Alderson On Bullpen, Francisco, Wright, Collins

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson sat down with Kevin Burkhardt on SNY's Hot Stove show (video link) to discuss a number of topics, including…

• Alderson confirmed that the Mets are still looking for relief pitching despite signing LaTroy Hawkins and Scott Atchison to minor league deals over the last three days.  "We may even add a name or two [to the bullpen] between now and the beginning of Spring Training," Alderson said. "I'm encouraged about the depth and the options we have in the bullpen."
• This positivity about the relief corps doesn't extend to Frank Francisco, as Alderson admitted he's worried about the incumbent closer given Francisco's struggles and injury issues in 2012.  "I don't know that we can have a lot of confidence in where we are [at closer]," Alderson said.  "I hope Frankie does something over the next few weeks to dispel that discomfort."
• There could be competition for the closer's job during Spring Training, possibly involving a current reliever (Alderson mentioned Bobby Parnell) or a new acquisition.  "We've taken a lot of time to look at other possibilities and ways that we can shore this up.  We have added some pitching but more at the front end of the bullpen as opposed to the back end," Alderson said.
• "If there's anyone deserving of an eight-year contract in New York with the Mets, it is and has been David Wright," Alderson said.  The GM admitted that he isn't comfortable giving out such long-term deals but said that Wright's performance, history with the team and his off-the-field contributions were all major considerations in Wright's extension.
• Terry Collins is entering the last year of his contract as Mets manager and Alderson didn't give any hints that an extension could be forthcoming.  "I've talked to Terry and I think he's comfortable with his situation and I know that whatever happens this season, there will be a fair evaluation at the end," Alderson said.  He is "very comfortable with Terry" and noted that the team's win-loss record over Collins' two years as skipper isn't a major factor, though Alderson is troubled by how the Mets have faltered in the second half under Collins.
• From yesterday, Alderson also took questions from Mets season-ticket holders.