We have to trust him
There is something in the air . I can feel it. I can smell it. I can taste it, and whatever it is it’s not good.
Ever since Dino Costa of Sirius/XM erroneously claimed that the Miami Marlins were just a physical and a pen stroke away from signing Jose Reyes, I have sensed that for many Mets fans the honeymoon period with Sandy Alderson is over. But the question remains – why ?
First off lets get one thing clear, I am on the record stating that I believe Reyes is gone. That being said, I don’t think Alderson will let Reyes go without making the best offer that he can to retain Reyes. There just has to be a point where he says you know ” I have done all I could do with the budget that I have been given”. And this is where the rub lies.
As much “autonomy” (one of the most misleading words in all of baseball) that Sandy has, he is still at the mercy of the Wilpon’s finances. I am sure that Alderson would love to run a team with a payroll of 140 million dollars or more, but he has not- nor will he get a blank check to plug all the holes that this team has.
Alderson is in a classic “Catch 22″ situation. Other than the huge amount of debt that ownership has to pay down, coupled wth lawsuits filed by the victims of Madoff. It leaves Alderson in the bind that he has to rely on ticket sales as the main source of his operating budget. The less fans that pass through the turnstiles at Citi Field, or the less Mets centric merchandise that is sold will dictate into a lower budget to go out and obtain top Major League talent.
I know the old argument ” Well you need to spend money to make money !’ That is true and I am not denying that I am not happy that it looks like this will be another off season of dumpster diving, hoping we find another hidden gem among the Major League castoffs. But this is the card in which Sandy has been dealt and we have to live with it.
As a child I grew up rooting for the Mets during some of their darkest seasons. I saw their franchise players get traded for promising prospects that became borderline major leaguers. I saw first hand Shea Stadium – once a fun filled destination – turn into Grants tomb. I saw this teams rebirth in the ’80′s as well as it’s numerous ebbs and flows since. I am and always will be a Mets fan, and with being a Mets fan comes the feeling of hope. Yes hope is a four letter word that seems to be bandied around a lot these days. But it seems like the only things us Mets fans have to hang out orange and blue caps on.
So please let us not place the blame on Alderson when Jose leaves, or cry for his head if he comes back with Guillermo Mota as our closer for this season. He is trying to do more with the pennies and Wooden nickels that make up his budget.
And with that said… HERE COMES THE INFAMY !!!!
Mets alumni celebrating a birthday today includes:
The first right fielder in Mets history, Gus Bell would have been 83 today (1928).
Mets reliever from ”85-’86, Randy Niemann is 56 (1955). “Captain Nemo” spent much of his time in the Mets organization. He was most recently the Mets bullpen coach in ’10.
The Atlanta Braves signed outfielder, Claudell Washington of the New York Mets as a free agent on November 15, 1980.
The New York Mets traded middle relievers, Heath Bell and Royce Ring to the San Diego Padres for reliever, Jon Adkins and outfielder, Ben Johnson on November 15, 2006. Many fans consider this one of Omar Minaya’s worst moves during his tenure as Mets general manager. Bell went on to become one of the best relievers int he National League, while Johnson and Adkins were gone by the end of the ’07 season.
The San Diego Padres signed reserve outfielder, Chip Ambres of the New York Mets as a free agent on November 15, 2007. Chip played in three games for the Mets that season. In three at bats, Chip went 1-3 with an RBI.
For Mo Vaughn it’s all about the cheese !!!
34 comments
Anonymous
11/15/2011-12:21pm at 12:21 pm (UTC -4)
The honeymoon did not last a week for many fans (all of whom seem to have group hate fests over on MMO all day long).
I agree that it is really the Wilpons budget that is driving things here. I am sure that Alderson would love to have reyes back, and still be able to add other needed players. But, if the $ ain’t there, it won’t happen.
And yes, the GM takes a bullet for the owners. That is just how it works.
Autonomy? that is for the small stuff. But every GM has to run the big (20mill/year/100mill total certainly qualifies) deals past the boss(s). No GM can sign a Reyes, pujols, etc. without getting the OK from upstairs.
Still, it amazes me that the Sandy haters of the world honestly think his only goal is to not spend money that he has available to spend, as opposed to trying to put a winning team on the field , as if lowering payroll to SD levels is what it is all about! Somehow implying that Moneyball (something that came after his time) is what is being played, not baseball.
