xIGT, 2023-03-07, WAS@NYM

[Edgy MD]

The grapefruit grudge matches continue following yesterday's rainout against the Astronomers, as the Mets host their Nationalist division rivals for an early evening clash in the alleys and backstreets of Port St. Lucie. José Quintana missed his start yesterday, but a rotation staple like himself is too important to bypass, so he gets the call. Washington counters with 6'6" righthander Jake Irvin, currently trying to lock down the team's #5 rotation slot after getting hit hard against the Astros the last time out.

Reports from yesterday have the Lerner family agreeing to a split contract with Eddie Rosario, reserve outfielder from hittin'-rich '21-'23 Braves. A tough market when a guy with his track record has to wait until March 6 for a split contract, but he seems to still have the stink of a lousy 2022 season. A lot of that has been subsequently be attributed to undiagnosed eye issues.

Fun Eddie Rosario Fact: The dude's, like, the anti-Mark Cahna, having been hit by only four pitches in 4,023 plate appearance. TAKE ONE FOR THE TEAM, EDDIE!

[ashie62]

Per MLB

Thomas. 9
Wood. 8
Meneses. 3
Gallo. DH
Vargas. 6
Kieboom. 5
Millas. 2
Young. 7
Baker. 4

Irvin. 1

Nimmo. 7
Lindor. 6
Marte. 9
Alonso 3
Baty. 5
Alvarez. 2
Vientos. DH
Wendle. 4
Bader. 8

Quintana. 1

[Edgy MD]

Get some McNeil action in there, and that might be our Opening Day alignment.

[ashie62]

Sure does

Baty and Vientos are being given everyday consideration to prove their mettle

[Edgy MD]

Q gives up a leadoff single but settles down and gets the next three.

He's going to win 25 this season.

[Edgy MD]

Michelle Margaux chatting up Edgardo Alfonzo, in the dugout and rocking a Mets uniform as God intended.

[Edgy MD]

Asking Keith if the 1999 Mets had the "greatest infield ever" is a little unfair, as Keith and his 1982 Cardinal teammates are in the competition.

[Edgy MD]

Holy crap! Darren Baker, stepping through time right out of the 2002 World Series, is the Nationals' secondbaseman!

[Edgy MD]

Three innings and 54 pitches for Q and he's probably done. Gave up a single unearned run on a bogus interference call.

In related news, Joey Gallo is still playing baseball. Apparently a Nat this year.

[Edgy MD]

Adam Ottavino breaking the seal on Spring Training 2024.

[Edgy MD]

And two caught stealings in one inning by Álvarez!!

[MFS62]

And he also has a two run dinger, as the score is 2-1 good guys.
Later

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

So glad Old Man Armortec is back with a new ad this year

[Edgy MD]

For weeks at a time last year, Álvarez looked like he was blossoming before our eyes into an MVP candidate, and then for another series of weeks, he looked like the team was carrying him.

I don't want to pin too much hope on him, but man, he sure looked like an MVP today.