Nov 27
Now according to Andy Martino the Mets offer is indeed 7 years and well north of 100M. Seriously can we get some type of rhythm at all to the reporting? Is this the original deal or was the original deal as I expected lower and they met in the middle?
I can’t get Twitter to work from my place of employment but basically it said the following:
“Can now report Mets have made Wright a 7 year offer well in excess of $100 mil, according to industry sources. Negotiations in process.”
MLBTradeRumors
Twitter Tweet: Mets Trade Collin McHugh For... { agreed that you don't want... } – Jun 19, 12:33 PM
Twitter Tweet: Mets Trade Collin McHugh For... { Talk about being liberal with... } – Jun 19, 12:31 PMVideo: A Look Back At The Two... { when you factor in contract... } – Jun 19, 12:22 PMTwitter Tweet: Mets Trade Collin McHugh For... { spin is the only SS... } – Jun 19, 12:16 PMTwitter Tweet: Mets Trade Collin McHugh For... { not sure why you think... } – Jun 19, 12:14 PM
93 comments
TX
11/27/2012-11:43am at 11:43 am (UTC -4)
Get er done!
srt
11/27/2012-1:50pm at 1:50 pm (UTC -4)
I’m with you, TX.
SaltyGary
11/27/2012-11:50am at 11:50 am (UTC -4)
See they say my comment of “mark my words payroll will be under 60m” today and want me to eat some NYC crow. Fine my me just get it done and get moving forward.
kingman 26
11/27/2012-11:53am at 11:53 am (UTC -4)
Unreal and insane. If true. Revolting, disgusting, and a disaster of historic proportions.
And all of the evidence anyone ever needs that the Wilpons will do what they can to sell tickets while the team finishes 4th every year.
How any fan who knows the game and can understand how much less of a player Wright was from 2009-2012 than he was from 2005-2008 can support this is absolutely mortifyingly mind-boggling.
TRS86
11/27/2012-11:57am at 11:57 am (UTC -4)
Kingman, we don’t know the details yet. What if it’s 7/120? Is that really that much different than 6/100? By the time that last year rolls around we will either be so indifferent or tracing back our WS title to this moment it won’t matter anyway.
kingman 26
11/27/2012-12:00pm at 12:00 pm (UTC -4)
TRS, it does not matter to me really…I am not sure I can discuss this very fairly any more.
Wright was a different player from 2005–2008 than he was from 2009–2012–ANY way one measures it: traditional numbers, Saber numbers, injuries, anything. What in the world can be expected for the NEXT TWO 4-year periods??
How fans can support this is beyond me.
Wright will be older, will still be playing in Citi Field, and will not have any serious bats around him for at least a year or two; maybe longer.
How can anyone support this move?
It is insane.
Stick
11/27/2012-12:08pm at 12:08 pm (UTC -4)
they had one shot to radically remake/rebuild this team, and put in a foundation to build on for a sustained run of compettive success, and potentially being the “big dog”
assuming the inevitable is about to happen, it looks like they declined to even step up to the plate, tucked tail, and ran and hid.
Like I have been saying, I hope you liked the 2012 team, because it is pretty much the 2013, and very likely the 2014 one too.
TRS86
11/27/2012-12:09pm at 12:09 pm (UTC -4)
You are missing my point Kong. I am saying that if we were ok with 6/100 then the 7 year deal might not be that big of a deal. It depends on how much. If you weren’t ok with the 6 year deal then yeah the 7 year deal is gonna suck. LOL.
kingman 26
11/27/2012-12:29pm at 12:29 pm (UTC -4)
LOL! Yes sir, but I guess I thought that 6/100 would be less horrible than 7/whatever!
I hope you are telling me I was wrong about this for years, but examining Wright’s career–in 4 year stretches as I have–the park, the surrounding hitters, and on and on, I cannot see how this can end well.
Seems like the Wilpons are trying to placate as many as possible here and not thinking long-term at all.
TRS86
11/27/2012-12:35pm at 12:35 pm (UTC -4)
I guess I just can’t get my self in a frenzy over one more year. If I was ok with 6 then I am most likely gonna be ok with 7. Again, pending the dollar amount.
