In case you missed this article by Ed Tsunoda of NYFS it is quite interesting. It gives perhaps a look into a no doubt change in strategy by Sandy’s Mets.
One For The Ages
In the article Ed examines the ages of players the Mets are bringing into camp this season as well as a look back at some of the previous regime’s camp invitations. Whether an Omar supporter or not the difference f0r 2011 is stark. Of course Ed also mentions a key to this new strategy, while younger at this point we can’t say better. If nothing else “However, odds are pretty good that you have a better chance of the current crop of guys having some of their best seasons ahead of them, not behind them.”
11 comments
njstuckintx
2/1/2011-2:46pm at 2:46 pm (UTC -4)
Not sure if you can qualify for salary relief based on players eligible for Social Security, can you?
I think this is where Sandy is coming in fresh, planning for the long haul. Omar, in his last 2 years was basically playing short term, save my job, type move and hoping lightning stuck again.
And agreed that while it’s not a guaranteed that younger equals better, it should help in the injury department as well as the “current crop of guys having their best seasons vs. older players trying to find the glory days of yesteryear.”
stickguy
2/1/2011-2:55pm at 2:55 pm (UTC -4)
signing older guys bothers me too. At least some of them.
if you get a guy that still has fire (desperate for a WS before they retire) and some skills left, on a ST deal, they can be that veteran leader/clutch bat type to put you over the top.
If you get a guy that has had a long career and is winding down, but wants one last big payday to retire on, and you give him that 3+ year deal, be prepared for coasting, out of shape, etc.
metsfan4decades
2/1/2011-7:11pm at 7:11 pm (UTC -4)
To say this team appears to be going in a different direction, would be an understatement, IMO.
Thinking this afternoon….with the comments and reactions to Sandy’s ‘significantly less than a $140 MIL payroll’ and the multitude of articles on Reyes’ days as a Met are numbered….
I tend to get ‘emotionally’ attached to the players, to the teams. To me, that’s half the fun of being a fan of the team. I’ll never be one of those whose bottom line is win at all costs, don’t care about the players, just care about the stats ’cause that will lead to the ultimate goal.
I’m starting to think the path they’re going down will be one that might not be popular with many fans, at least at the onset. So….if there’s going to be a fire sale this year, when Beltran is traded, and Reyes is dealt for prospects, why stop there? Maybe we should try and move Bay and his contract too? In fact I’d rather trade Bay right behind Beltran. And since Francesa planted the idea in my head, maybe trading Johan to the Yankees for some prime prospects isn’t that far fetched. Try and deal KRod as well, although that will be difficult.
I mean, why stop at Beltran and Reyes? Rip the band aide off quick, all at once.
Much as it pains me to think about this team as currently constructed not going anywhere, maybe it’s time I did.
What do you guys think?
hazmet
2/1/2011-7:45pm at 7:45 pm (UTC -4)
Hey 4D, I kind of crossed that bridge somewhere around mid December. See where we are vs. what we can get and tear it down if you can get value. Only guy I’d keep is Wright. And, knowing me and my man-crush on Reyes believe me that was not an easy place to go. I have an over attachment to the home grown talent but after Crawford signed that deal it dialed in a large target for Reyes if he can stay healthy. If he doesn’t stay healthy than what’s the point at this stage. The irony is I if they stay healthy this year I think they can hang in there for the wild card. My greatest nightmare, Reyes stays healthy and signs a big payday with the Yankee’s as Jeter finally moves to the outfield. Then watch Reyes go nuts and hear Fatcessa sing his praises about how he got into those pin stripes and it cured all.
metsfan4decades
2/1/2011-8:27pm at 8:27 pm (UTC -4)
Reyes stays healthy and signs a big payday with the Yankee’s as Jeter finally moves to the outfield….
Ouch. I hate that almost as much as seeing him replace Rollins. At least with the Yankees, I wouldn’t have to see him in that uniform as much.
Yeah, I’m starting to get very pessimistic about the possibility of them signing Reyes. Sigh….
stickguy
2/1/2011-8:14pm at 8:14 pm (UTC -4)
not saying it is my preference to trade reyes (I think they should be actively trying to extend him, and should have made that priority #1 after sandy was hired), but if they do, then yes MF go deeper.
If reyes is traded mid-year, bay has to be right behind him. Hell, if they can trade bay do it even if they keep reyes.
where they stand at the ASB will make a ton of difference. If they are 5 games below .500 and a playoff afterthought, likely Sandy is busy cleaning house. If they are 10 games over and in the WC lead, then I would be shocked to see reyes (or anyone contributing) traded.
metsfan4decades
2/1/2011-8:28pm at 8:28 pm (UTC -4)
‘Hell, if they can trade bay do it even if they keep reyes.’
My preference as well. That frees up some money to afford what Reyes will likely cost.
Of course with Beltran gone, this probably sets us up for two rookies in the OF going forward.
stickguy
2/1/2011-9:07pm at 9:07 pm (UTC -4)
it also sets up a good opportunity to get a veteran OF for a year to plug the gap. Not really worried about needing to fill in a corner OF spot for a year.
njstuckintx
2/1/2011-10:03pm at 10:03 pm (UTC -4)
They’d be selling low.
stickguy
2/1/2011-10:26pm at 10:26 pm (UTC -4)
you sell for what market is. Not everyone gets “higher”. and hell, some get lower.
things can change quite a bit by mid season. If bay’s head is good to go, and he fixes his timing/swing issues, you might be surprised at how good a year he could have.
njstuckintx
2/1/2011-10:51pm at 10:51 pm (UTC -4)
I’m not saying he won’t have a good year. I think if he is, he’s worth keeping, and if he isn’t and you want to get rid of him, well, then that would be selling low.