Bob Klapisch has made a nice career for himself in being a seasoned and professional Met-basher. He does, however, unlike some of his colleagues in this burgeoning cottage industry, indeed have some serious credibility.
A new column of his does seem to–once again–throw buckets of icy cold water on the credibility of Fred Wilpon and his recent claims of newfound solvency:
http://www.northjersey.com/sports/Klapisch_Mets_still_have_money_problems_so_dont_expect_a_revival_anytime_soon.html?c=y&page=2
Many of us have indeed felt that many of the points in this piece have been the clear reality for a while now and that not much has really changed. Wright was signed to placate the casual fan and sell shirts, Dickey was traded due to being too expensive, Bay was cut when he was because he agreed to defer money, and in all likelihood the Bourn interest was a complete charade.
Yes, Bay’s absence is a fine thing, and yes, the return for Dickey could turn into a bonanza, and yes, the Marcum signing was a nice surprise, but overall, the optimism may be a case of too much too soon.
Many do not fully comprehend the magnitude of the debt in the coming years; if Klapisch’s numbers are accurate, this is daunting and could most definitely (once again) prevent the team from spending much of the money “coming off the books” as fans have been indulging illusory hopes of for years now. When one factors in Wright’s exorbitant contract, much new spending–barring a very unlikely run at the postseason in 2013 and the attendant increase in revenue–remains highly unlikely.
From WFAN false promises to the claim that Madoff would not affect the team to “We’re buyers” the Wilpons and Alderson have been lying to the fan base for years. Is it that unreasonable to believe that Fred is, for lack of his deserving a more erudite phrase, completely full of it?
It is March 1 and hopes abound at this time of year, but Johan and Marcum’s removal from their spring schedules and the play of the potential OF have already given reason for concern.
What to think? Are we on course for .500+ with a great rotation in 2014? Do we have a future star C in d’Arnaud? Are we a few pieces away from being seriously relevant again?
Or is this all springtime delusion?
Let us know what YOU think!
74 comments
darknova306
3/1/2013-10:09am at 10:09 am (UTC -4)
The Mets are relevant, to me at least, because they’ve got a lot of very interesting high level potential to watch. No, this is not likely a .500-ish team this year. Yes, a particular catcher in the system has the potential to be a star. Yes, there’s loads of high upside pitching talent that is trying to establish itself.
The future looks much brighter than it did before. Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves, though. Most of that bright future is reliant on potential upside, especially pitching upside. Hopefully in 2014 we’re talking about a team “that isn’t too far away, and they could very easily compete this year”.
TX
3/1/2013-10:10am at 10:10 am (UTC -4)
A morning thread with some meat on the bone. Nice.
I quibble with your “Wright was signed for the fans” and “Dickey was too expensive”, but to each their own. Considering what was spent on Marcum, it wasn’t an issue in paying for him this year and any money spent going forward would be like taking half of Johan’s old salary to cover the future years of Dickey. All water under the bridge, now, but I wrote many times that that this was the proper way to go.
Now, having been able to catch some of the game last night, I’ll say I really liked what I saw from Darno. He looked comfortable at the plate (batting and catching). I don’t predict Piazza or Bench, but I can see a Yadier type production, which I think everyone of us would take in a New York, Houston or a Seattle minute!
Other observations…
- Den Dekker looks horrible at the plate. Completely lost. Maybe he finds something in the coming months, but I have no faith in him finding the ability to hit. Signing Bourn (assuming they had the money) is going to be something that bites them for both this and next year, unless they can get Gomez…
- Puello was absolutely lost in the OF. scary…
- Lagares I think will be a surprise to us all and we’ll see him starting in the OF on the major league club come August/September. Liked what I saw there.
- That Rice kid made me stop and go “I thought Chris Young signed with the Nats…”
Boomer
3/1/2013-10:45am at 10:45 am (UTC -4)
I agree with a lot of what you said but I’m not quite as down on den Dekker. He did single, steal a base and score the tying run last night. His last at bat was a joke with even the Nationals announcers laughing that the ump called his check swing a strike in an attempt to end a spring training game early. He still has a ways to go but I do see improvement at the plate.