It’s kinda like a new car, I could easily pay the installments in 5 years but adding that 6th year doesn’t really matter. It’s more about how much I am paying.
kingman 26
11/27/2012-12:38pm at 12:38 pm (UTC -4)
I am viewing it differently. If they HAD to do it, 6/100 is a little more tolerable, but I just think it sucks really.
And Wright is a used car!
TRS86
11/27/2012-12:42pm at 12:42 pm (UTC -4)
LOL, like I said 6 years from now if the Mets have still sucked and not made it back to the playoffs that 7th year isn’t going to mean much at all and we most likely won’t be on here discussing it either. If they have made it and Wright was part of it and then stinks, we would need something to complain about anyway.
Prismo
11/27/2012-12:42pm at 12:42 pm (UTC -4)
They say to always buy used cars because the value is much better…
Stick
11/27/2012-2:10pm at 2:10 pm (UTC -4)
car analogies. my favorite.
Getting Beltran at 27 was like buying a CPO BMW. Pretty safe (but it still had problems).
Wright is like buying a 10 YO hooptie, and taking out an 8 year loan on it. Odds are you are still making payments long after it has been sent to the scrap yard.
boldib
11/27/2012-2:59pm at 2:59 pm (UTC -4)
How can anyone support this move?
That depends on if there’s a major-duty- no-trade clause.
If not, he’s locked in and still great trade bait for the right deal. The gamble here is if he really is in permanent decline. If not, mnay a team will pick up his contract.
Stick
11/27/2012-3:23pm at 3:23 pm (UTC -4)
he is not getting traded. No way the Mets would have the balls to try and sign him then pull a Loria. if he signs, he is here until the end.
TX
11/27/2012-3:26pm at 3:26 pm (UTC -4)
He gets 10-5 rights in a year or 2. He won’t be traded before then.
boldib
11/27/2012-3:48pm at 3:48 pm (UTC -4)
This blog, like most, paints the Wilpons as mercenary bastards. Yet, there’s no way they’d pull a “Loria”?
Which is it?
A “Loria” would be to trade every decent player on your team that isn’t locked in under team control.
To deal Wright at a later date, if a great deal fell in your lap, is good strategy to fall back on, especially if they suck in 2013.
SaltyGary
11/27/2012-3:53pm at 3:53 pm (UTC -4)
I wouldn’t go that far to say mercenary bastards, maybe just bastards lol. When Wilpon had the money he spent the money. Many of us just feel his personal screw ups are effecting us and we are pissed about it. Other feel they just don’t know how to run a team but I don’t get too hung up on that. They are not a Jerry Jones type by any means.
boldib
11/27/2012-4:02pm at 4:02 pm (UTC -4)
OK. Just bastards! LOL.
As far as I’m concerned, there haven’t been too many people born with more privelage and less brains than Jeff Wilpon.
But, I think (I hope!) Alderson’s running the show.
Stick
11/27/2012-11:59am at 11:59 am (UTC -4)
Yes, it does have their smell all over it. And I would imagine that making enough profit to keep the team, and finishing 4th with +/- 80 wins every year for the rest of the decade, is more than fine by them.
kingman 26
11/27/2012-12:04pm at 12:04 pm (UTC -4)
And that sir is what this is all about.
Selling enough tix to keep the team; not winning.
Again, is this part of a “PLAN” to rebuild for the future? It’s a travesty of a mockery of a sham, that’s what it is.
Hank
11/27/2012-2:39pm at 2:39 pm (UTC -4)
I never thought I would rue the day the Mets locked up David Wright to be a career Met. I love David Wright, but I love the Mets more. I’m sorry, but I don’t buy that more people will come to the park because of David Wright. People will come, but as usual, more people will come if you are a WINNING team. Keeping Wright is hoping for the status quo and creating a future payroll crunch on our $100MM mid-market payroll.
srt
11/27/2012-2:40pm at 2:40 pm (UTC -4)
I 100% agree with you that winning cures everything.
If the Mets field a post season team with or without Wright, the fans will come.
boldib
11/27/2012-3:13pm at 3:13 pm (UTC -4)
I’d like to think Alderson’s brain trust has more of a chess game strategy. If, then, else, 5,6,7 moves in advance.
Gotta get the contract details.
