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Laura Albanese

@lalbanese.bsky.social
5.7K followers 88 following 361 posts

New York Mets beat writer for Newsday. If you can’t win, don’t play. Podcast: First Time Listener, Long Time Caller open.spotify.com/show/1pV1Ye8HVoRlW…

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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
A VERY special episode of @firsttimelistener.bsky.social. What’s your favorite Sick Day Movie? This was a perfect comfort listen, especially if you’re a movie buff. Or just have the stomach bug that’s going around. open.spotify.com/episode/6kCg...
open.spotify.com
A very Special (Sick) Episode. Ft. Cole Critchell (From his couch)
First Time Listener Long Time Caller · Episode
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Darryl Strawberry had plenty to say about how the current Mets could learn from the ‘86 team. Full ep here: open.spotify.com/episode/17tK...
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
David Peterson was the Mets longest-tenured player, and it was apt that his late-night trade Wednesday marked the beginning of what is likely to be a fire sale. Column: The wheels fallen off for the Mets www.newsday.com/sports/colum...
newsday.com
6 errors, David Peterson traded, chants of 'Pete Alonso.' Have the wheels fallen off for the Mets?
Peterson was traded last night, and that might be the start of a fire sale
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Any time you get to talk to Darryl Strawberry is a good day. He shared some great insight on the Mets’ leadership situation + his thoughts on the proposal to not allow high schoolers into the draft (the route he took). Ep here: open.spotify.com/episode/17tK...
open.spotify.com
Episode 101. We Had Swag Ft. Darryl Strawberry
First Time Listener Long Time Caller · Episode
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
"He kinda just feels like my friend." Sometimes, leadership means looking at a kid in the eye and calling him your equal. (Or playing glorified patty cake with him.) On the lessons Juan Soto learned from the 2019 Nationals, and his ties to Ewing + Benge www.newsday.com/sports/baseb...
newsday.com
Juan Soto mentors Mets' younger talent his own way, taking pieces of his past
Just because the back of Juan Soto's baseball card and his bank account shows one thing doesn't mean he's views himself much different from the younger rookies.
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Knicks in six? Sal Licata talks Game 3, fans not behaving right and Jalen Brunson making a bid to join NY sports Valhalla. Could the Knicks actually lose this? Also, the city is nuts right now, vibes are immaculate and I have thoughts on what makes you a New a Yorker open.spotify.com/episode/7ife...
open.spotify.com
Episode 99. Playoff losses (and how to cope with them) Ft. Sal Licata (SNY, the Sal Licata Show)
First Time Listener Long Time Caller · Episode
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Carson Benge learned how to play guitar because he liked Guitar Hero. It turns out, that's not the only way you take innate interest and turn it into tangible results. More here: www.newsday.com/sports/colum...
newsday.com
A star is born? Carson Benge rocks his way to 5-for-5 performance in Mets victory
The rookie finished a double shy of a cycle and became just the fourth player in franchise history to go 5-for-5 with a homer
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
Christian Scott: "I didn't have my best stuff" Luis Torrens: "It was pretty good." Scott holds himself to a higher standard, and it's making him one of the Mets' most reliable starters. On the transformation of the self-professed "two-trick pony." www.newsday.com/sports/baseb...
newsday.com
Laura Albanese: Mets' Christian Scott turning into reliable asset
The righthander has a 0.55 ERA in his last three starts. He pitched 5 1/3 scoreless innings in Friday night's win over the Padres.
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
“Being stubborn in baseball’s not always a bad thing.” From the KBO, to almost not making the Mets opening day roster, Jared Young has learned to be the good kind of stubborn. Now, it's keyed some very intriguing early returns. (He also just homered) Only in Newsday: www.newsday.com/sports/colum...
newsday.com
Laura Albanese: Being stubborn has served Mets' Jared Young well
"Being stubborn in baseball's not always a bad thing," says Jared Young, who has become an important Met.
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
AM New York’s Joe Pantorno shepherds us through the NBA finals and the World Cup, Wemby ushering in the era of the 'chalant' player, and gives us a primer on WC favorites and dark horses. Buckle up, you're gonna be telling your grandkids about this. Ep here: open.spotify.com/episode/0GUp...
open.spotify.com
Episode 98. The Knicks in 6? Ft. Joe Pantorno (AM New York)
First Time Listener Long Time Caller · Episode
061
Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Sean Manaea is making a real case for being re-inserted into the lineup. An analysis of what's allowed him to bounce back, and why it may be sustainable: www.newsday.com/sports/colum...
newsday.com
Mets' Sean Manaea deserves another shot in the rotation
They certainly need starters, and the lefty has a 2.87 ERA over his last four appearances.