But the guy to keep an eye on is Spin. He’s hitting .455 with a homer and 3 rbis so far and is leading off again today. He keeps hitting like this and he is going to force his way into the lineup and potentially be our leadoff hitter.
TX
3/1/2013-10:48am at 10:48 am (UTC -4)
If some how spin could take a spot, it would be a blessing for sure. Now, if he can work a couple walks and such, would love to have him playing RF and hitting leadoff. I really hope he turns the corner, mentally and maturity wise. I still think he’ll best be used as trade bait, but I hope he proves me wrong.
Stick
3/1/2013-10:58am at 10:58 am (UTC -4)
see below. seems that great minds are thinking alike again.
srt
3/1/2013-1:03pm at 1:03 pm (UTC -4)
Agree with you on Valdespin.
gategem
3/1/2013-7:15pm at 7:15 pm (UTC -4)
I like Spins athleticism. There’s very little of it on the Mets. So I’m hoping he continues to impress. However, we have to consider that Spin played winter ball and probably is much further along than those players that did not. Of course there have been quite a few players that won batting titles in ST and were not heard from once the season started.
SaltyGary
3/1/2013-10:13am at 10:13 am (UTC -4)
68 wins, no more no loss. Did you see Baxter out there last night. He was more busy licking his nose then paying attention to pop flies.
dArno had a couple nice hits and Cowgill fought off a good fastball before Stras found his groove. The scary thing to me is this rag-tag lineup that was thrown out there could be close to reality if there are a couple injuries.
Oh and Kirk was so over-matched, he did not look good at all. It seems like he is crowding the plate too much and they can just kill him inside. Stras just kept pounding inside and then threw this change-up that tailed away and he was toast.
One last thing, my wife things DD looks like a girl. Not even pretty man, plain old girl.
There you have it.
wanny
3/1/2013-10:17am at 10:17 am (UTC -4)
Darin Gorski has looked good in early Spring Training games
February 28th, 2013 2:55 pm
In yesterday’s 12-4 loss to the Cardinals, Darin Gorski allowed four runs, three hits and three walks in 2+ innings.
Mattsblog at its finest.
wanny
3/1/2013-10:19am at 10:19 am (UTC -4)
On topic: I have a difficult time believing that Alderson would flat out lie when he says that he anticipates being able to spend money after this season when some of the worst contracts come off the books.
If the Wilpons said it that would be different. But Alderson has integrity.
gategem
3/1/2013-7:20pm at 7:20 pm (UTC -4)
In the past the Wilpons statements were often mendacious or, more charitably, less than frank. So I accept very little they say on face value. SA may very well find himself in a situation where for the good of the franchise he has to be a spin doctor.
boldib
3/1/2013-10:46am at 10:46 am (UTC -4)
What do I think? Let me preface that with this: I’ve been disgruntled, malcontented, disillusioned my entire adult life. Always thought myself to be, and have been considered, a dark-humored sort, highly skeptical, sometimes downright cynical. I was recently called a “grumpy old git” by a nice English lady I know.
With all that, I don’t see the point of pondering or anticipating the worst case scenarios re. the Mets.
It’s baseball. It’s immune. How could anyone watch Wheeler on Saturday and not think, aah, a spring harbinger of a bright future. I gotta wear shades! A piece here, a piece there. Lets go Mets.
Stick
3/1/2013-10:48am at 10:48 am (UTC -4)
I agree with Tex. Dickey was 100% a talent move, not money. trading him did not change payroll at all this year, and he was going to be cheap going forward (as in much less than what they are paying Bay to not play).
Other than that, this is still IMO a transition year, but at least there is some talent to watch, and some interesting stuff in the minors. Of course, it is all pitching, but that is a valuable commodity!
can they be .500 this year? Maybe, with decent health and a few guys having the breakout type years they are capable of.
but mostly, we don’t really know who ends up playing, and IMO the team by the end of the year will be quite a bit different. OF of course is 1 giant try out for a bunch of filler pieces, so that will churn.
srt
3/1/2013-11:01am at 11:01 am (UTC -4)
‘ Dickey was 100% a talent move, not money.’