Stick
11/27/2012-11:56am at 11:56 am (UTC -4)
with all these reports coming out, it is really starting to smell like they have to be close. If they were insane enough to offer 7 years at huge money, ON TOP of the 2013 option, and it is all guaranteed, they are insane.
And no way do I think Sandy would do it in a normal situation of stable finances, stable fan base, and full autonomy. This has the smell of desperation and cheap after shave (AKA Jeffy boy) all over it!
but, at least they should have it wrapped up before the winter meetings. And will probably lock up Dickey immediately after.
TRS86
11/27/2012-11:58am at 11:58 am (UTC -4)
Like I said above, we just need more details first.
If we thought the 6/100 deal with 15M for 2013 added on was OK then another year isn’t really going to change things. The bigger question is the average annual value.
Stick
11/27/2012-12:01pm at 12:01 pm (UTC -4)
actually, the bigger question is how the hell they expect to bring any more desperately needed talent into the organization before say 2016, if they are spending to pitiful amount of available payroll, and few legit trade chips, locking up these guys?
TRS86
11/27/2012-12:05pm at 12:05 pm (UTC -4)
Stick that’s my point. If the AAV of Wright’s contract is only 18M then that’s only 3M more than they are paying now. Sure year 7 might be a bitch but if we were ok with 6 then 7 isn’t that big of a deal.
Stick
11/27/2012-12:10pm at 12:10 pm (UTC -4)
that kind of sounds like you are saying that you already are so far in debt that you will never recover, so might as well max out 1 more credit card before declaring BK!
And I was not looking at year 7/8 as much as 2013 and 2014. who the hell knows what is going to be happening by 2021 or so, other than the Mets will likely have at least one dead contract they are waiting to get off the books!
Stick
11/27/2012-12:11pm at 12:11 pm (UTC -4)
and to be clear, folding on their best trade chips instead of trying to improve the overall team foundation right now was a big loss.
TRS86
11/27/2012-12:28pm at 12:28 pm (UTC -4)
That’s my point stick, if the deal is say 18M then that’s only a 3M increase over 2013. Certainly not enough to keep them from going out and signing talent with all the money they have coming off the books.
Stick
11/27/2012-12:04pm at 12:04 pm (UTC -4)
well, the way the news seems to be popping, I would assume that we will be reading very soon about the mega deal to keep him a met for life (as in today).
and I figure they go ahead and extend dickey immediately afterward.
so my only question is, since the team is broke, will they bother to even show up at the winter meetings? Seems to be no point, right? They will be done for the year (other than picking up a few MiL bodies to go along with the ones they already got), so why wast money on a bar tab? Just hit the beach, and get onto vacation!
can cancel the reservation for next year also, since the team will be fully locked in for at least the next 2 years, and quite possibly longer.
TRS86
11/27/2012-12:06pm at 12:06 pm (UTC -4)
Actually after 2013 they should still have plenty of money even if they re-sign Wright and Dickey. I still think Dickey should be traded regardless but that’s a side point.
As for 2013? I guess it depends on how the contract is structured. Perhaps he takes less, perhaps they use that Jason Bay money? Again, I still think the goal is 2014 regardless of Wright.
Prismo
11/27/2012-12:09pm at 12:09 pm (UTC -4)
Assuming payroll stays at at least $100 million, they will have money to spend next season. I refuse to do the math for the billionth time, but I believe $20-30 million will be freed up, even with signing Wright and Dickey.
Stick
11/27/2012-12:14pm at 12:14 pm (UTC -4)
much of that will be eaten up by arbitration and buy out contracts to guys like Ike.
so assuming they do reinvest all that, they can afford what, Cody Ross?
If you think this team is suddenly going to become serious FA players for the few big names/talents after 2013, I personally think you are dreaming. At best, a better quality of filler piece.
so better filler pieces, but no improvement in sight to the foundation so by default the filler pieces become core cogs.
TRS86
11/27/2012-12:30pm at 12:30 pm (UTC -4)
Stick in this day FA isn’t the way anyway. 20-30M should be plenty and even then I am fine with them not locking in all of that. Perhaps one big-ish FA and then back fill with the remaining in short contracts trying to keep that key flexibility.
