Sandy Alderson was on “Inside Pitch” on SiriusXM radio this morning. Here are a few highlights:
Restructuring
When asked if the Mets are in rebuild mode now that Jose Reyes is gone, Alderson said “let’s call it a restructure.” He said they still have a $100 MM payroll, so it’s hard to call it a rebuild. But he said they have too much money tied up in just a few players.
This is a telling comment about the direction of the organization. It sounds like he wants to clear the salaries of the highest paid players, and distribute the team payroll across the roster. This means more selling ahead, including, perhaps…
David Wright
The “Inside Pitch” hosts asked Alderson if they would give Wright an extension. Alderson said, “I don’t see us giving him an extension anytime soon.” He was also quick to correct the hosts when they said Wright had 2 years left on his contract, when in fact he has 1 and an option for a second.
Though he was a bit coy in his answer, this suggests what most believe: That Wright is a candidate to be traded at the deadline.
Jose Reyes
He clarified again that he did have conversations with Reyes’s agents, adding “not every day.” But they they were aware of the range of years and money the Mets were willing to spend, even though there was no official offer. He said the Mets wanted to keep him. He also said injuries were a factor when considering how much to pay for Reyes.
Bullpen
Alderson said he was happy with the moves he made to bolster the bullpen, although he can’t officially talk about two of the guys, since the deals aren’t final, and likely won’t be until next week. He said the team “would have finished above .500″ if they were able to keep Francisco Rodriguez.
Finances
He admitted he was concerned that failing to bring back Reyes would lead to a drop in attendance, but said he had to consider expenses as well, especially in light of the loss the Mets took this season.
The hosts said they looked forward to Alderson, a small-market GM, coming to New York to use his intelligence combined with a rich, New York franchise, then joked with Sandy, “You’re back in Oakland again.” Alderson laughed and sounded a little frustrated in his response. He said he can’t wait to get the team’s payroll under control.
While he was clearly trying to choose his words carefully, it seems clear that he doesn’t want to call this a rebuild, and that he’s trying to keep the team competitive on the field, while building the organization for the future. It will be tricky, especially under the microscope of New York, and blogs like this one.
9 comments
Anonymous
12/8/2011-6:16pm at 6:16 pm (UTC -4)
Rebuild/Restructure/Retool/whatever. Call it what you will, it is a clearing out of the bloated contracts, building a fine and firm foundation and seeking to become fairly self-sustaining in supplying one’s organization with home grown talent. If it walks like a Rebuild and quacks like a rebuild… But you know, I’ve no problem with that. If it works out like it’s playing out, Wright will be gone, possibly Santana as well. Bay will have no chance at coming back on his option. And the talent should all be crashing into the majors at roughly the same time.
Hate the wait, but I like the plan.
MetsFan4Decades
12/8/2011-10:19pm at 10:19 pm (UTC -4)
Semantics. With Wright likely traded, it certainly will be rebuild mode.
‘Already I’m hearing payroll being lowered in 2013 to around 70-75 MIL. That definitely smacks of trading Wright. Other than Johan and Bay, there aren’t any big contracts left.
This is all about the Wilpons heavy in debt and nothing else. I still don’t know what they think will change for them in the next two years. Certainly not increased revenues. If they think so, they’re delusional. And with owing something like 52 MIL a year to the city and state for the stadium and the 25 MLB loan, not sure where they think they’re getting more money from. In the long run, I just don’t see how there’s anyway they hold onto this team.
Anonymous
12/8/2011-10:23pm at 10:23 pm (UTC -4)
they are down to only 3 guys making more than chump change, so he can’t keep trotting out the “too many big contract” line much longer. And if he can pull a rabbit out and trade Bay for any relief, even better.
So even with a lowering of payroll, sure they can keep Wright. Because if he is too rich for their blood too, then stop beating around the bush and trade him, and dickey, and bay and Santana as soon as (well, if) he proves to be able to pitch again, because moving Wright 100% says they are punting on 2012 and 2013, so might as well boom it to the back of the end zone.
Anonymous
12/9/2011-12:17am at 12:17 am (UTC -4)
I fully expect santana ,Bay and Wright to all be dealt in 2012 if conditions are right. Of course this depends on how they are doing once the All Star Break rolls around , however if bay is hitting at a good clip and giving solid defense, Santana is pitching at even 50% of what he used to be and is decent then one can expect movement or at least talk of such action. Freeing up those dollars allows for a better allocation of funding and a much greater focus on internal operations. If the Mets can supposedly do this then that is a very good sign of things to come.
Anonymous
12/9/2011-4:18am at 4:18 am (UTC -4)
really hard to see bay or santana going and freeing up anything significant in terms of payroll.
and if they have bother rebounded to close to what they were signed to be, then hell, keep them since the team should be competitive.
wanny
12/9/2011-2:22am at 2:22 am (UTC -4)
with rauch and potentially chris young up front, the mets really could have used a point guard like chris paul.
MetsFan4Decades
12/9/2011-3:47am at 3:47 am (UTC -4)
OT:
Heyman tweets: Pujols, click here.The Rays and Mets could be among the suitors for Ivan Rodriguez, who is working out in Miami.
**********************
That means I expect to hear tomorrow Loria signed him while flying over the US on his way back to Miami.
Anonymous
12/9/2011-3:59am at 3:59 am (UTC -4)
Not sure if that was mentioned on hot stove or nit but certainly I this k their plans have changed Ans are looking for anither catcher so that thole and nickeas are not forced to carry the pitching staff by themselves.
Anonymous
12/9/2011-4:16am at 4:16 am (UTC -4)
what the hell. sign Pudge. Can’t hit any worse than Nickeas.