Jonathon Niese Named Opening Day Starter

The Mets were full of announcements on Thursday. First David Wright was named captain, now Jonathon Niese has been tabbed as the Opening Day starter.

According to Mets Blog, Niese said he was honored, but it doesn’t mean he is suddenly the leader of the staff.

“Obviously, Johan and Marcum do a very good job of that,” Niese said.

But Johan Santana will likely start the year on the disabled list, although Sandy Alderson is waiting for another day to make that announcement, and Shaun Marcum has a shoulder impingement that could delay the beginning of his Mets career.

So whether he wants it or not, Jonathon Niese is indeed the leader of this young staff for the foreseeable future.