

AL MVP-  Mike Trout- Trout had an unbelievable season in 2013, winning the Rookie of the Year and energizing the Angels' fan-base. He has so much protection in that lineup, especially now with the addition of Josh Hamilton, and should be able to put up monster numbers. 

Honorable mentions: Miguel Cabrera, Albert Pujols

AL Cy Young- Justin Verlander- I know that this is a boring and obvious pick because we know that Verlander is always going to be in the running for the award, but I truly feel like this is going to be his award for the taking.

Honorable mentions: Chris Sale, David Price

AL Rookie of the Year- Aaron Hicks- I'm going out on a limb here and saying that Hicks, the center-fielder from Minnesota, will win this award. He had a monster spring training, and the Twins lineup has the potential to be a dangerous one if Mauer and Morneau stay healthy. He should have some protection and receive good pitch selection.

Honorable mentions: Jackie Bradley Jr., Wil Myers, Jurickson Profar

NL MVP- Andrew McCutchen- This is a real dark-house pick, but I feel like 2013 will finally be the season where everything clicks for the Pirates. They have shown spurts of greatness throughout the last two years, and hopefully they put it all together this season. If they do, McCutchen, the leader of the squad, will certainly put up MVP-type numbers. 

Honorable mentions: Matt Kemp, Ryan Braun, Buster Posey

NL Cy Young- Matt Cain- Cain has been very underrated throughout his career, and finally was noticed when he threw a perfect game last summer. He is the ace of the Giants' staff, and deserves to win a Cy Young. 2013 could be a big year for him.

Honorable mentions: Johnny Cueto, Clayton Kershaw, Madison Bumgarner, Jordan Zimmermann

NL Rookie of the Year- Julio Teheran- Teheran is the real deal, and will crack the Braves rotation sometime during the season. He put up incredible spring numbers, and there is definitely a spot in the rotation waiting for him now that Jair Jurrjens is in Baltimore. 

Honorable mention: Travis d'Arnaud, Yasiel Puig

Division Winners

AL East- Toronto Blue Jays

AL Central- Detroit Tigers

AL West- Angels

AL Wildcards- Rays, Athletics

NL East- Washington Nationals

NL Central- Cincinnati Reds

NL West- San Francisco Giants

NL Wildcards- Braves, Dodgers

Predictions for the 2013 New York Mets

Optimistic Record -  82-80

Realistic Record   -  74- 88

Home Run Leader- Ike Davis

Stolen Base Leader- Collin Cowgill

Biggest Surprise- Collin Cowgill / Jordany Valdespin 

Biggest Bust- Shaun Marcum / Brandon Lyon / Lucas Duda

Highest Batting Average- David Wright 

Closer by season's end- Bobby Parnell

All-Star Representatives- David Wright, Ike Davis, Matt Harvey