Well that, and deriding everything he does as “saber” nonsense, when as best as I can tell, his moves (OK< lack of so far) have nothing really to do with it.
Me? So far, I am surprised a bit by the lack of action (I kind of accepted it last year, given all the factors). If he pretty much does nothing this year other than a few minor bit parts, then I will start to wonder if he is even making a token effort!
MetsFan4Decades
11/15/2011-1:08pm at 1:08 pm (UTC -4)
It’s about the money and nothing but the money.
Other than those over at MMO – who constantly use the ‘us against them’ argument, I think most Met fans are realistic. They know what put the Mets in this position and realize because of it, money is limited. They don’t like it, but it is what it is.
Anonymous
11/15/2011-2:52pm at 2:52 pm (UTC -4)
I’ve never understood how anyone can not know that one is linked to the other. Money situation to what the team can afford in payroll.
MetsFan4Decades
11/15/2011-1:12pm at 1:12 pm (UTC -4)
Kind of hard to say the honeymoons over when Alderson hasn’t really done anything this off season yet. Signing Reyes or not signing him is more the fault of the Wilpons finances (or lack thereof) then in Alderson’s approach to fielding a team.
If revenue is the driving factor in the Wilpon’s hope of holding onto this team, it behooves the Mets to field as competitive a team as possible. It’s not going to be easy. In fact, it’s probably going to be impossible for 2012, especially with Reyes gone. Tejada is no Reyes and they’re not making up for the loss of Reyes at any other position. Couple that with what I’m assuming is going to be another mediocre SP staff and I can’t imagine how we’re competing in this division next year.
TRS86
11/15/2011-1:24pm at 1:24 pm (UTC -4)
Thing is 4d we did not compete with him and in his career year he still missed 36 games. Are you saying we most likely will compete this year with him? I don’t see it. Are we better? Sure. Good enough? Nope.
MetsFan4Decades
11/15/2011-1:44pm at 1:44 pm (UTC -4)
There’s a difference between ‘not competing with him’ and losing a 100 games.
This team did compete in 2006-2008. Yeah, Jose has had some crappy Septembers but those BPs have had even crappier Septembers. Not competing last year wasn’t on Reyes either. Other than remain, 100% healthy last season, not sure how much more he could have contributed.
I’m just saying if the main objective of the Wilpons at this point is to increase revenue – and I have to believe it’s the goal they’re crossing their fingers on – not signing Reyes is not gonna help.
I’m all for letting him go to the highest bidder if that bid is some ridiculous 7/140 offer. But not making a competitive bid if they all come in around the same 100 MIL ballpark is just not going to help the Wilpons cause. We all know the ugly backlash that’s going to bring.
That and right now, this team is better with Reyes than w/o him.
TRS86
11/15/2011-1:48pm at 1:48 pm (UTC -4)
Of course they are better with him. You know I am not a mmo fan saying what has Wright and Reyes done…
My point remains that at what point is it worth it? Is it worth the risk of signing Jose to a big contact when the Mets would still have holes all over the place and no hopes or ways of really fixing them for a few years. Are they signing him with the goal of turning around things for the future or just to have some entertainment?
MetsFan4Decades
11/15/2011-2:03pm at 2:03 pm (UTC -4)
Rubin made a good point – much as I hate to admit it – LOL.
If they do sign Jose to a 20 MIL a year contract, just about the time you’re predicting he’ll break down is about the same time Santana and Bay’s contracts come off the books.
I still see this as doable and a good investment – if it stays around the 100 MIL mark.
Part of that ‘entertainment’ factor you cite is the almight revenue the Wilpons need to hold onto the team. Now….I really wish the Wilpons had been pushed out a year ago but if their goal is to hold on, holding on to Jose for a few more years can only help.
If/when he does break down, here’s hoping we’ve got some exciting players up and coming to keep the team relevant (Harvey? Wheeler? Familia?)
Every ‘big market’ team ought to be able to carry one big type contract, minimum…..
TRS86
11/15/2011-2:12pm at 2:12 pm (UTC -4)
Thing is they Are Still carrying Johan and Bay. Also this entertainment factor… how much ie Jose worth on a 70 win team? How much more money would be made? Would that 20 million be better spent in 3 years when they are ready to compete?
MetsFan4Decades
11/15/2011-2:38pm at 2:38 pm (UTC -4)
All very good points.