100% agree.
I don’t think the 5 MIL slated for Dickey’s 2013 season was going to break the Mets. It was all about trying to get the young talent we lack – i.e. offense – and Dickey was the most marketable, next to Wright.
kingman 26
3/1/2013-11:47am at 11:47 am (UTC -4)
“I agree with Tex. Dickey was 100% a talent move, not money. trading him did not change payroll at all this year”
Totally disagree.
If the coming debt is at the level being reported, an extra $20–25 M not going to Dickey in 2014–2015 could be absolutely huge and the difference in not taking out more bank loans and/or having to dip into private Wilpon funds to make debt payments.
They did not really offer Dickey anything serious and they won’t be paying d’Oorknob or Shingaard a TOTAL of $1M or much more than than in 2014–2015 most likely.
Clearly the Wilpon orders were trade Dickey and sign Wright.
TX
3/1/2013-11:50am at 11:50 am (UTC -4)
But even if they did offer him an extension, it would have been adding on years to his current contract, so in essence it would not have affected this year.
srt
3/1/2013-1:04pm at 1:04 pm (UTC -4)
Yes, this is where I was coming from.
Although I do agree with Kingman on Wilpons wanting to trade Dickey and extend Wright.
TX
3/1/2013-1:34pm at 1:34 pm (UTC -4)
Even if the Wilpons wanted it (and/or Alderson didn’t), I still think it was the correct line of action to keep the team in the right direction. You have a complete and utter unknown in Dickey. Never before has there been a knuckleball pitcher throwing at that velocity and control and then you sprinkle in the fact he’s 38 and missing a tendon in his elbow. He could be awesome for 6 more years. It could be a great season that is a downward trend with him losing velocity and as such making it more difficult to maintain the accuracy and low BB rates. Never mind the off the field stuff (Kilimanjaro, etc.), which while awesome, aren’t the things that make an owner shelling out tons of money very comfortable.
Now, whether you think it would have been best to move Wright for a Wil Myers type plus 3 more prospects, well, it’s a point of great speculation. Considering the lack of quality 3B around the league, the lack of RH bats in the lineup (let along very good RH bats), the marketing aspect, the leadership aspect, the plethora of very promising minor league SPs, etc. etc., I think it was good to have him re-signed at a probable Market value, if not below it.
This team is poised to add a Willingham type and Carlos Gomez and have a very promising team in 2014, assuming Darno is average and getting better and Wheeler is the real deal. Rose colored glasses, i’m sure, but I’m making sure my seat on the float is reserved early.
kingman 26
3/1/2013-6:45pm at 6:45 pm (UTC -4)
Your seat on the float is reserved permanently. Seattle will be one of the very first places the float visits after heading north from Las Vegas after Wally thanks his friends in that great city for helping him to ascend to the manager’s chair just in time for the team’s third title…
gategem
3/1/2013-7:58pm at 7:58 pm (UTC -4)
“Now, whether you think it would have been best to move Wright for a Wil Myers type plus 3 more prospects, well, it’s a point of great speculation. Considering the lack of quality 3B around the league, the lack of RH bats in the lineup…”
You forget Wilmer Flores could have filled that spot if Wright had been traded. From what I’ve seen Flores is just too damn slow and plodding to even be adequate at 2nd base. I believe the kid will hit and the Wilpons would have had a boat load of top prospects and capital (minus the loss in sales due to the “embrève le magnifique” lovers in Mets land) to spend.
TX
3/1/2013-8:52pm at 8:52 pm (UTC -4)
Gate,
I get your point, but annoiting Flores the successor (who may well still be a year away) is still a lot of poke and hope. It certainly may have worked, but again, considering the lack of positional players in the system, I’d rather re-sign Wright and try to find a spot for Flores and ship Wright off and hope for the best.
Stickguy
3/1/2013-12:13pm at 12:13 pm (UTC -4)
so the 13mill in 2014 was going to break them? If that is the case, what is payroll going to be, 40-50 mill tops?
kingman 26
3/1/2013-2:32pm at 2:32 pm (UTC -4)
My point—which is of course an opinion but one which most certainly makes some sense—is that Dickey’s $25 M or so in 2014–2015 could very possibly be needed to pay down debt.