The question still remains, if not Wright and Dickey would would the Mets spend that 30M on?
TX
11/27/2012-12:16pm at 12:16 pm (UTC -4)
Well, – 25, -18, -6 for Santana, Bay, Frankie, then +5 for deferred Bay, +3-4 for increase to Wright, +7 for Dickey, assuming he re-signs. Then have to figure an extension for Ike is in order, plus increases to Niese and all. I would think you are right with the 20-30 to play with, assuming payroll stays at that $100 mil level.
Prismo
11/27/2012-12:18pm at 12:18 pm (UTC -4)
Thank you!
I have done the math, I’m not doing it again. I’ve made assumptions about contracts and arbitration raises, and the $20-30MM is what I came up with. I don’t think it’s unreasonable – after all, the Mets have $10MM to spend this offseason. It’s just enough to fill the roster a bit more.
kingman 26
11/27/2012-12:31pm at 12:31 pm (UTC -4)
Thinking that they are going to reinvest that entire $20–30 million is, well, Ceetarian.
They are going to invest much if not most in paying down debt.
Come on guys, have you not been paying attention?
TRS86
11/27/2012-12:33pm at 12:33 pm (UTC -4)
I am not so sure about that Kingman. I think they will increase payroll in 2014, it might not be 130M but I would expect an increase but then again much of that depends on the development of the players on the current team and what the needs are. That being said, I agree they are not going to lock up that 30M on one long-term contract.
TX
11/27/2012-12:34pm at 12:34 pm (UTC -4)
I certainly hope they lock up Harvey long term, as well as Ike.
TRS86
11/27/2012-12:36pm at 12:36 pm (UTC -4)
Ike I am not sold on yet. I think if he produces like he did 2nd half then yeah.
Prismo
11/27/2012-12:41pm at 12:41 pm (UTC -4)
If you don’t think the Mets will spend the freed up money, then you’re saying their payroll in 2014 will be $80MM. That’s ridiculous – they’d never get away with it. I don’t believe that for a second.
TRS86
11/27/2012-12:44pm at 12:44 pm (UTC -4)
I would expect around 110 in 2014 and maybe even 120 in 2015. Again, depending on development of our players and need.
Stick
11/27/2012-1:57pm at 1:57 pm (UTC -4)
no way in hell the payroll is going up in 2014. It has to go down with that money coming off, stay flat at absolute best.
Stick
11/27/2012-12:19pm at 12:19 pm (UTC -4)
Simple question for everyone.
assuming the smoke means fire and DW gets his megadeal today. and further assume since the direction is now set (the plan unveiled?) they re-sign Dickey to an extension.
does anyone think that there will be any more real moves this offseason? Big trades or money spent? Or is it going to just be a bunch of back patting, and some more MiL rejects signed to fight for spots in ST?
as you might guess, I am firmly in the “they are done for the year” camp!
and no, signing those 2 to extensions does not qualify as major changes Sandy!
I can’t wait to see the reaction to the OD lineup, with an OF of Duda, Kirk and baxter! Assuming the face a RHP of course, if it is a lefty, we may not come close to that level of talent…
Damned, I think I am going to grab a Mai Tai for lunch! for some reason I now have a craving.
TRS86
11/27/2012-12:31pm at 12:31 pm (UTC -4)
Good question. I would assume that Flores might go in a deal and perhaps some others for a RH RF.
srt
11/27/2012-1:53pm at 1:53 pm (UTC -4)
If Wright will be re-signed, I fully support trading Flores for an OF prospect.
Stick
11/27/2012-2:13pm at 2:13 pm (UTC -4)
if they are keeping wright and dickey, that leaves only FLores and Wheeler as guys with any possible value. And I highly doubt they trade Wheeler. if for no other reason than it would be a big move, and this FO does not make big moves. Too brash and risky.
and if they trade neise, it better be for a monster return or it could be the last straw. But not likely they do (see comment about being brach!)
TX
11/27/2012-12:33pm at 12:33 pm (UTC -4)
I will say yes, there will be at least one trade. I actually believe Dickey gets traded, but that’s just me. They will bring in an OF of some sort. If it’s Gee that gets moved, Parnell, and some combination of some minor leaguers, they will need to bring in some competent OF player. Wish they’d do that with the C as well, but I don’t see it happening. I’d think Salty will cost too much for the production he gives.