Hard for me to project 3 years down the road – which is why the GM gets paid the big bucks…..but if we tread water for a few years, don’t sign any other big FA (outside of possibly Wright), utilize the low cost kids here and coming up – it still might be fine paying Reyes 20 Mil for 5 years.
MetsFan4Decades
11/15/2011-2:03pm at 2:03 pm (UTC -4)
Rubin made a good point – much as I hate to admit it – LOL.
If they do sign Jose to a 20 MIL a year contract, just about the time you’re predicting he’ll break down is about the same time Santana and Bay’s contracts come off the books.
I still see this as doable and a good investment – if it stays around the 100 MIL mark.
Part of that ‘entertainment’ factor you cite is the almight revenue the Wilpons need to hold onto the team. Now….I really wish the Wilpons had been pushed out a year ago but if their goal is to hold on, holding on to Jose for a few more years can only help.
If/when he does break down, here’s hoping we’ve got some exciting players up and coming to keep the team relevant (Harvey? Wheeler? Familia?)
Every ‘big market’ team ought to be able to carry one big type contract, minimum…..
TRS86
11/15/2011-1:20pm at 1:20 pm (UTC -4)
We ALP know the Mets don’t have a lot of cash. What I don’t agree with is let’s say the Mets were going into next year with 140m payroll. At that point would signing Reyes to 6/120 be OK? It is a had contract in my opinion regardless of cash flow, something i don’t want to see the Mets doing any more. Pay big bucks just because the can. seriously what contract assuming the Mets had money but are in the same situation talent wise would you be comfortable offering him?
Keep in mind when the Mets spent 150m every year they still had a budget and it was still not enough because of bad contracts. Jose 3 years from now at 20m a year with another 60m owed is a bad contact.
MetsFan4Decades
11/15/2011-1:51pm at 1:51 pm (UTC -4)
From what I’ve been reading it’s more about the money with Reyes and less about the years. Let’s say that rumor is true.
I still think a 5 year/100 MIL contract is worth the investment.
Heck, give him an opt out clause after say 3 years so he can move on if this team is still crappy and shows no signs of life.
TRS86
11/15/2011-2:07pm at 2:07 pm (UTC -4)
That is still a bad contact and might not even get it done. 5/100 in NY is not as good as 5/100 in FL. Also even with Reyes most think it will be 2014 before they actually compete. That means you would have wasted 40 million to Reyes and have just locked yourself into 3/60 deal for Reyes at age 30-31. Again it might be a good deal but it is not clear cut at all regardless if they have cash.
Anonymous
11/15/2011-2:55pm at 2:55 pm (UTC -4)
it just bothers me that the money not spent on Reyes is just gonna stay in the bank for the next 5 years.
If Sandy prefers to sign Matt Cain or someone else a year from now then I’m on board but rebuilding the farm system is completely independent of Reyes…
TRS86
11/15/2011-2:17pm at 2:17 pm (UTC -4)
According to rumor 7117 The Marlins have offered Jose 6 years 90-100 million. According to Fox sports he is still looking for more.
MetsFan4Decades
11/15/2011-2:41pm at 2:41 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah, there all always looking for more.
I’ll be curious if he gets a better offer than that, if the Marlins come back and up their bid.
Adam "Prismo"
11/16/2011-2:54am at 2:54 am (UTC -4)
Well he’s not looking for less :p
SaltyGary
11/15/2011-2:21pm at 2:21 pm (UTC -4)
Even if Sandy was given a ceiling of 150 million for next season and beyond he would not be able to construct a team that is ready to compete going into next season. The FA market is thin and the decent players will get overpaid as a result. The Mets also need help in so many areas like starting pitching most of the bullpen, the entire outfield (sorry Stick). So yea it may be about the money, but it’s really more about getting the foundation laid for the long term.
I am thankful there is a adult in the front office making the tough decisions.
TRS86
11/15/2011-2:27pm at 2:27 pm (UTC -4)
This this this!!!
MetsFan4Decades
11/15/2011-2:40pm at 2:40 pm (UTC -4)
No argument from me on this.
2012 is gonna be ugly, IMO. Here’s hoping we start climbing back up in 2013 and at least one of these prospects we have make a big impact.
Anonymous
11/15/2011-2:53pm at 2:53 pm (UTC -4)
100% agree although I just wish the Mets would go into full rebuilding mode. I have no confidence that the 2013 offseason will be any different and if that is the case then Wright should be moved as well. Murphy will give you positive production over there.