Stick
3/1/2013-2:51pm at 2:51 pm (UTC -4)
just can’t see it, because that literally would mean they would be down in the 50s. 13 for Dickey was just not that big a deal, and they could still stay well under the break-even cap.
and that IMO is really the key. The “out of the woods” concept is that they have the debt payments structured so that even at the new, lower attendance level, they can hit Fred’s break even requirement with a reasonable payroll (80-100? whatever it happens to be). So no real need to cut to even lower than that.
Stick
3/1/2013-10:57am at 10:57 am (UTC -4)
as to the lineup, I bet it looks a lot different at the end of the year. And that will drive the moves needed to be made (and there is going to be some young pitching traded next off season. has to be!)
I can easily see 5 positions turning over from the beginning to the end of the season.
3 OF spots, 2B and C, all change.
I see Flores moving into 2B, and of course TDA at C.
OF? Cowpie I think sticks, but as a 4th OF type. I am going out on a limb and saying Spin ends up taking a job. Lagares will also be playing. The 3rd guy? Entirely possible it is an outsider, or MDD.
so maybe a lineup something like:
spin
Tejada
Wright
Ike
Doornob
Flores
Lagares
Dekker
with the off season priority upgrading at least 1 OF spot to a higher end player?
TX
3/1/2013-11:11am at 11:11 am (UTC -4)
If you don’t have Murph in there, is he on the bench or have you packaged him to a team in need of a 3B/2B/1B player? If that be the case, there could be your other OF instead of the Den DeKKKKKKKKKer.
Stickguy
3/1/2013-12:13pm at 12:13 pm (UTC -4)
I assume he will be moved in a trade.
TX
3/1/2013-1:20pm at 1:20 pm (UTC -4)
I really hope that somehow the White Sox get involved here. They need a lefty bat, Murph can play multiple positions and they have some decent RH bats in the OF. And, if for some reason their team isn’t playing well, you can totally see Williams (or whomever the new GM is, as Williams is prez. I think) could pull the trigger on something like that.
Stickguy
3/1/2013-12:25pm at 12:25 pm (UTC -4)
though I have said all along that he would be a great utility guy/bench bat, if they want to keep him (and can afford to!)
wanny
3/1/2013-1:31pm at 1:31 pm (UTC -4)
I cant envision both Den Dekker and Lagares making this team together at all. Valdespin has not spot on the team unless Baxter or Quintanilla get hurt.
First of all, I can definitely see Marlon Byrd being the regular RFer. It is important to note that for his career he has virtually no R/L split for his career at all (736 OPS v. 780).
I guess it is possible for Den Dekker to be a replacement for Niewenhuis at some point. But he really has a long long way to go offensively. A long way
re: Lagares — he is a prospect based on what appears to b e an outlier 2011 minor league season. His career minor league line of .280 .321 .400 is not exciting.
wanny
3/1/2013-1:32pm at 1:32 pm (UTC -4)
clearly my first time with the english language
srt
3/1/2013-10:59am at 10:59 am (UTC -4)
Klapisch is not making up this debt that will be owed in the next few years as I’ve seen this mentioned in at least 3 separate articles now.
Fred told us a month ago something to the effect of ‘they’re now out of the woods’. I think his idea of ‘out of the woods’ is different then mine.
He went on to say he doesn’t own this team to make money. The goal is to break even. He also stated that if the team breaks even for the 2013 season, Sandy might have money to spend ‘like we have in the past’.
Note: ‘If we break even’.
Fred also said this would only happen if the revenues are up for the 2013 season and that will only happen if the fans ‘come back’. In order for that to happen, the team will need to contend.
Bottom line is – IMO – if this team gets off to a poor start and does its normal 2nd half swoon, I wouldn’t expect a windfall of money to be available to SA in the off season.
Saying all that, I’m one of those die hard Met fans Klapisch talks about. I’ll be watching the team no matter how the season plays out.
