Morning Briefing: World Baseball Classic Draws Record Number of Viewers
Good morning, Mets fans!
According to Paulsen of Sports Media Watch, there was a record audience of nearly five million viewers for the World Baseball Classic final. The Fox Sports 1 audience outdrew all but one MLB game on the network last year (including postseason). The game referenced was Phillies vs. Padres NLCS game four with an average of 4.88 million viewers. Tuesday’s Japan vs. United States World Baseball Classic championship game averaged 4.48 million viewers on Fox Sports 1 and 4.97 million viewers when including Fox Sports Deportes.
Now, it is time for the morning briefing.
Latest Mets News
Tim Healey of Newsday reports that Carlos Carrasco will not make his scheduled minor league start on Thursday. Buck Showalter said it is because of “elbow maintenance” that he does periodically. Carrasco will skip this outing and pitch five days later (Tuesday, also a minor-league game).
Edwin Diaz tweeted the following message Wednesday morning (translated): “I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to celebrate another year of life with my loved ones, it’s already 29, we’re going to the third level soon. Regarding my health, I feel super good, positive in rehabilitation so I can return as soon as possible.”
Michael Mayer reports that MLB games on Apple TV will not be free this year. To watch them, you must be a Apple TV+ subscriber. The Mets at Phillies game on June 23rd will be on Apple TV+.
Pete Alonso reflected on his WBC experience via his Instagram by saying, “The WBC was such an incredible experience. It was an honor being able to represent the US with my fellow Mets and also meet and play with some of the best players in the game!!!! Such a wild ride. Until next time WBC.”
Francisco Álvarez was interviewed by SNY Wednesday, saying, “Defensively I felt like I was improving, and I want to continue improving there. My bat wasn’t excelling the way I was expecting it to, but I trust in it. Going down there is going to help me to get the reps that I need.”
Katie Honan of The City NYC reports that a state lawmaker introduced a bill Wednesday that would authorize New York City to build on the parking lot at Citi Field. This would help pave the way for redevelopment plans envisioned by Mets owner Steve Cohen that include a new casino.
Tim Healey of Newsday wrote about Kodai Senga abandoning his signature splitter lately and other Mets news.
Latest MLB News
On ESPN’s “Get Up,” Buster Olney said that Shohei Ohtani‘s future contract could be worth 600 million dollars or more because “there’s nobody else in baseball that can do what he can do […] He’s going to have enormous bidding for the best player in the world.”
Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports that Brewers ace Corbin Burnes has hired BorasCorp to represent him. The former Cy Young winner is a free agent at the end of the season.
Mike Trout wrote his WBC reflections on his Twitter: “It’s hard to sum up into words what these last couple of weeks have meant to me. I had the time of my life representing that USA on my chest! The energy was electric and made the WBC a moment I’ll always cherish. So thank you all so much. It was an honor to be your captain.”
Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports that Ranger Suárez will likely not be ready to begin the season. He still has inflammation in his left arm so the team sent him for an MRI Wednesday. He has no structural damage. He will take a few days to rest it. At this point, it appears Matt Strahm could begin the season as the Phillies’ fifth starter.
Evan Drellich of The Athletic wrote an article covering new MLB rule changes. The MMO News Desk also has more on this story.
Latest on MMO
Dan Quiñones has a recap of Wednesday’s game.
John Sheridan writes about Francisco Álvarez being optioned to the minors.
Rich Sparago talks about the Texas Rangers potentially leaving Diamond Sports.
On This Date in Mets History
1978: A month after Bud Harrelson told the Mets brass that he felt “unwanted,” general manager Joe McDonald traded him to the Philadelphia Phillies for infielder Fred Andrews and $50,000 cash.
Birthdays: Dellin Betances (35), Mike Remlinger (57)
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