Prismo
11/27/2012-12:39pm at 12:39 pm (UTC -4)
No big free agent signings – money is tight. But a couple relievers in the ~$2MM range? A catcher in the $3MM range? Sure.
I do think Sandy will pull off at least one moderate trade. I’m thinking slightly more “wow” factor than the Angel Pagan trade, but nothing that makes you say “HOLY CRUD NEW TEAM!”
TRS86
11/27/2012-12:44pm at 12:44 pm (UTC -4)
I agree. Honestly, if they re-sign Wright does Flores even have a future at all on this team? I am not sold on his ability to play 2B at all.
TX
11/27/2012-12:46pm at 12:46 pm (UTC -4)
Flores & Mejia for JP? Laverary (SP?)?
Flores for Salty? Too much?
TRS86
11/27/2012-1:09pm at 1:09 pm (UTC -4)
Flores for Salty way too much and Jays don’t need Flores.
Think about a team needing a 3B for the future. Someone like uh… Houston or the Brewers… HEY Flores for Gomez and a reliever!!!
TX
11/27/2012-1:14pm at 1:14 pm (UTC -4)
I’d take Gomez back in 2 shakes of a lambs tail.
Houston has nothing we would want. In fact, Houston is as devoid of talent as there ever was. Wasn’t around in 62′, but I’m thinking they have a shot to beat them in loses this upcoming year. They are 4-5 years away from being .500.
TRS86
11/27/2012-1:16pm at 1:16 pm (UTC -4)
True, I like Altuve but they wouldn’t trade him for Flores, that would be pointless.
TX
11/27/2012-1:24pm at 1:24 pm (UTC -4)
What about Cleveland? Doesn’t fit the C need, but they have Choo and or Chris Perez on the block.
And I still prefer the Gomez deal.
Prismo
11/27/2012-1:29pm at 1:29 pm (UTC -4)
How about Flores for Logan Schafer?
Schafer is the Brewers’ ~8-10th top prospect (Flores is in the Mets’ top 5), but is about a year ahead of Flores in terms of major league readiness. He’s a very good defensive center fielder. Doesn’t have much power, but he gets a base a decent amount, hits for decent average, and will get enough doubles and triples to make him a potential worthy edition to the lineup. .770 OPS in AAA last season and an .842 OPS in only 25 plate appearances in the bigs last year.
Brewers have CF depth so he’s not totally needed on their team. I think the Mets could potentially start this guy right away.
Stick
11/27/2012-1:56pm at 1:56 pm (UTC -4)
yes, Flores has to go if we are stuck with Wright through the end of time (hell, I may not even be alive by the time this deal runs out!).
so the only real bat in the system with no home. Better hope that whatever prospect they can back is actually decent. And not a couple of A ball players to hang out with Nimmo.
Stick
11/27/2012-1:54pm at 1:54 pm (UTC -4)
so IOW Prismo, they will replace rauch and Shopvac with comparable stiffs for the same cost, and call that major change?
Was it major change when they repainted the deck chairs on the Titanic?
TX
11/27/2012-2:01pm at 2:01 pm (UTC -4)
They never needed to repaint the chairs on the titanic. Maiden voyage and all….
Stick
11/27/2012-2:08pm at 2:08 pm (UTC -4)
work with me here please. I’m on a roll today.
TRS86
11/27/2012-2:53pm at 2:53 pm (UTC -4)
LOL, that’s classic.
srt
11/27/2012-2:56pm at 2:56 pm (UTC -4)
hahahaha
Prismo
11/27/2012-1:04pm at 1:04 pm (UTC -4)
Speaking of ridiculous contracts, Russell Martin is seeking a deal around 4 years and $40MM. LOL
It’s rare you see a player ask for more than fangraphs says they’re worth (since that’s usually inflated in itself). But a catcher who’s about to turn 30? Good luck buddy.
darknova306
11/27/2012-2:21pm at 2:21 pm (UTC -4)
Hahaha, wow! He can seek whatever he wants, but any GM that gives him that contract should be fired on the spot.
darknova306
11/27/2012-1:56pm at 1:56 pm (UTC -4)
Kaptain Payday. Wow. Can’t really “build a team around Wright” when there’s no talent in the minor league pipeline and there’s no money. The continued status quo mediocrity is going to be a flat out blast.