TX
3/1/2013-11:06am at 11:06 am (UTC -4)
Considering that the value of the team increases from year to year, just breaking even is all they need to do so that one day down the line when they do decide to sell, they’ll make a killing. Much like the owner in Houston. Bought the team for 80 or 100 mil. sold for about 600 mil. not a shabby investment.
Boomer
3/1/2013-11:17am at 11:17 am (UTC -4)
Yep. Nobody shells out millions, in today’s game hundreds of millions, to make 5 or 10 million every year. They could do better buying bonds.
The name of the game is long term valuation of the franchise which in the case of the Mets could be enormous. It’s one of the most valuable franchises in professional sports.
I think its a fools game for fans (or even hot stuff reporters) to try and decipher the complex debt structure of the Mets or any other franchise for that matter. We just do not have enough information nor do we know the totality of the Wilpon’s wealth and investments. We look at the Mets franchise in a vacuum when the Wilpon’s look at it as one investment in many. Their investment package can be balanced and moved in ways we know nothing about.
Let’s not forget the Mets were very much in the mix for Bourn’s services this year to the tune of $12 million per year for 4 years. That’s real money and there will undoubtedly be more of that to spend next year when some teams go through the inevitable purge after the binge when all of their spending did not produce a winner. Happens every year, 2013 won’t be an exception.
kingman 26
3/1/2013-11:44am at 11:44 am (UTC -4)
Thanks for commenting.
Payroll has shrunk by a massive pct in the last few years…attendance is down about 40% in the last 5 years, with all of the attendant revenue decreases…there is no Madoff money…and the Wilpons owe many hundreds of million in the coming years.
You THINK they were “very much in the mix for Bourn’s services” while Bourn has said he had no intention of waiting for the Mets and as in other cases recently, they never really made a formal offer, did they? The Bourn episode may have been a PR charade for the benefit of a segment of the fan base.
I think it is a fool’s game to take the words of a Wilpon or an Alderson and think–after the clearly demonstrable facts of the last few years–that they are to all be believed.
We sure do not know the intricacies of Wilpon debt structures and finances, but bond debt and bank debt is not being fabricated by reporters, attempts to bring in new part-owners and more bank loans and debt restructuring all really have happened, a 40% attendance decrease is not a fabrication, and the dramatic lowering of payroll (which trickled down to even office workers at Citi Field being laid off) are all very real.
It’s been years now that fans have waited for them to spend the money “coming off the books” and they have not.
We shall see.
Boomer
3/1/2013-12:25pm at 12:25 pm (UTC -4)
Yes, I know payroll has shrunk and attendance is down (its down in the Bronx too, outside factors such as a the biggest financial crisis since the Great Depression have hurt entertainment dollars everywhere not just at Citifield and that definitely needs to be factored into the equation). Nobody is denying the combination of the Madoff scandal, a hugely bloated budget for a team that did not win and the financial crisis didn’t adversely affect this team.
I know the Wilpon’s owe substantial money over the next few years. Fortunately for them if not for us they have substantial money. Their real estate empire is vast and with real estate coming back pretty flush. SNY is growing and spitting them cash. And they seem to be able to work with the banks and other financial institutions when necessary to rework debt in a way that is favorable to them.
I do think the Mets were in the Bourn mix until the end. The draft pick issue was pretty unique and it wasn’t until fairly late in the game that it was announced by the commissioner’s office that no decision would be made until after a deal with a player was made. I don’t know anyone who was predicting that in say January when things starting heating up with Bourn. Did Alderson have some prior knowledge from the CO and this was all a pr scheme? Possibly, but I’ve never been particularly big on conspiracy theories. Besides, it can be argued that the result of not getting Bourn hurt more than any short term gain that was realized by attempting to land him. Look at your response, you don’t even seem to believe they really made a serious effort to get him and you are not alone in that belief. How does that help the Mets image?
