Mets GM Sandy Alderson gave an end-of-the-year review today at Citi Field and, unsurprisingly, most of the talk was about Jose Reyes' future. Andy McCullough of the Star-Ledger has the full transcript of Alderson's remarks, but here are some of the highlights…
- Alderson expects to be in contact with Reyes' representation within the next couple of days, though he is very doubtful that they could agree to an extension during the Mets' exclusive negotiating window. "If history is any guide, most players who get to this point don’t see any reason to make a decision within the next 30 days, that close to free agency," Alderson said.
- If Reyes doesn't return, Alderson didn't rule out the possibility of going after another major free agent, noting that "it's a fluid market."
- Alderson has a "choking point" in mind as to how much the Mets are willing to spend to retain Reyes' services. The GM noted, however, that this figure could rise depending on how the rest of the market for Reyes plays out.
- The Mets' 2012 payroll will in the range of $100-110MM, though this could obviously be boosted should Reyes be re-signed.
- The Bernie Madoff scandal and its financial fallout "has a lingering effect" on the Wilpons, Alderson believes. The Wilpons received a favorable court ruling yesterday, which Alderson said provides a better outlook for both ownership and the club itself.
- The Mets' defense "needs to be improved dramatically." Alderson also wants to improve the bullpen and figures he'll probably spend more on relievers than he did last winter.
- In response to a question about who New York's center fielder will be next year, Alderson spoke of the need for improved outfield defense and didn't mention Angel Pagan. McCullough figures this is a sign that Pagan will be non-tendered, as "the new front office has not been impressed with his play."
I thought Angel Pagan played ok, when I watched him. What exactly is the FO’s beef with him? Also, was David Wright mentioned at all during Alderson’s year end review?
Bad bat and bad glove this year. But awfully useful last year.
he’s just not a smart player… He’ll have a good game and then a terrible game, and sometimes both within the same game.
Pagan really shouldn’t be the everyday CF honestly he just doesn’t have the smarts to do it everyday he’d be a great 4th outfielder though coming off the bench though and playing when needed in RF or CF.
Somehow, my eyes blended “Reyes, Payroll, Madoff” into “Padres”, and I thought Alderson was bagging on his former employers.
I’d like the Mets to sign Scott Kazmir…give him a chance in his roots
Hmm…I don’t know about that. Sure he is a sentimental fan favorite and all, but the Mets already have a massively underperforming/regressing starter in Mike Pelfrey. No point in adding another lost soul to the mix — at least not while Dan Warthen is still in the house.
I think he’s cooked dude.
I think he’s cooked dude.
Have to keep Pagan for another year.
Mets don’t have a leadoff man without Pagan. Who can play centerfield with the type of speed he brings to the bases. Not to mention Pagan has been very clutch this season. Angel has played injured this year but was outstanding last year. This talk of non-tendering him is just a negotiation tactic. No way the team gives Pelfrey a deal and lets Pagan walk.
Since when has Pagan been a leadoff man? If I remember correctly he was pretty much terrible in the small sample size that he’d been placed there. If his OBP this year is anything to go by then don’t expect him to be hitting leadoff. Besides, what about Jose?
I actually read in a piece by Adam Rubin that one thing the FO didn’t like that Pagan did was tell Terry Collins (multiple times) that he didn’t like batting lead-off. I like Angel and he had a great year in ’10 and was a bit unlucky at the play this year (at least last time I checked), but when the manager, who was up front with guys all year, asks you to step up and be a lead-off hitter while Reyes is out there should be no griping. Pagan isn’t a big-time, HOF player that can dictate where he wants to bat (only reason I bring that up is because Chipper told Fredi Gonzalez he didn’t like batting 2nd). Hell, Collins moved Wright back and forth from 3rd to 4th and I don’t think he complained.
wow i just looked at his uzr what a swing… honestly i write this on like every board “would love to see O’s get this guy” but i would like to see them take a flyer if he gets non tendered, put AJ in LF next year, as maybe he can get on base at a .340 clip next yr for them, great leadoff when roberts retires or dies w/e
The Wilpons received a favorable court ruling yesterday, which Alderson said provides a better outlook for both ownership and the club itself.
Uhhh…no offense Mr. Alderson, but from what we’ve seen, a better outlook for ownership pretty much adds up to a worse outlook for the club and the fans in the long run. Lawsuit or no, it’s time for the Wilpons to GO!