Stick
11/27/2012-2:07pm at 2:07 pm (UTC -4)
I guess the whole “I want to play on a winner” deal was just a PR ploy. Unless he figures he will get on one in 2020 when the Mets go all Bay on him, and he can hook up with a real team as a bench guy?
darknova306
11/27/2012-2:10pm at 2:10 pm (UTC -4)
Pretty much. As we rationally expected, it’s all about the $$. Shocking! (of course we don’t know real details, and nothing is final, but today’s as good as any for rampant speculation)
Stick
11/27/2012-2:05pm at 2:05 pm (UTC -4)
One last comment and I will take my negative self (born out of frustration) and go away to leave all you fine people alone. Except Nova, he seems to be 2 steps beyond me on the attitude scale!
Ii like analogies. They are fun. I like beer too, yet I digress.
so far, I have been frustrated by the shocking level of do nothingness by the FO. yes, there were extenuating cricumstances, but still, they could have made some effort to build for the future (including right now).
so think of a poker tournyment. The Mets are the guy that has been on a bad run, and is relatively short stacked after a bunch of bad beats and breaks. They know that they are on borrowed time, and will see their chips dwindle away soon.
but, they finally draw a big hand, and finally a chance to make a big play and put themselves back into the competition.
but, they are too afraid of busting and going out in flames, so they make a little bet, take a tiny pot, and stay flat. And still just fade away.
that is the mets. This was the best chance they would have to make a major move, and try to build a team that could be a force in the near future. And for an extended time.
Would it work? Or go down in a spectacular fireball? Well, now we will never know, but the odds are heavily now that they will stay flatlined at mediocrity. Enouch talent to not suck like the Astros, far from enough talent or resources to compete with the real teams.
not much different than drafting Eddie Kunz instead of taking a shot on a high upside HS kid. Safe mediocrity over going for the gusto.
darknova306
11/27/2012-2:17pm at 2:17 pm (UTC -4)
Until the Wilpons are confident that their stake in the team is cemented for eternity, they’ll keep Sandy Alderson’s nuts firmly in a vice to make sure he sticks to that plan. Signing Wright to a mega deal is a move firmly centered on the thought that they don’t want to lose anymore ticket sales. That’s it. Pander to the desperate sentimentality of fans calling for a “lifelong Met” instead of a perennial contender a few years down the road.
This is all just sickening.
TX
11/27/2012-2:20pm at 2:20 pm (UTC -4)
How’s the beer biz?
Stick
11/27/2012-3:27pm at 3:27 pm (UTC -4)
turns out it is true that you don’t buy, just rent.
darknova306
11/27/2012-3:33pm at 3:33 pm (UTC -4)
Slow. Who knew renovating an ancient barn and building a brewery in it could take so long?
Slated to open sometime in April/May, but who knows what new complications will delay that…
srt
11/27/2012-2:26pm at 2:26 pm (UTC -4)
There was a pretty interesting 400+ comment debate on AA about a week ago regarding Wright. Article was written by a non Met fan (Royals fan, I believe).
Two sides of the house went on and on explaining why it didn’t matter to have a connection to any one ball player b/c you’re only rooting for the name on the front vs. the sentimental crowd saying part of being a fan of a particular team is the attachment to certain players, along with all the history.
You now AA is pretty heavily geared towards saber metric geeks so I was surprised by the ‘emotional’ attachment argument I saw by some over there.
TX
11/27/2012-2:32pm at 2:32 pm (UTC -4)
There is something to it. We all loved Straw and Doc, and it was such a kick in the twig and berries to see them have success with the Yanks. You do root for the name on the front of the shirt, but you hope that the name on the back can be synonymous with the name on the front. you think Cal, you think Baltimore. Jeter with the Yanks. Biggio, Bagwell… Astros… I just hope we can have our cake and eat it as well, or at least smear it in a couple Yanks/Phils/Hotlanta fans faces to see Wright drinking Champagne from that over-sized helmet of his.
srt
11/27/2012-2:37pm at 2:37 pm (UTC -4)
I’ll readily admit I’m guilty of that as well.