No, I don’t think the bond issues or bank debt are being fabricated by reporters. But the bond and debt issues didn’t just happen. The Wilpon’s signed up for these issues years ago. And what’s not reported on nearly enough is the hundreds of millions of dollars or real estate and other investments the Wilpon’s have. Investment dollars are fungible and they can easily take money from pot A and pay pot B. It may not have been their plan when they started this process but they’ll survive. We are talking about an ownership group that has a net worth near or above a billion dollars.
My personal belief is that many fans do not appreciate the depths of the financial problems surrounding this team or that this team has decided on a new course that is predicated on building a young core and then and only then adding key pieces to build a contending team. Lots of people were very upset that Dickey was traded for example. So how did the team, not Dickey personally, do last year? 4th place. Yowza. Adding key pieces to a team that is not ready to contend is a waste of money and unlike the Yankees this team can’t afford to waste money.
I want to win too and it would be great if the Mets had the money they had a few years ago when they were buying FAs like Pez (and still not winning) but the reality is they don’t right now. I think they will next year but as you say, time will tell.
kingman 26
3/1/2013-2:41pm at 2:41 pm (UTC -4)
Well, that is certainly a very thoughtful response and I appreciate it.
I did not want Dickey traded unless we got more than market value for him which I 100% believe we did and I am happy about the deal.
As for the Bourn situation? Yes, I think it is possible that they played the same charade they did with their “offers” to Reyes and Dickey which were clearly non-offer offers meant to be refused; things like this most definitely do occur in the upper level of the business world.
And as you say further above, sports owners don’t do this to lose money or have minimal returns, so I doubt Fred dips into his other businesses or his personal wealth; I think Met spending has dramatically shrunk precisely because he will not do this, and this is also why he has taken on minority partners and extra debt.
When they signed up for all of this, the team was winning and drawing 50,000 a night. Not only has attendance dropped by 40%, also remember that they clearly were figuring increased revenue from the litany of clubs in Citi, which are nearly empty most nights now, so revenue is probably well over 50% less than what they would be projecting for Citi Field seasons.
I admit being torn—I love the young core of Harvey/Niese/Gee/Wheeler/Syndergaard/Parnell/Montero/Ike/d’Arnaud/etc., but let’s face it, we are a long way from them all proving their mettle. Let’s hope this year sees Harvey really establish himself and d’Arnaud and Wheeler at least do something along the lines of Harvey in 2012.
Stick
3/1/2013-2:48pm at 2:48 pm (UTC -4)
Knog, IMO the Reyes offer was 100% legit, and until Miami came along and bollaxed the plans, likely enough to get him. The reported level was something like 6/90? So 15/year. Not a lowball insult by any stretch. they just weren’t going higher, so Bye Bye Jose.
Dickey, they did not stop. That “offer” was just part of the gamesmanship (more of a show-me to the other teams), so that Toronto, etc. knew that they were getting close, so if you want him, better not wait. Plus of course, sending a clear message that you can get him on a below-market extension!
Bourn was serious too. I think they would have been more than happy at the 4/48 and keeping the 1st round pick. it was not a shell game at that point.
srt
3/1/2013-1:07pm at 1:07 pm (UTC -4)
I predict they won’t sell as long as Fred is alive.
Once Jeff inherits the team, anything is possible. I don’t think he cares about the Mets as much as his father does.
Prismo
3/1/2013-11:51am at 11:51 am (UTC -4)
Cerrone thinks Valdespin can hit leadoff. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA
Prismo
3/1/2013-3:41pm at 3:41 pm (UTC -4)
More gold: “Gee is easy to forget, but that’s what I like.”
Prismo
3/1/2013-11:53am at 11:53 am (UTC -4)
I think a lot of what Klap says is probably true. But I don’t like where he said that the Mets NEED to spend to win. I think teams like the Rays have proven that isn’t always the case (though the road without money is definitely much more challenging).
Stickguy
3/1/2013-12:17pm at 12:17 pm (UTC -4)
they don’t need to spend. they need to put better talent on the field.
Bay = spend a lot for nothing.
TDA = potentially get a lot of production for no $.
Now, of course, being able to spend makes it easier to get the talent, but it is not the only way, nor is it a guarantee.
