With Jay Bruce back, attention turns back to the infield

Kudos to Sandy Alderson for waiting out the market and bringing back Jay Bruce on a reasonable contract. No, he's not a perfect player, but he clearly fills a number of needs. However, at last check, the power hitting right fielder/first baseman can't bat lead off or play second or third base, so at least [...]

Are the Mets really nosin’ around in the bargain bin?

As we learned last week, there's little transparency when it comes to the Mets' payroll budget. Is GM Sandy Alderson just shrewdly waiting out the market or are his hands fiscally tied by ownership? If we consider the later scenario, then top free agents like Jake Arrieta, Yu Darvish, J.D. Martinez and the three hitters [...]

What exactly is the Mets’ budget for 2018?

Following a flurry of trades and signings at the annual Winter Meetings in Orlando, FL, the Mets walked away with a new middle reliever. Fans are understandably disappointed (okay, furious in some cases) as the team clearly has some glaring holes that need to be filled following the mid-late season salary dump of six veteran [...]

A Jay Bruce reunion makes too much sense to pass up

While the Mets front office continues searching high and low for a second baseman, reports surfaced yesterday that there was mutual interest between the Mets and outfielder Jay Bruce. While figuring out the rotation, infield and middle relief might be an enigma, this one move seems like a no-brainer. Bruce has already proven himself in [...]

The Mets should think twice before trading Steven Matz

Lefties are an odd bunch. So in demand, yet, as prospects, they often don't develop as predictably as their right-handed counter parts. While some elite lefties come out of the gate strong like Clayton Kershaw, Chris Sale and Cole Hamels, many need a few years to find their groove. Be it mechanics, control or injuries, [...]

Do the Mets have the trade chips to swing a deal?

Teams like the Dodgers, Yankees and Braves have an enviable pipeline of desirable, high-level prospects that could be used in trades. At this time, the Mets do not have this luxury. Sure, we have some solid young arms we acquired through the draft and last summer's trades, but they are not of particularly high value [...]

How Alderson and Callaway might shuffle the deck

Following a brutal season of injuries and disappointments, as well as a yard sale of veterans on expiring contracts, the Mets have a lot of holes to fill this off-season. As has been reported to death however, GM Sandy Alderson won't have more than about $30 million in payroll flexibility with which to work. At [...]

What the Mets can learn from this post season

So far this critical Mets off-season is off to a great start. Ownership finally accepted that having a triple A team in another time zone and hitter friendly climate wasn't the best idea. Moving the squad to upstate New York will allow for better roster flexibility and organizational communication. Signing a progressive young manager known [...]

Time for a change in philosophy

As the Mets front office mind trust carefully considers their next manager and pitching coach they need to look beyond resumes and intangible leadership qualities. Managing and coaching this team will require a keen mind and an adaptive personality. This is not a typical team that's in clear win now, rebuild or tear down mode. [...]