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Quick Hits: Mets, A’s, Cubs

By TC Zencka | November 20, 2021 at 10:56am CDT

The Mets current payroll already sits at about $185MM, but owner Steve Cohen would still rather add through free agency than deplete an already thin farm system by trading away prospects, per Deesha Thosar of the New York Daily News. Cohen’s comments were pretty telling as he introduced new GM Billy Eppler. Said Cohen, “We don’t really have a lot in our farm system to supplement what we need. It’s going to require spending. That’s what’s going to happen. I’ve let Billy know that I’m willing — for the right deals and right free agents — to go get the players we need. We want to be competitive.”

The Mets’ strategy appears to be to let walk the free agents who can net them draft picks (like Noah Syndergaard and Michael Conforto), while dipping back into free agency to replace their on-field production. That’s a sound team-building strategy, so long as the Mets are able to find the right free agents to round out the roster. From a forward-looking perspective, the added draft picks will certainly help in building a sustainable development engine, which should be the goal of every franchise. Elsewhere around the game…

  • The Athletics have made a move to purchase land in Las Vegas that could be home to a future stadium, per Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle. The exact location hasn’t been revealed as the A’s continue on the “parallel paths” track for future planning, exploring their options in both Vegas and Oakland. As of now, this constitutes little more than another step in the A’s flirtation with Vegas. That said, it’s an important step. The A’s current stadium lease runs through 2024.
  • The Cubs struck quickly this winter to nab Wade Miley from the Reds. Miley joins Kyle Hendricks as the only two pitchers currently locked into starting spots for next season, per Russell Dorsey of the Chicago Sun-Times. That’s actually a better foundation than the Cubs have had in recent seasons, at least if you buy into Miley’s breakout last season. As for the rest of the rotation, it’s currently a four-man stable auditioning for three open rotation spots. Adbert Alzolay, Justin Steele, Keegan Thompson, and Alec Mills will all compete for bulk innings next season, even if one or more of that quartet ultimately gets bumped into full-time bullpen roles.
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Chicago Cubs New York Mets Oakland Athletics Steve Cohen

Offseason Outlook: Baltimore Orioles
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Needs Align For Rays, A’s In Honeywell Trade
View Comments (118)

Comments

  1. rodcannon

    6 months ago

    Now that Cohen has revealed that he plans to sign free agents as opposed to trading minor league prospects, who should the Mets go after?

    Reply
    • Dan Hunter

      6 months ago

      Gausman
      Rodon
      Bryant
      Marte.

      at least.

      Reply
      • Baseball 1600

        6 months ago

        You’ll get 2 of those guys max

        Reply
        • Samuel

          6 months ago

          @ Baseball 1600;

          They may not get one.

          Are they going to “wait for Stearns” after signing Eppler for 4 years – when Eppler hardly seems to be the sort of GM Stearns can work with (and Stearns is already seeing the owner giving Eppler directions)? Did they “let” Thor and Conforto walk? Seems like spin to me.

        • fisher40

          6 months ago

          They will NOT get Stearns lol He’s working on a contract extension with the Brewers which should be announced prior to spring training in February

        • steelerbravenation

          6 months ago

          Must not know to much bout the situation but it’s been reported by numerous sources that Eppler & Stearns are extremely good friends & its most people’s opinion that Eppler would have been a higher priority but he was telling people he was not interested in returning to a front office after Artie Moreno hired Mason and he didn’t want Ausmus to go.
          Stearns will be a Met next year it’s the biggest open secret in the game right now.

        • deweybelongsinthehall

          6 months ago

          It’s also not a one year strategy. As much as they want to get better now, they and any team that can spend should forecast a couple years down the road and include your own Ayers and those you may consider targeting. Just a hypothetical, they could improve this year with every day players but then target the 22 pitching class, etc.

        • mookiesboy

          6 months ago

          two with Stroman and a couple pen arms would be quite an improvement

        • Dan Hunter

          6 months ago

          Eppler has free rein to lot of money and said he would spend large.

        • Dan Hunter

          6 months ago

          They will not get Stroman.

        • fisher40

          6 months ago

          I’m from Wisconsin, and according to media outlets from the state says that the Brewers will be giving Stearns a contract extension by February. You can’t trust what the NY media says, they’ll say anything to get a story out there. Stearns will be staying out with the Brewers for the forseable future

        • tidybowlman

          6 months ago

          Eppler & Sterns are really close friends

        • tidybowlman

          6 months ago

          “You can spend lots of money” is “directions”? lol

        • machurucuto

          6 months ago

          Is that you?

        • padam

          6 months ago

          But Stroman wants NY (he’s also from NY). Yankees are always a possibility, but the Mets would seemingly be in play.