Stickguy
3/1/2013-12:24pm at 12:24 pm (UTC -4)
The financial aspects (related to Fred’s recent comments and Knogs thoughts).
Yes, the team is still leveraged heavily. But the key is (as with anyone that borrows) is if your cashflow can cover the payments.
My interpretation of the recent moves and Fred’s comments is that they (as in him and the family) is out from under, and in great shape. that is because all the debt resides with the team (technically, whichever sterling entity owns it). So in theory the team could default, and it won’t not actually cost them anything.
the other part is that it seems all the refinancing lowered and/or smoothed out the debt payments. so, they have a balance sheet model where they can cover the debt payments along with other operating costs (such as payroll).
Just consider debt payments another line item, along with Sandy’s ridiculous salary, payroll, Mr. Met heads, Jeffy’s toupee wax, etc.
and as always, if attendance goes up, payroll can go up. or if other revenue streams increase (TV money, Amway rent). The debt payments are just going to be a continuing liability to carry for the team. Fred and the gang, they got there money protected.
greggofboken
3/1/2013-12:56pm at 12:56 pm (UTC -4)
I’m not so sure that Klapisch reported anything that was news here. The essence of what he’s saying is “hey….look what Howard Megdal said a short while ago”.
I disagree completely with the portrayal of the Mets not being able to afford Dickey as TX has spelled out. Ditto the rationale behind signing David Wright. If the situation was as dire as Megdal would have you believe, Wright does not get signed. I don’t believe casual fans go to the ballpark to see David Wright. They didn’t even go to see Dickey except for the few games when he was trying to notch his 20th.
As for the Bourn business being a charade, I don’t buy it.
There’s a difference between skepticism and paranoia. The Wilpons have earned every ounce of skepticism…and their commitment to spend should be believed only when seen.
Paranoia, however, is on us.
kingman 26
3/1/2013-2:34pm at 2:34 pm (UTC -4)
Well, when one goes to Citi, there is a sea of Wright jerseys and his every move is cheered by a substantial portion of the fans there.
Boomer
3/1/2013-3:26pm at 3:26 pm (UTC -4)
Cowgill continues to impress me. Just hit a double off the left field wall that was about a foot from going yard, took third on Hicks fly out to right and came home on a dribbler to third. Those are going to be the type of runs the Mets are going to need this year.
He may not be a star but I like the way this kid plays.
Stick
3/1/2013-3:51pm at 3:51 pm (UTC -4)
remains to be seen if he can produce as an everyday guy, or will thrive as a platoon man, but really easy to see him as a fantastic bench option/spare OF.
Boomer
3/1/2013-3:56pm at 3:56 pm (UTC -4)
agreed
Stick
3/1/2013-5:04pm at 5:04 pm (UTC -4)
OT, I am now predicting that the Phils are finishing no worse than 2nd in the division. And could give the nats a run for it.
90+ at least.
darknova306
3/1/2013-5:19pm at 5:19 pm (UTC -4)
Where’s that one coming from?
srt
3/1/2013-5:28pm at 5:28 pm (UTC -4)
Why is that?
Stick
3/1/2013-5:42pm at 5:42 pm (UTC -4)
a couple of things.
Don’t forget, I am a mole behind enemy lines (and damned, I can’t wait to move, hopefully to TRS land). So I see plenty of highlights, and read the articles in the daily paper.
I am basing it on looking at how last season played out, and changes made.
SRT will recall that I was harping on the Phils making a run late last year. They did, but started too far back. Still, they had one of the best records in the 2nd half last season. And when they fell so far behind in the 1st half, they were missing there 2 biggest bats, and #1 SP. and it still took some horrific BP work to kill them (they blew something like 13 leads in the 8th inning alone in the 1st half (maybe all year).
so, right now, the team looks like the one that spent 1/2 year playing at a 92 win pace, with Utley and Howard for a full year, and both look better this spring. As does Halladay. They also added Adams for the 8th inning.
of course, health issues can derail any team, but right now, as they sit, it looks like a 90+ win team.
Stick
3/1/2013-5:42pm at 5:42 pm (UTC -4)
though they will be defensively challenged at least. So there is that negative.
srt
3/2/2013-9:02am at 9:02 am (UTC -4)
Agree on their defense.
