Mets News; Fences, payroll, optimism.

Fences: For the second time in Citi Field's first six seasons, the Mets are moving in the walls. This time, the right-center field fence is being moved in as much as 10-feet. According to general manager Sandy Alderson, had the Mets played under these conditions at home last season, they would have hit an additional 17 home runs while the opposition would have hit an addiction 10. Some of the opposition coming from fans and media pertains to this putting a strain on the Mets' pitching rotation. On the other hand, offensive players Wright, Granderson, and Duda will especially benefit from a dramatic change of the outfield wall.

Payroll: One calendar year ago, the Mets were anxious to snatch outfielder Chris Young off the free agent market before anyone else even had a chance to look, and pass, on him. The Mets dished out $7 million to pry the declining Chris Young from free agency and join the Mets' lineup. When all was said and done in the winter of '13/14', the Mets payroll stood at roughly $85 million. All season long fans and media debated on why the Mets payroll, while playing in New York City, is this low. After backlash all season long, Sandy Alderson signed his third impact free agent in his tenure with the Mets this offseason. Michael Cuddyer's 2 year-$21 million dollar contract alone ads $7-10 million on next year's payroll, pushing the Mets more towards the middle of the pact. Arbitration eligible salary bumps to Duda and Murphy, plus another potential free agent signing along the way, will push the Met payroll closer to $100 million, where Adam Ruben predicted it would be at the start of this year's Spring Training.

Optimism: Whether it be from the mouth of Michael Cuddyer, Jacob deGrom, Terry Collins, or Sandy Alderson, there is a renewed buzz surrounding the New York Mets. Seemingly days apart, the Mets were awarded a gold glove outfielder, rookie of the year, and a top free agent signing. Rumors have been swirling about how the Mets will handle the comeback of ace pitcher Matt Harvey in 2015.  No longer is the conversation about shutting him down in September when the Mets are most likely out of it. The debate now is how to keep him fresh for September when the Mets are in a pennant race.