Sandy Alderson

“While we were active in conversations—although not super active—we didn’t make any deals, I think going in we didn’t intend to be sellers and we didn’t intend to be buyers necessarily. We were looking at the market and what it would dictate. We set a price on some of our players, and under the circumstances they weren’t met. We’re happy with the team that we have.”

While the Mets have been playing better as of late, their decision to not make any moves at the deadline may actually prove to be a shrewd one.  Last year, Sandy Alderson was criticized for not selling off Marlon Byrd at the deadline, but instead waited out the market until he was able to obtain Vic Black and Dilson Herrera by packaging Byrd with John Buck.

I like the move to not sell low on Bartolo Colon, because while a trade would be nice, the added depth and insurance to the soon-to-be-crowded rotation is nice because you know, injuries happen.  However, I think that Colon is probably a good candidate to be moved either to a team at the August 31st waiver deadline if the Mets are out of contention, or during the offseason if they find themselves in contention.

As for Daniel Murphy, I understand some of the arguments for trading him, but there’s no need to trade a good hitter at a position where offense is at a premium.  Maybe a year or so down the road when Herrera is ready to come up, or if Flores proves that he can hit at the major league level he can become expendable, but on this team this year, Murphy is a guy who should stay right where he is.

5 comments on “Alderson defends inaction at the deadline

  • Metsense

    I have no problem with the inaction. The Mets were not in the market for rental players but should have kicked the tires on some players with 2015 in mind.
    The Mets had a need to upgrade at shortstop. The only traded shortstop that was controllable was Franklin. Seattle wanted a center fielder. Is Jackson better than Lagares? Jackson is a more complete player but is a free agent in 2016. Would the Mets have traded Lagares for Franklin? Probably not because Franklin is not viewed as a proven SS.
    The other Met need was an established quality impact bat. Cespedes might be considered that. The Mets don’t have a Lester or Gomes to offer but would a Gee and Lagares suffice? Oakland was looking for an ace with a win this year philosophy but waving 2 1/2 years of a solid pitcher like Gee and the potential of Lagares might have made the A’s think.
    Is having a controlled Cespedes for just 2015 worth it? It may have made the Mets think also.
    No, the Mets were smart to wait because there might be a better deal up the road.

  • Patrick Albanesius

    The only player that might have been a good get is Josh Willingham. I think Jerry Grote mentioned him a few times. He’s only owed around $3 million for the rest of the season, and we probably could have gotten him with several lower-level prospects since he’s a FA after this season. For whatever reason it seemed like the Twins didn’t want to shop him, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he hits the waiver wire.

    • Jerry Grote

      Thanks Patrick, I did. But Sandy early on said he wasn’t interested in rentals and Willingham is only under contract until the end of 14.

      Given that the Rockies were in LV looking at Noah, it seems clear that Sandy really was looking at completing a deal for Tier 1 hitters. Not that I care for either Colorado hitter.

      I’m flabbergasted that Price went for so little. A fairly talented, controlled pitcher, some middling SS prospect, and an 18 year old lottery ticket. Is that all you get for possibly the third best pitcher in baseball?

  • Wilponzi

    I hope Sandy, really means what he said, about Murphy..I do not see Flores, Herrara playing up to Murphy’s level offensively. So I hope the Mets plan on keeping. I was disappointed the Mets didn’t make any moves. The more I thought about I’m glad they didn’t. The only move I hope they make is getting rid of Chris Young and Abreu. As far a Colon goes the Mets goal should be to play over .500 ball this season. Colon has proved to be a big hope to achieving that. Next year with Harvey coming back, Bartolo should be moved over the winter, or maybe in the last month of the season, where his value to a contender will rise.

  • pete

    David Price was traded basically for 2 average players and a youngster. I know the Mets have a plethora of SP’S but adding Price takes all the pressure off Harvey and his desire to rush back prematurely. You could then make a package deal for either a SS or LF. I don’t expect to see Colon on the 2015 roster for the Mets anyway.

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