Question 1) What is this “big splash” Sandy Alderson is talking about? We know it’s surely not a trade for Prince Fielder; which I don’t think the Mets even considered but that trade knocked out any chance that the Mets trade with Texas for one of their shortstops. The Mets kicked the tires (gently) on Cano, but we know there is no way the Mets (or anybody) are in on Cano at 10 years and 300 million — that’s insane. Sure Cano will most likely lower his price but even if he cut it in half it would still be too rich for the Mets. Plus then the Yankees would come swooping in.
Question 2) Why is the Mets budget for the season around 90 million? They are a major market team with a successful television network. There’s a lot of bad contract money coming off the books this year, but apparently that doesn’t mean the Mets ownership is actually willing to spend a lot of it on the team. On a related note should we as fans be worried that Met’s ownership was involved / caught in a ponzi scheme? Actually when you think about it how in the world does MLB still approve as the Wilpons as owners?
Question 3) What veteran starting pitcher are the Mets going to add? The Mets young rotation could greatly benefit from a pitcher with some solid major league success under his belt. Some people were thinking Tim Hudson, but he’s off the table. (Plus that might have been a stretch for him to come to Citi field the place he was injured.) Some people (myself included) thought Josh Johnson was worth the gamble. He’s a high upside pitcher. But now Johnson is a Padre for eight million for the year. Was that too rich for the Met’s blood? If so that is scary. Now do the Mets turn their attention to say Bronson Arroyo or Roy Halladay? Halladay would be an interesting gamble.
Question 4) When will we see Noah Syndergaard in the rotation? Actually the question may be, how soon this year will we see Syndergaard? Syndergaard’s numbers were impressive in his limited time at Binghamton last year: 6-1 record, 11.5 K/9, 5.75 K/BB. He’s been impressive all the way up the minor league ladder. Sure, he’s never been above double A; but either had Tom Seaver before he made his first start as a Met. Yes, Seaver had an entire season of double A under his belt before making the jump but desperate times call for desperate measures. On a more recent note, the Marlin’s Jose Fernandez skipped double and triple A on his way to the majors. So minor league experience isn’t always indicative of major league success. Will Syndergaard pitch in Citi field this year? Yes he will, the question is will it be a cup of coffee or will he be there for an entire meal?
Question 5) Who’s on first? (Sorry couldn’t resist.) It appears the team is set on trying to trade Ike Davis and keeping Lucas Duda. Ike Davis was terrible last year with a .205 batting average, 9 homers and a .661 OPS which gave him a 0.2 bWAR. Looked like his father could still strike him out. Yes, a change of scenery might do him well. But here’s the kicker Davis has still hit .300 in the majors (2011) and he has hit 32 homeruns in a season (2012). There has to be some lingering fear that once moved Ike Davis will become the next Chris Davis and blast 50 homeruns. Lucas Duda has had some glimmers of success having hit 15 homeruns in each of the last two seasons. In 2011 Duda hit .292 with an .852 OPS which isn’t bad. Still he’s had a negative bWAR three out of his four years he’s seen time in the majors. Therefore Duda may not be the answer at first. The Mets weakness at first has led to some Ryan Braun to the Mets rumors. My initial thoughts on that rumor are, “please no.” My second thoughts are rumors are exactly that, just rumors. There may be no basis at all for the Brewers trading Braun. But IF it were to happen, personality aside there can be no question Braun would be a big upgrade at first base. Braun could possibly be the answer to both question 1 and 5 here. He’s a big splash and a big bat at first. Would Mets fans accept him? If they win, then most likely, yes. Just thinking back to Bob Uecker’s line in Major League II after the team traded for a super star catcher that was a jerk, “I used to hate the guy but now that he’s on our team I’m learning to like him.” I’m paraphrasing but you can see the point: winning changes perspective.
I think you missed the #1 question.
Who wil play SS?
That would be question number 6? Right now I see no answer to that question especially since a trade with Texas now seems very unlikely.
Emperor Wilponzi has no clothes!
With the mets scared off the FA SS’s by the prices look for an in house solution? If they thought Johnson wasn’t worth 8 million then there not going to pay Arroyo 12 million a year so let Mejia,Montero, and the other young pitchers compete for the 4th and 5th spots and spend the 23 million left on a power hitter like Granderson or Beltran and a bull pen pitcher or two! They should trade Davis and Duda and move Murphy there best hitter to first base and
move E Young to 2nd and let Flores compete with him for 2nd base or the SS job or trade him! Syndergaard should be ready in june and Gee can help the young pitchers as good as any
FA signing! I expect the mets to make at least one big trade so we will see?
I’m def interested to see where Halladay lands and if he can return to his classic form. I don’t think it will be with Mets though.
When did Ryan Braun start playing 1B? Is EYJ that valuable in LF that if we could trade for Braun we would force him to play a new position?
Question 1) “All big contracts are scary.” – Jeff Wilponzi.