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
"He doesn't panic." Though you don't want to read too much into a few good days, there's a distinct, mature aspect to Marcus Semien's approach that's showing some promise. Some of it has to do with the thing people knock him on - his age. Only in Newsday: www.newsday.com/sports/baseb...
newsday.com
Mets' Semien leans on his work ethic after 14 seasons in big leagues
"Being the new guy and starting off slow is never fun," Semien said. "But just stay the course, keep working, stay healthy, understand it's a long season."
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Temporarily assigning Morabito Gary Carter's No. 8 wasn't the best move, but it's hard to believe that the man known as ‘The Kid’ wouldn’t have gotten a kick out of The Kids. Because while it’s important to honor the past, it’s dangerous to live in it. www.newsday.com/sports/colum...
newsday.com
Mets' Nick Morabito wearing No. 8 wouldn't have upset Gary Carter
While it's important to honor the past, it's dangerous to live in it. And this crop of young players is ensuring the Mets avoid doing just that.
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
The kids are all right! John Franco and his daughter Ella are on to chat about the Mets youth movement. Also, the mind games John played with Barry Bonds to get THAT strike out. I also reminisce about the time I almost got arrested in Cooperstown. Fun, fun ep: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...
podcasts.apple.com
Episode 97. The Kids are All Right. Ft. John and Ella Franco (Former MLB Player, @ellafranco_)
Podcast Episode · First Time Listener Long Time Caller · May 19 · 47m
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Got to catch up with SNY’s Ian Begley to chat about what changed for the Knicks after Game 3 against the Hawks and how the scene really was in Philly after the Sixers got drubbed. Fun time! open.spotify.com/episode/3ipc...
open.spotify.com
Episode 96. Knicks Fever Ft. Ian Begley (SNY)
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
"I kinda forgot the game was ending, so that'll tell you where my head was at.” Tobias Myers, who earned his first save Friday and likely opens tomorrow, has a versatility borne of his mindset and his past as a baseball nomad. It's been huge for the Mets: www.newsday.com/sports/colum...
newsday.com
Albanese: Mets' Tobias Myers is a strike-throwing, Swiss Army Knife
Myers can pitch anywhere from low-leverage middle innings to, as he did Friday night, a high-leverage extra inning that results in a save.
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
The Mets have some players turning heads in Triple-A. Here are six players the organization think could make an impact as soon as this season, and thoughts about what makes them stand out: www.newsday.com/sports/colum...
newsday.com
Laura Albanese: Several Mets farmhands on horizon
Jonah Tong, Jack Wenninger and A.J. Ewing and others are at the top of the list.
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
The Cardinals are one of the best stories in baseball and beat writer Jeff Jones is on to talk about if the kids got what it takes.. Also, a heartfelt goodbye to our friend, John Sterling. Baseball won't be the same without you. Pour one out for the GOAT. open.spotify.com/episode/5sjT...
open.spotify.com
Episode 95. Words on Birds Ft. Jeff Jones (Belleville News)
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
The Mets are supposed to believe they can bail themselves out of this thing, but though there's plenty of time left, they might've already taken too many punches, and Lindor's injury (among other things) mean the hits will keep on coming. Column: www.newsday.com/sports/colum...
newsday.com
It's still early for Mets, but it's OK to have questions about them
You have to wonder if they've already taken too many punches; it doesn't help that the hits keep on coming.
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
There's something special brewing in Buffalo and Sabres writer Joe Yerdon is on the pod to talk about the one NY NHL team to actually make the playoffs. Also: The Dodgers are REALLY embracing their villain era. And is anyone watching the new Mormon doc? Listen: open.spotify.com/episode/6aDu...
podcasts.apple.com
Episode 92. The Buffalo Cicadas Ft. Joe Yerdon (Bleacher Report)
Podcast Episode · First Time Listener Long Time Caller · April 14 · 46m
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
You've got to forgive Mets fans for being suspect when the Mets counterpunch to losing an irreplaceable Juan Soto was picking up Tommy Pham. Truth is, they could've done more to protect themselves from his loss, but for now, Pham does provide value: www.newsday.com/sports/colum...
newsday.com
Tommy Pham might be able to give Mets a little oomph
The 38-year-old can hit lefthanded pitching, and though it's hardly an ideal situation, the Mets hope Pham can provide a little oomph to the oomph-less.
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Juan Soto is still on track to return within the two to three weeks time frame but isn't running yet, Carlos Mendoza said. Clay Holmes threw his bullpen today and it went well.
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
"On camera, he wants to be the star. I’m completely the opposite." "[He's like] ‘I can’t quite [get] that, but I can appreciate where you came from.’" Luke Weaver and Devin Williams could be rivals. But they're yin and yang. On an unconventional bond: www.newsday.com/sports/baseb...
newsday.com
Mets' Devin Williams, Luke Weaver are bullpen buddies
The two closers are natural rivals on the same team. So why do they get along so well?