While i’m not one to follow the media, it seems pretty obvious the Mets will not meet Reyes’ demands and that Miami is going to be his new home. It just makes too much sense for him and if I were in his shoes, I’d do the same.
What bothers me is the Mets knew their chances of bringing him back were very slim had a chance to get at least one top prospect had they traded him.
If Reyes leaves for Miami, not only will our potential draft pick be worse but were gonna have to see him 19 times a year in another uniform where he surely will hurt us in the standings.
TRS86
11/15/2011-3:10pm at 3:10 pm (UTC -4)
He would have had to have been traded in early July before the injury to get top prospects. Talk about a real PR disaster. By the trading deadline he was not bringing you more then the two picks AND the revenue of his chase for the batting title.
Anonymous
11/15/2011-3:13pm at 3:13 pm (UTC -4)
I understand that its just annoying that not only will he wind up in the division but we wont even get their 1st round pick.
Its all just rumors now but its makes perfect sense…
TRS86
11/15/2011-3:23pm at 3:23 pm (UTC -4)
Eh while it would not be 1St round it is still sandwich plus one.
MetsFan4Decades
11/15/2011-3:40pm at 3:40 pm (UTC -4)
This….considering he hurt himself on 2 July and was removed from that Subway series Yankee game, eventually winding up on the DL.
He then came back on 19 July and did very poorly through 31 July His OBP dropped, he only had a handful of RBIs and hits.
There was no way this FO was thinking about trading him in June, IMO. Which is when they would have had to trade him to maximize his potential.
All hindsight of course, but that’s the way it played out.
TRS86
11/15/2011-3:29pm at 3:29 pm (UTC -4)
I do agree with Stick in that I would LIKE to see a creative trade of some excess or guys that don’t have positions or long-term impact. I just don’t know if or what is out there. What would it take to get BJ Upton or Danks? Would it take top prospects? Could you move Pelfrey, Pagan, Murphy or others to fill long term holes with good value players?
MetsFan4Decades
11/15/2011-3:45pm at 3:45 pm (UTC -4)
Rosenthal’s latest tweet on this:
‘One thing Mets have: Depth/duplication among Davis, Murphy, Duda. Won’t trade Davis but maybe one of the other two.’
I could see doing a couple of trades but think it might be hinging on what happens with Reyes, right? If Reyes goes, Tejada plays SS and I would think you need Murphy for 2nd. If Reyes stays, Murphy might be thought of as expendable then.
Not sure who plays RF if Duda goes but I guess this also depends on if Pagan stays or goes. I can’t see going with a defensively challenged CF if Duda is going to play RF.
This is like a game of dominoes. Once one goes, they’re all going to start to fall.
MetsFan4Decades
11/15/2011-3:47pm at 3:47 pm (UTC -4)
Heck…we might see something really out of LF and watch while the FO resigns Reyes but turns around a trades Wright for some good young pitchers – then stick Murphy at 3rd base.
I won’t be surprised on anything that happens this off season.
TRS86
11/15/2011-3:58pm at 3:58 pm (UTC -4)
Nothing surprises me but that would be a mistake in my opinion. Trading Wright at his lowest value then investing long-term in Reyes at his highest value.
Anonymous
11/15/2011-4:00pm at 4:00 pm (UTC -4)
I’d like to see them make a run at Danks or Gio Gonzalez. Free up space on the 40 man. I’m talking about including Murphy, Fmart and others…
metsilverman.com
11/15/2011-3:41pm at 3:41 pm (UTC -4)
Ed,
Somehow, this made me feel better. I will stop thinking like a five-year-old, remember how much worse it once was, and wish Reyes and Alderson well. I’ll be watching a lot more movies next summer, though. No blockbusters to be seen in Flushing for some time.
Mr North Jersey
11/15/2011-6:04pm at 6:04 pm (UTC -4)
:-) Honeymoon? In the immortal words of Ralph Kramden, “Har har, hardee har har”
Adam "Prismo"
11/16/2011-3:30am at 3:30 am (UTC -4)
I would LOVE to have Jose at $100/5years, but it would be a TERRIBLE deal to sign him for $100/6years. That 6th year really worries me because of injury concerns. I hope they do the first.
(Mets fan logic, sarcasm warning)