I’ve got my favorite players during any one era.
I loved Keith.
I especially want to see the Mets re-sign Dickey.
I’m in the camp of wanting Wright re-signed as well.
Half the fun of rooting for the Mets for this long is knowing all the history of the club, it’s players, etc.
Prismo
11/27/2012-2:42pm at 2:42 pm (UTC -4)
I saw that thread 4D, and let me be the first to say that I think the argument that we should only root for the name on the front of a jersey is completely pompous, ridiculous, and moronic.
These are the same fools who think anyone who wants Wright re-signed is a lunatic fringe fanboy. We’re not watching robots out there – these are living, breathing human beings. Some even have personalities*. It’s only HUMAN to have an affinity to a player we’ve cheered for over a long stretch of time. And anyone who wants Wright signed isn’t automatically agreeing to a 70 win team for the next 8 years – we think the Mets can still be a winning club.
If I could gaze into the future and see that either the Mets sign Wright and go on to have 8 losing seasons, or trade him and go on to make the World Series twice in the next 8 years…that’s a no-brainer. But alas, I am no Nostradamus (although you can’t spell it without Adam), and neither is any other armchair GM. I like Wright – as a person, as a player, and as a leader. I know he can perform at a high level in NY unlike many players (Jason Bay to name one). And I value those things highly. I don’t think there’s a right and wrong answer here at the moment, but I do know that it’s pitiful to assume the name on the back of a jersey means nothing.
*Jeter and Wright excluded
srt
11/27/2012-2:54pm at 2:54 pm (UTC -4)
Well said, Prismo.
To me there’s a big difference between being a fan of baseball and being a fan of a particular team.
Being a fan of one team usually brings with it unusual or irrational attachments to certain players – just as it can bring the opposite, as we’ve seen with certain Met fans that can’t stand Wright.
For example, I’ll go on record right now saying that even if he was the Mets best option for CF next season, I’d have a very difficult time rooting for Victorino in a Met uniform. Much like I did when Hershiser was a Met……
darknova306
11/27/2012-3:03pm at 3:03 pm (UTC -4)
Well, in the end sports is about entertainment. Entertainment and an escape from the daily bullcrap of life. How anyone enjoys sports is different from person to person. I personally would have more fun watching the Mets win without having a serious attachment to any of the players than to watch them be mediocre with my favorite player. That’s just my mentality, though.
That being said, this whole debate about Wright and Dickey comes down to how you think the team can best become a contender. I don’t see them getting the talent to put around Wright to bring the offense up to contending level for a long time, and would rather trade him and Dickey for a large infusion of talent to build with in a year or two. Of course we won’t be able to evaluate any of this for several years, so this argument is just going to continue.
Stick
11/27/2012-3:34pm at 3:34 pm (UTC -4)
I like to sit in the sun and drink beer.
We also agree on how we see the debate. It is not that I don’t like Wright, and if the team was otherwise talented, it would be great to have him. I just don’t think they can have him and a ‘rest of the team” any time soon, and he was their best shot at shoring up the foundation. I am also looking a few years down the road of course.
Hank
11/27/2012-2:48pm at 2:48 pm (UTC -4)
The worse part about the locking up Wright for me is that our only hope is that we maintain the status quo from 2012 over the front half of the contract, and second half 2012 shows me that might not even be possible.
Titles aren’t won in the offseason, but you can do your best to improve. The Phillies and Braves will improve this winter; the Nationals will improve from just another year of maturity and having Strasburg for a whole season. The Marlins are selling but could be as good as we are come 2014 (and that’s a shame).
Stick
11/27/2012-3:36pm at 3:36 pm (UTC -4)
putting on my “glass half full” hat for a moment, while I am comitted to the team being a rerun, there is some room for improvement here. Neise I think takes another step up, harvey for a full year, and Ike not being worse than Jason Bay for 2 months are 3 that come to mind. Oh yeah, no Bay. Addition by subtraction!
