I just got off the line from the Sandy Alderson conference call to Mets bloggers.
Some of the more telling answers that Sandy gave are:
“There is alot of talent in the organization at different positions. We want outstanding pitching, we want outstanding defense” - On what kind of team he would like the organization to field.
“I am in favor of realignment – I think 15 and 15 makes sense, I believe in symmetry ” He is happy with the extra Wild Card Slot.”
Sandy is happy with the 1 game playoff .
“A 146 million dollar payroll doesn’t guarantee 3 million in attendance just like a 100 million payroll means that attendance will be low. If you look at the dead money we had last year it was much of our payroll. To improve our live gate revenue we have to field a better team but we have got to wildly outspend the revenues we have. ”
“I think we will be active ( rule 5 draft) It is a relatively inexpensive way to evaluate talent “.
” I think we will be around 100 million bucks – but we may below that to start the season so that we can have money in reserve for during the season.”
“The closer market at the top end at the bottom end in terms of cost has been robust – you can jump in or you can wait. I still believe there is a lot of supply. There a lot of high priced closers available but how many places are there right now for a high priced closer to go ? What we have to decide right now is when do you hold them and when do you fold them“ On whether the Mets will explore the trade market or free agent route for a closer
” Do I consider Reyes a franchise player – Yes – but only when he is contributing to a winning franchise and not being eyewash on a bad team.”… “We are very interested in retaining Jose”. Right now, it’s not clear where Jose’s market will be”.
Sandy wasn’t surprised by the limitations imposed on domestic and international scouting. The changes to the domestic draft will cause clubs to change their entire strategy to the draft.
We have done a lot of prep work before hand so that we can move quickly and not have to do a lot of groundwork while we’re there.” ” In regards to trades there have been discussions – some brief some longer and some took place at the winter meetings.”
To read a more encompassing transcript of this conference call go to www.metsblog.com .
8 comments
MetsFan4Decades
12/2/2011-12:45am at 12:45 am (UTC -4)
” Do I consider Reyes a franchise player – Yes – but only when he
is contributing to a winning franchise and not being eyewash on a bad
team.”… “We are very interested in retaining Jose”. Right now, it’s not clear where Jose’s market will be”.
**************************
Not exactly sure what he’s trying to say here.
They want to retain Reyes for the right price – I get that.
But that first sentence has me shaking my head a bit. I can only assume he’s trying to say they’re not going to overspend to retain Reyes when the team is years away from contending????
rustyjr
12/2/2011-12:57am at 12:57 am (UTC -4)
I did my best in transcribing – the quote maybe slightly off
MetsFan4Decades
12/2/2011-4:06pm at 4:06 pm (UTC -4)
That wasn’t a knock on your reporting, Rusty.
I just read over the entire transcript. I think I get it now – helps when I see the entire conversation.
Think Sandy is pretty much saying as much as you have to be sensitive to a fan favorite franchise player, the Mets aren’t going to overpay for Reyes just to keep him here – especially (and this is where I’m reading between the lines) – we’re likely to be not all that good for a good portion of that high price contract to keep him here.
Dang…..
Anonymous
12/2/2011-12:51am at 12:51 am (UTC -4)
” Do I consider Reyes a franchise player – Yes – but only when he is contributing to a winning franchise and not being eyewash on a bad team.”… “We are very interested in retaining Jose”. Right now, it’s not clear where Jose’s market will be”.
The key statement here is “but only when he is contributing to a winning franchise and not being eyewash on a bad team.”… because eyewash on a bad team perfectly describes his situation with the Mets. So fare-thee-well Jose and I will see you on the major league extra innings package this coming season.
Mr North Jersey
12/2/2011-1:18am at 1:18 am (UTC -4)
Fav tweet of the day.
@lagranderusty:disqus
@Ceetar Sandy liked my question – nanny nanny poo poo lol
http://twitter.com/#!/lagranderusty/status/142409134812303360
Paul J. Festa
12/2/2011-1:54am at 1:54 am (UTC -4)
hahahaha!
Paul J. Festa
12/2/2011-1:54am at 1:54 am (UTC -4)
I found this interesting: “If they had kept Francisco Rodriguez, the team would have finished well over .500, Sandy opined.” I think WELL over .500 is a bit much, especially considering the Reyes and Murphy injuries.
Anonymous
12/3/2011-1:37am at 1:37 am (UTC -4)
I went over to that other blog for the first time in about 8-10 months. I occassionaly do a spot check to see what the dialogue is like over there. omg, just omg, one guy over there just left me speechless, so much hate & ridule as opposed to a cogent argument. Actually makes me afraid for society in a larger sense but I won’t get into that. Oh, it was a sign Reyes thread.