Question 2) “A Mets budget over 90 million is scary.” – Jeff Wilponzi.
Question 3) What veteran starting pitcher are the Mets going to add? None that cost more than $3-4 million/year (Harang or Dice-K). Not sure we need to spend precious Wilponzian resources on a bigger name anyway.
Question 4) When will we see Noah Syndergaard in the rotation? Duh, after the Wilponzis get him for another year under “control.”
Question 5) Who’s on first? The least expensive option (i.e., Duda).
Question 6) Who’s at SS? The least expensive option (i.e., Tejada).
John I don’t understand your logic. QUESTION 1) It was the agents who requested the meeting so from the Met viewpoint there was no interest in signing him. It’s simply a scheme by the agents to show more teams showing interest to drive up the value of their client to potential suitors.
Question 2) You do read the papers right? You know that there are 2 outstanding loans for 600 million dollars that are due in June of 2014. In order to re-finance they have to show the banks that the team is still a viable commodity and a financially stable investment. If the budget is 80,90 or 100 million, signing the right free agents and making the proper trades can make a play off team without overspending on players who are past their prime and just looking to extend their careers. The Mets can be a playoff team with a 90 million dollar budget. If the Braves, A’s, and Ray’s can do it, then why can’t the Mets? Spending money for the sake of spending it to appease fans doesn’t work. If they were active participants in the Ponzi scheme they would have pulled their money before the ship went down. Ignorance is bliss. that’s why they are still the owners of the team.
Question 3) So Johnson’s asking price was too steep for the Mets shallow pockets. So therefore you conclude that the team should sign Bronson Arroyo who is looking for money than Johnson. Hudson being injured at Citifield has nothing to do about his signing elsewhere. You don’t think if the Mets offered the most money he’ll tell them I can’t sign with you because I got hurt here. Does sound pretty silly don’t you think? Don’t you have a feel by now as to how SA approaches free agency? He’ll wait to see what’s left over and invest as little as possible on a starter. And why not? He knows he has depth in the minors ready to come up so why tie up any free agent starter to more than one season? You say the team will turn their attention to Halladay or Arroyo but that’s purely speculation on your behalf. For all we know the team may just be looking at a Dice-K type pitcher and nothing more.
Question 4) Finally an easy one. Late May or early June so the team gets an additional year of control,
Question 5) Why do you have Braun who’s a natural left fielder playing first? Makes no sense. And how do you perceive Brewer management in trading their top offensive player for a player who just had his worst season in his short major league career? Do you base the trade on Ike’s potential? You trade value for value. If Braun before has given the team x amount then you have to reciprocate that amount. SA IS NOT going to trade any of his young starters. He does not have to. Especially when they’re ready to make an impact on the major league level.
Question 1 still stands. I understand this was a ploy from agents. But the question is what will be the Mets big splash we have heard talked about.
Question 2: I understand the Mets financial woes but quite frankly they aren’t my concern. I think Mets fans deserve ownership that will actually treat the Mets like a major market club.
Question 3: It was a question not speculation. Okay, I did speculate a bit about Halladay.
Question 4: agreed.
Question 5: I remember Braun coming up as a third baseman, he’s not a great outfielder so I figured he could make the move to first. This was pure speculation on my part. This is the time of year for speculation and what ifs…. But one, this trade won’t happen and two I gotta admit Braun while not being a great outfielder isn’t at the stage of his career where he’d make that move. Plus as average as an outfielder as he is he’s still a better fielder than Duda out there so if the Mets did trade Davis for Braun (which I repeat won’t happen) Duda should play first. Still the point of the question was the Mets need a change at first.
Question 1) The Mets big splash was signing Chris Young to an incredibly ridiculous 7.25 million dollar contract.
Question 2)Met financial concerns are not your worry yet you mentioned them in your question 2 analysis. They should concern you. While Selig remains on office MLB will never force the Wilpons to sell. So for the foreseeable future we are stuck with them and their meager payroll.
Question 6) I would of said Peralta but that money just went to our newest 4th outfielder. I honestly do not understand Alderson’s logic here. Don’t give Byrd 8 million but give a guy with a suspect OBP and a below average hitter i million less.
bottom line: the Mutts are a sad, pathetic joke of a team because of the freaking Coupons……SELL THE TEAM ALREADY!!!!!!!
Question 2 has always been my biggest concern, and the most disturbing, because if you solve question 2, then most of the other pieces fall into place.
We know why the Mets have a $90M budget, and if all of the stars were aligned, and they could operate within this and put a playoff team together, then I could accept it. But they can’t, and should have enough flexibility in their payroll to get whoever fits their needs. Having a budget for a big market like NY of say, 120M should not even be close to a problem, and is still actually quite modest and less than where they should be at. Especially with the extra 25M coming to them this year.