Hank
11/27/2012-3:57pm at 3:57 pm (UTC -4)
But none of that makes us better than the top 3 in our division. Even with half-full hoping, we’re still 4th best. Yay.
darknova306
11/27/2012-4:19pm at 4:19 pm (UTC -4)
Any hope of contending anytime soon (regardless of Wright/Dickey) rests on the foundation of Harvey and Wheeler both very soon developing into co-aces, and being the front end of a dominant rotation for several years. I think we all know how that movie ends…
They don’t call me DARKnova for no reason…
Hank
11/27/2012-3:00pm at 3:00 pm (UTC -4)
I like the discussion, so I’ll post my rant here as well. here goes nothing:
I think most of us are basically resigning to the fact that Sandy is here at Bud’s encouragement (at the least) to his pal Fred. That said, David Wright retiring a Met is better for baseball in tons of ways.
1. It proves that teams can hold on to stars. With an 6-8 year deal, my unborn children to come will only know David Wright as their 3B in their early life. This means a generation of fans will grow up believing…teams can and should keep its home-grown talent.
2. It “proves” the Wilpons have money. I don’t buy this because a $100MM payroll in NYC is like a $50MM payroll in San Diego to me. New park, our own network, and maybe the #1 metro area in the country and you can only support a $100MM payroll. That’s crazy and a business not well run.
3. It gives the Mets their ambassador. I love Tom Seaver, but my generation does not know Tom Seaver. I read about him, and love the stories I hear of Tom Terrific the Franchise, but I don’t know him and wasn’t blessed to see him play. This is the new face of the Mets not just for the All Star Game next summer, but for the immediate future and possibly the next 30-40 years.
4. It gives the rest of baseball joy because the Mets are holding on to a mid-market payroll and hamstringing themselves by giving a second-generation contract. I love David Wright. I love what he has done and meant for the Mets. I love the joy he’s brought us as fans. However, I love the Mets more. This does not mean I know baseball more or better than the guys in charge. It does however mean, that for me, we are not closer to winning giving this contract:
a. The best hope is that Wright maintains his first half of 2012 form (for even the first half of his new deal), something he didn’t do in the second half of 2012 and in the last few years. Even with this hope, the best you’re getting is a status quo Mets team. I don’t believe this makes us better; it just makes us hope he’s just as good for at least half this contract.
b. This means either forcing Wilmer Flores at 2B, hiding him in the OF, or even more sadly (and more likely)…trading him. I say this not just because I think the kid will be a good player, but because with a mid-market payroll…you keep the Floreses (cheap good players) and you trade the Wrights for more Floreses.
TX
11/27/2012-3:28pm at 3:28 pm (UTC -4)
Regarding Flores, he’s a projected bat with no position. If you can turn him (and another if needed) into a OF prospect of some note, I’d have no problem trading him away.
Hank
11/27/2012-3:52pm at 3:52 pm (UTC -4)
I think moving Flores this winter would be moving him just when his value is starting to rise. In las vegas, this kid’s bat will play like a top 5 bat in all of minor league baseball; that will skyrocket his value. So I’m not for moving him just yet. Furthermore, I think the best move for us is grooming him to take over at 3B for good, come July 2013. Moving Wright can only add more hitting talent to the system, and it’s not investing in a horrible long-term second generation contract for a player I’m not sure can even match first half 2012.
Stick
11/27/2012-4:02pm at 4:02 pm (UTC -4)
Hank, it certainly seems that the 3B ship, if it has not already sailed, they are at least getting the ropes off and stoking the boiler.
Unless Flores can handle 2B, he is not having a role on this team any time soon.
SaltyGary
11/27/2012-3:47pm at 3:47 pm (UTC -4)
Kind of hard to argue with this. On the same page with you. My issue is you don’t sign him unless you can upgrade around him. He is a table setter not someone that can be counted to carry the team. If they can’t do that, why spend the money.
Hank
11/27/2012-3:54pm at 3:54 pm (UTC -4)
Amen an amen. You cannot give Wright this kind of money unless you can afford to bring in more talent. This king of committed money (post 2013) could conceivably add two more starting OFers for much cheaper, and also keep Wright for 2013. Or possibly move Wright and bring in more pieces.
Stick
11/27/2012-4:03pm at 4:03 pm (UTC -4)
Because Pinky and Inky might come back now and buy more Bud Lights?