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Reposted by Laura Albanese
Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
Would Babe Ruth's swing play today? Could listen to Daniel Murphy talk hitting all day about an underrated approach current hitters are missing. Check out the ep, especially if you've got kids interested in getting better at baseball: open.spotify.com/episode/0v69...
podcasts.apple.com
Episode 91. The Swing Thing Ft. Daniel Murphy (Former MLB Player)
Podcast Episode · First Time Listener Long Time Caller · April 7 · 53m
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
Would Babe Ruth's swing play today? Could listen to Daniel Murphy talk hitting all day about an underrated approach current hitters are missing. Check out the ep, especially if you've got kids interested in getting better at baseball: open.spotify.com/episode/0v69...
podcasts.apple.com
Episode 91. The Swing Thing Ft. Daniel Murphy (Former MLB Player)
Podcast Episode · First Time Listener Long Time Caller · April 7 · 53m
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
The Yankees could be AL Beasts. SNY analyst John Jastremski is on to talk about why this isn’t just a re-tread and who he thinks will have a better year: Cam Schlittler or Nolan McLean? That plus other WAY too early takeaways from opening week. open.spotify.com/episode/36PX...
open.spotify.com
Episode 90. Schlitt Happens Ft. John Jastremski (SNY, New York, New York Podcast)
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Run prevention is great. But it means nothing if you can't score any. It's too early to overreact, but you can't fault fans from feeling the aftershocks of yesteryear, and we've learned all too well that sometimes, it only takes one game. www.newsday.com/sports/colum...
newsday.com
Laura Albanese: Mets need to score runs, not just 'prevent' them
Yes, it's only six games but the team's lack of situational hitting has ruined some outstanding pitching performances.
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Citi Field was having an identity crisis. “We didn’t really pay enough homage to our past.” “I was almost insulted by it.” Once a shrine to the Dodgers and Ebbets Field, Citi Field has finally come into its own: www.newsday.com/sports/baseb...
newsday.com
Citi Field feels more and more like a Mets stadium
It opened in 2009 paying homage to the Brooklyn Dodgers and Ebbets Field, but it's become more of a Mets stadium over the years.
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Freddy Peralta was 16 and he was crying. He was 17 and he was crying. He was 18, and he thinks maybe he was crying then, too. To understand Peralta now, you need to know what it was like then. On the glue guy the Mets might need. Only in Newsday: www.newsday.com/sports/baseb...
newsday.com
When Mets' Freddy Peralta is around, everyone seems to be smiling
"He's a great human," manager Carlos Mendoza said. "Forget about what he's able to do on the field. His joy, his presence, his [humility], you just feel it."
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
"I have a really good opportunity to do something special here. So I don't see it as pressure." Sat down with Carlos Mendoza to talk about his managing philosophy, player development, dealing with the front office, and coming from Venezuela at 16. A Q&A: www.newsday.com/sports/baseb...
newsday.com
Carlos Mendoza Q and A: 10 minutes with Mets manager
What's it like to have the most pressure in baseball?
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
People sometimes ask if I actually love baseball. And yes, absolutely I do. But maybe not for the regular reasons. It gave me something to hold on to during a childhood of brief homelessness, isolation and abuse. I'll always be grateful. Happy Opening Day. www.newsday.com/sports/colum...
newsday.com
Laura Albanese: How I became a baseball lifer
Newsday's Mets beat writer on how the game has impacted her life from a young age.
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Nolan McLean "has never walked into a gymnasium, a football field or a baseball field where he wasn’t the best player." And Carson Benge? "Carson is the opposite." Talking to their Oklahoma State coach about what allows them to thrive under pressure: www.newsday.com/sports/baseb...
newsday.com
Mets' Nolan McLean, Carson Benge have that 'it' factor
"Their distinguishing characteristic is mentality," Oklahoma State baseball coach Josh Holliday told Newsday in a phone interview.
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
The Mets are having a pitcher's meeting and Nolan McLean has an analytics question. The answer doesn't come from the in-house experts, but from reliever Robert Stock, who's built his own analytics platform. On players using data to steer their own ship: www.newsday.com/sports/baseb...
newsday.com
Mets' Robert Stock uses AI to help build pitching analytics website
Former Met Trevor May also is diving into the world of advanced stat platforms.
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
After throwing in a sim game, Nolan McLean said he feels no symptoms. He's hoping to join Team USA in the next day or so. He'll speak with doctors first but says he feels fine and is excited to pitch against Team Italy.
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
No timetable on Minter, but best-case scenario, you’re looking at a late April, early May return
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Nolan McLean will throw about 50-55 pitches/four innings in a sim game today. Vertigo-like symptoms are gone. Luis Robert Jr. will play four innings in center in that game. For now, Mets will play him in sim games on alternate days. A.J. Minter will throw his first live BP.
