Mets GM Sandy Alderson spoke with ESPNNewYork.com's Adam Rubin yesterday to address a number of questions concerning the club. Here are some highlights..
- The Mets are scheduled to exchange arbitration figures with Angel Pagan, Mike Pelfrey, and R.A. Dickey next Tuesday. Alderson wants to maintain financial flexibility going forward but still won't rule out giving multiyear deals to any of the aforementioned arb-eligible players.
- The Chris Capuano signing does not preclude the Mets from getting another starting pitcher. In fact, Alderson says that he would like to sign another starter for a deal similar to Capuano's. The left-hander is set to make a base salary of $1.5MM but could earn more than $4.5MM through incentives in 2011.
- Rubin asks about reports in recent weeks that say the Mets have made offers to free agent pitchers Chris Young and Jeff Francis. Alderson says that the club has talked with agents for other pitchers before and after the Capuano signing but wouldn't characterize anything as being "beyond the discussion stage."
- Alderson seems open to the idea of talking about an extension with Jose Reyes during the season. The recently-crowned GM says that he doesn't have a firm policy when it comes to in-season negotiations. Earlier this month, Alderson said that he wouldn't talk about a new deal with Reyes during Spring Training.
- No surprise here, but the Mets are looking for out-of-house options when it comes to left-handed relief. Alderson summed it all up by saying that the club is looking for starting pitching, a lefty reliever, and fourth and fifth outfielder possibilities, in that order of priority.
- There's likely a position available for Omar Minaya if the former GM wants to pursue it.
Alderson seems to be weathering the storm well. No overly risky signings thus far and no head scratcher moves. He may be able to right the ship afterall.
So far so good, sure. But one doesn’t judge a new GM’s effectiveness in the first few months or even the first year. It is a cumulative thing that takes several years to take shape. However I do agree that he’s starting off in a restrained way that may very well help the team down the road.
Alderson rebuilding approach is sound. Shed bad payroll, not add gasoline to the fire, and rebuilding the minor leagues.
Chris Young, come back to the Padres please!! We need you, you could be our number five and take a discount. You loved it there any way. The Mets won’t be contending for awhile. Come to a team that is hungry for more in 2011 with unfinished business. Make the right choice!
* Edit: Make the Wright choice!
;-)
Pretty sure they finished their 2011 business by dealing a certain first baseman.
Dickey pitched out of his mind last year. ERA easily under 3. Of course, he isn’t a big name so nobody will care how he performed when it was probably top 5 in baseball. I wonder what he gets paid in arbitration?
is it reality that alderson thinks he can reach an agreement on a contract extension with Jose Reyes? think of it this way, Reyes is having a big year therefore he’ll probably want to test free agency saying as how all these player friendly markets are happening and a shortstop is a big key to a team. secondly, if reyes is having a bad year(highly unlikey) why would you want to re-sign him trade him and get atleast something out of him. I just don’t see a possible extension with Jose Reyes in the future and Alderson could be smart by trading him now. Think about this trade him to Angels for erick aybar, and joel pineiro; solves your starting pitcher and shortstop.
Too bad Reyes has already said he wants to finish his career as a Met….he is a fan favorite and the Mets have a ton of money off the books next year…plus there is really no potential replacements for him….it would be stupid to let him walk….he will not be traded so all u non Mets fans can stop dreaming that he will be a free agent
I love Jose, but we’ll see how loyal he really is if the Mets wait to attempt to sign him. Money talks and I don’t blame players for going for more money, but if we offer him, say, 5/75 (just a random offer) and someone comes in and offers him 6/100, do you think he’ll stay with the Mets for slightly less money (per year) and a year less job security? Hard to say. I hope he stays. I think his injuries were mishandled by the traning staff then by Jerry Manuel. I still can’t believe he let him play through an oblique injury because he “really wanted to play”. “It’s ok, Jose, just bat from the right side”. What an idiot.
I’m sure you mean well….but could I get a barf bag for that comment?
is it reality that alderson thinks he can reach an agreement on a contract extension with Jose Reyes? think of it this way, Reyes is having a big year therefore he’ll probably want to test free agency saying as how all these player friendly markets are happening and a shortstop is a big key to a team. secondly, if reyes is having a bad year(highly unlikey) why would you want to re-sign him trade him and get atleast something out of him. I just don’t see a possible extension with Jose Reyes in the future and Alderson could be smart by trading him now. Think about this trade him to Angels for erick aybar, and joel pineiro; solves your starting pitcher and shortstop.
If the Mets had conviction on Reyes they would have not picked up his option and saved 11 million. Instead they let this linger for another year and will play the wait & see game. The guy has not been good lately, but if he has a good year- guy will get paid very richly.