So much lf their sucess this year will depend on Hallady and their BP. I’m not all that impressed with the BP arms they brought in and what they had to begin with, except Paps. Remains to be seen though as most BP are crapshoots to begin with.
Stick
3/2/2013-9:14am at 9:14 am (UTC -4)
Adams is good, though he did have thoracic outlet surgery this winter, but seems OK in ST. and a few of the 2nd half guys were doing well, so sadly, there is a pretty good shot there pen is “fixed”.
Halladay is important, but even without him, the Phils have the best top 2 in the league most likely (though you could argue Washington if you like Gio enough).
TX
3/1/2013-5:34pm at 5:34 pm (UTC -4)
Me thinks the working at home has traveled down the liquid lunch trail…
Stick
3/1/2013-5:43pm at 5:43 pm (UTC -4)
no, I have resisted that temptation. So far. usually.
TX
3/1/2013-5:47pm at 5:47 pm (UTC -4)
Have a beer. Don’t cost nothing.
Stick
3/1/2013-5:57pm at 5:57 pm (UTC -4)
I’ll go grab my Toga out of the closet.
Hazmet
3/1/2013-6:40pm at 6:40 pm (UTC -4)
Why get dressed now? ;p
kingman 26
3/1/2013-6:48pm at 6:48 pm (UTC -4)
You Guys Playing Cards?
Hazmet
3/1/2013-7:00pm at 7:00 pm (UTC -4)
lol, it would have to be “stick poker” I would guess.
darknova306
3/1/2013-5:54pm at 5:54 pm (UTC -4)
Happy Hour! Bottoms up!
kingman 26
3/1/2013-6:48pm at 6:48 pm (UTC -4)
Ah, right back at ya!
Hellacious week, and a hellaciously busy Sat and Sun for me, so tonight it is Knob Creek 120 proof, Herradura Reposado, another Net home win, and a great new JFK assassination book…
darknova306
3/1/2013-6:59pm at 6:59 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah! That’s the way to unwind after a crazy week!
I’m gonna head across town tonight and check out the brewpub that Ithaca Beer Co put next to their new facility. Gonna see what kinda crazy beers their pilot brewhouse is putting out.
May this Friday night be full of liquid awesome for everyone!
Hazmet
3/1/2013-7:01pm at 7:01 pm (UTC -4)
Tell me how the book ends.
Stick
3/1/2013-9:59pm at 9:59 pm (UTC -4)
I will be “on the hill” over labor day weekend (for graduation, don’t know where 4 years went, though I do know where a lot of my money went…).
and knowing this is open, will have to run down and check it out.
we went to the old place 2 years ago, but it was not all that exciting. though the free beer, after climbing the gorge hills across the street, was quite nice.
darknova306
3/2/2013-1:40am at 1:40 am (UTC -4)
A lot of your money, Stick, went downtown to the fine purveyors of liquid courage and other tasty beverages.
And did you mean Memorial Day? Cause that’s Cornell’s annual graduation in the spring.
Stick
3/2/2013-8:40am at 8:40 am (UTC -4)
yes, sorry. Memorial day. For some reason I always seem to reverse those.
And for a college kid that lives off of a work study job, he has much more expensive taste in beer than I can afford. He better hope he lands a good paying job.
gategem
3/3/2013-2:01am at 2:01 am (UTC -4)
Stick, in today’s job environment the parents had better prepare the old room for their graduating offspring. At least you can still protect them on your health insurance policy. Of course they can always attend Graduate School and become like I was, a professional student.
kingman 26
3/1/2013-8:16pm at 8:16 pm (UTC -4)
The site looks great and is ultra fast on an iPhone! Awesome!
Stick
3/1/2013-10:00pm at 10:00 pm (UTC -4)
the site changed? Maybe I need to shut down and restart to see if I notice a difference!
Rich Mingoia
3/1/2013-9:49pm at 9:49 pm (UTC -4)
As long as we have The Wilpons as owners we have nothing but trouble!!! SELL THE TEAM!!!