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Nolan McLean is not with Team USA yet because he had vertigo-like symptoms. They've subsided. He threw a side the other day and will throw in the backfields tomorrow. If he still feels good, he'll join Team USA.
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Iconic @SNY PxP announcer Gary Cohen joins us to talk about his career, how he almost missed out on becoming Bob Murphy’s cohost, the best booth in baseball and the vibes on the current Mets team. Great ep, great guest: open.spotify.com/episode/2weF...
open.spotify.com
Episode 86. Because of the Devils Ft. Gary Cohen (SNY Mets Broadcast)
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
There’s little use in reading too much into the first few weeks of spring training, but there’s a sense of novelty surrounding these Mets — almost as if they, too, are curious to see how exactly this will work out. A few examples from spring training: www.newsday.com/sports/colum...
newsday.com
Mets are finding a variety of ways to build chemistry
Many of the conversations around the end of last season centered around chemistry. The team seems to be making bonding an emphasis so far.
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
Bo Bichette got his first taste of game action at 3b and other notes from the Mets first spring training game against the Marlins. www.newsday.com/sports/baseb...
newsday.com
Mets' Bo Bichette weathers first test at third base in spring training debut
Bichette made two plays, including a long throw to Jose Rojas, who couldn't handle it for an error on the first baseman.
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
Jonah Tong’s king is flanked and Sean Manaea deadpans that there’s a means of escape, if only Tong can find it. “Really?” Tong asks. "No,” Manaea says grinning. Welcome to the Mets' chess club, its chess master, and its enraptured students: www.newsday.com/sports/baseb...
newsday.com
Mets' Sean Manaea building camaraderie through chess in locker room
Spring training days can be long, and though chess provides a respite, it serves a function.
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Just like his delivery, Jonah Tong's moxie can take him over the top. On Tong's evolution, his cutter, and challenging Juan Soto (!) on a ball-strike call: www.newsday.com/sports/baseb...
newsday.com
Mets rookie Jonah Tong's moxie is over the top, just like his delivery
The righthander has a grit to him that allows him to bounce back from adversity, and he doesn't play scared.
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Three observations from the first 10 days at Mets Spring Training. The vibes are perceptibly high: www.newsday.com/sports/baseb...
newsday.com
Laura Albanese: 3 Mets observations from early on in spring training
The first week has come and gone as the revamped Mets play the Marlins on Saturday.
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 15/02/2026
The quiet leader: That's what Mets are getting in new second baseman Marcus Semien. As the team attempts to jell, and as that infield tries to hone it's defensive chemistry without Lindor, he's a pivotal piece. www.newsday.com/sports/baseb...
newsday.com
New Mets second baseman Marcus Semien is a quiet leader
"The one thing from him is that he leads by example," manager Carlos Mendoza said.
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
Francisco Alvarez has lost about eight or 10 pounds by focusing on his nutrition, he said. He worked with director of hitting Jeff Albert in the offseason and will be keeping the batting stance he re-adopted after returning from his demotion to Triple-A last year.
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Reposted by Laura Albanese
Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
Howard Johnson knows all about making the move from shortstop to third, and Bo Bichette? 'He's going to be fine' HoJo stops by Mets spring training and drops a little insight: Read more: www.newsday.com/sports/baseb...
newsday.com
Former Met Howard Johnson optimistic about Bo Bichette's move to third
The Mets Hall of Famer made the same positional switch in the minor leagues.
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
Howard Johnson knows all about making the move from shortstop to third, and Bo Bichette? 'He's going to be fine' HoJo stops by Mets spring training and drops a little insight: Read more: www.newsday.com/sports/baseb...
newsday.com
Former Met Howard Johnson optimistic about Bo Bichette's move to third
The Mets Hall of Famer made the same positional switch in the minor leagues.
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
The Mets are feeling optimistic about Francisco Lindor's surgery, and understandably so. But make no mistake, his injury could have a huge impact on how this new-look infield comes together. An analysis: www.newsday.com/sports/baseb...
newsday.com
Mets' Francisco Lindor to miss valuable time following hand surgery
Although the shortstop should be ready for opening day, the expected six-week absence puts their infield further in flux.
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Reposted by Laura Albanese
Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
Me and @abbeymastracco.bsky.social have white wine happy hour while bringing you behind the scenes at spring training. We discus the Norwegian Olympic skiers (and their, uh, issues) and dish about Mets nonsense past and present. open.spotify.com/episode/2hRBMy…
open.spotify.com
Spotify – Web Player
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Laura Albanese @lalbanese.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
Me and @abbeymastracco.bsky.social have white wine happy hour while bringing you behind the scenes at spring training. We discus the Norwegian Olympic skiers (and their, uh, issues) and dish about Mets nonsense past and present. open.spotify.com/episode/2hRBMy…
open.spotify.com
Spotify – Web Player
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