The Dodgers were in similar financial difficulties, for different reasons, but nonetheless were forced to sell. Now they are a powerhouse. Selig and Wilpon are buddies, so Selig will never force them to sell. This is a disgrace. The Mets are a joke right now as an organization, and the only way any free agent will come to them is to severely overpay. And who could blame them? Would you want to be a Met? The only players agreeing to sign are those who need to get their careers started again.
When you think about all the money the charge for tickets and concessions, compared to the Royals, or some other team that has a payroll like the Mets, then it really makes me sick. If you want to charge prices like a big market team, then you better damn well be prepared to spend money for the fans that support you. It’s time for the commissioner to do the right thing and force the Wilpons hand. He gave them a chance and the result is a resounding fail.
John – Can we start a petition to express our displeasure and send it to the Commissioner’s office? I’m sure every Met fan would sign 😉 I know it probably would fall on deaf ears, but the point would be taken.
Thanks for letting me blow of some steam!
If you own a house in an upscale neighborhood and the roof leaks, you find a way to get the money to fix the roof. If you don’t, the house gets ruined and loses value. If you can’t get the money, then you sell the house and you make a profit because it is in an upscale neighborhood and buy something cheaper that will keep you dry. It seems like the Wilpon’s are all wet.
Tom Seaver did not pitch in AA. He spent his one minor league season at AAA Jacksonville.
Tom in those days Jacksonville was the mets Double A and Tidewaters was the Triple A. (Unless I have my dates wrong.)
Greg I have a better idea. If you stop spending your money on the team, the Wilpons cannot stay in control of an enterprise that no one is willing to support. BOYCOTT Citifield. It doesn’t mean you can’t listen on the radio. I wouldn’t even support SNY since the Wilpons have a stake in that as well. Once attendance drops to say 1.5 million or less than the commissioners office will have to do something it has been procrasatinating for some time now.
Pete – Of course that’s the best solution! If we can only get everyone to do this. I myself haven’t been to a game or watched SNY for a couple of years. Maybe a combination of boycotting and writing a letter to the Commissioner’s office signed by as many fans as possible.
Depends on 2 things right now. Who the next commissioner is going to be(and will he have the guts to tackle this issue) and can the Wilpons re-finance their 2 loans that are due in June 2014. If they can’t get new terms on the 600 million that is due, I don’t see how Selig can allow the Wilpons to file for bankruptcy. Stay tuned this may get quite interesting very soon.
Funny how I still think of the short time Bart Giamatti was Commish and thinking how great he would be. Of course we never got to find out, but he really impressed me. I just never liked Selig. I guess he’s done some good things, but he always rubbed me the wrong way.
I any case, it can’t stay like this for much longer. Funny how I read in the other article posted where the Mets in 2004 were shopping in a similar fashion, but had $100M payroll, and they were being frugal! That was a long time ago!! What does that translate into today’s $$??
Bingo! I can’t believe people still go to AAA games at Citi! Attendance and revenues will continue to go down, if the product stinks….
The Mets had their AAA team in Jacksonville up to 1968 and moved it to Tidewater in 1969.(You can look it up)
Thanks. That was due to my bad memory. It’s amazing I have been remembering it wrong for all these years!!
Truth is with a 120 million dollar payroll tou get Choo in right field , Peralta at shortstop, a solid hitting first base man, a competent bull pen and a good manager to handle the roster. Then again the Mets do play in the number one market in America and should reflect that. A competitive team will draw 2-2.5 million fans. A winning team will draw 3 million fans again(and pays for itself with the additional monies from those fans). That’s why I say the this current ownership is on life support. All we have to do is help them pull the plug.
And we would still be millions under a “normal” NY budget! What a sad statement…
1. Will the Mets ever win a WS again while owned by the Wilponsis?
2. Will the Mets have a competitive team build by the 3 Stooges?
3. Will the 3 Stooges ever get a position player that was not part of the garbage pile or released by another team?
4. Will the Wilponsis and Sandy the Clown ever tell the fans the truth?
5. Does bad team = less fans = less revenue ever make sense to these idiots?
Come back Omar, at least you wanted to win and build a winning team.
Joe you are soooo right! Especially number 5. Which has to make you wonder how much longer can they hang on? Cross your fingers and hope they can’t re-finance their loans next year and you’ll have an early Christmas gift.
In regards to the shortstop problem… Does anyone think peralta was the guy to over pay? Possibly 14 a year for 4 years ? I understand it’s alot for him but his bat behind wright would help us that much more with murph in the mix plus the other guys they plan to sign. But now we will probably overpay for drew…
Notice : the question with Lucas Duda is not if he will be the next Chris Davis but will he be the next Eddie Yost, who was known as the “Walking Man”.
Now there’s a blast from the past! Like when Giambi was with the Yanks that one season where he just wouldn’t swing the bat and had like 150 walks. Maybe instead of all these upgrades we keep hoping for, the Mets will downgrade their ambitious off season shopping wish list.