        • Cosmo2

          6 months ago

          Stroman just trash talked the Yanks to the media I think. Doesn’t seem like they are a possibility for him.

      • VonPurpleHayes

        6 months ago

        That’s quite a lot.

        Reply
      • Top Jimmy

        6 months ago

        If the strategy of letting Thor and Conforto walk was to accumulate draft picks, then you can bet they are not going to sign guys that will cost them draft picks.

        Reply
        • Samuel

          6 months ago

          @ Top Jimmy;

          LOL

          All they do is spin.

        • pt57

          6 months ago

          The Mets could co sider it wash.

      • matteste187

        6 months ago

        Bringing back stro and Baez and adding KB grey and marte. Plus 2-3 bullpen arms.

        Reply
        • vtadave

          6 months ago

          lol why not just throw in Scherzer and Story as a utility guy?

      • Cosmo2

        6 months ago

        That’s a 280 million dollar payroll. At least.

        Reply
        • lordd99

          6 months ago

          It’s possible they may opt to have a payroll in that vicinity for a couple years while the farm system is rebuilt.

        • Cosmo2

          6 months ago

          But that’s 280 million without filling out the rest of the roster. It’s gonna be really hard for me to fight against the tide of “lol Mets” when they have a 300 million dollar payroll and at best are fighting for a wildcard. Ridiculous.

        • VonPurpleHayes

          6 months ago

          Fans tend to think year-to-yrar. The Mets may not want to splurge right away. They need to consider the future as well. Does it make more sensw. to blow past the tax now or to try and develop a decent competitive core and go crazy at the deadline? Tough decisions await Eppler and co., but at the same time the NL East is a winnable division. The Braves are still very good. Phillies and Mets have a ton of holes, but the talent is there.

        • nyfan

          6 months ago

          We also don’t know what the luxury tax landscape looks like right now.

      • alproof

        6 months ago

        Desclafani. Need 3 OFs.

        Reply
    • PitcherMeRolling

      6 months ago

      I’d love to re-sign Stro.

      Marte or Avisail Garcia

      Baez or Bryant would be great, but don’t think it’s likely.

      More pitching, then some more pitching after that.

      Reply
    • Al Hirschen

      6 months ago

      Max ,Bryant , Cueto Schwarber Baez would be a good find for the Mets

      Reply
  2. Alkie

    6 months ago

    I’m not CHEATING on you, baby, I’m maintaining a relationship with another woman in Vegas to keep “parallel paths” open.

    Reply
    • lordd99

      6 months ago

      At least they seem to be trying to force a resolution. While I’m not an A’s fan, I certainly hope they get to keep their team and eventually in a new park. If not, it’s time to move on.

      Reply
  3. Dan Hunter

    6 months ago

    Gausman
    Rodon
    Bryant
    Marte.

    at least.

    Reply
    • daddytbone

      6 months ago

      I’ve watched Bryant since day 1. After the Cubs won he became a stat accumulator, sure he gets hot and can carry a team for a few games then it’s the same story. Most importantly he’s glass, he won’t play if he has a hang nail. So yes I hope the Mets do sign him

      Reply
      • gbs42

        6 months ago

        Bryant has played 144+ games in 5 of 6 full seasons. How is that “glass?”

        Reply
        • mike127

          6 months ago

          On top of that gbs, he played many of those 144+ banged up to which it can be argued that some of his personal numbers may have suffered.

          If he can play, he’s pretty much in the lineup.

      • lordd99

        6 months ago

        Fans have weird takes and comments. Yeah, that Henry Aaron guy, what a stats accumulator. Sure wouldn’t want him.

        Reply
      • tidybowlman

        6 months ago

        He reminds me of Conforto

        Reply
  4. daddytbone

    6 months ago

    Mutts should start by resigning Baez. Friends Lindor and Baez playing next to each other in the infield the defense would be sound and they would push each other to be better offensively

    Reply
    • Cosmo2

      6 months ago

      They won’t “push each other to be better offensively” cuz that’s not a thing.

      Reply
      • Sherm623

        6 months ago

        And “pulling each other” sounds inappropriate

        Reply
  5. Adolpho67

    6 months ago

    Lol Mets letting their stars walk while dipping back into free agency to replace production is a sound strategy…boy! Where was that sentiment for the Cubs?

    Reply
    • myaccount2

      6 months ago

      Cubs aren’t aiming to be competitive and the returns they got were meh.

      If the Mets really are using this strategy, it’s not a bad idea. It isn’t as if the Mets are talentless, they were just overrated entering the season.

      Reply
      • Kayrall

        6 months ago

        Wrong

        Reply
        • tstats

          6 months ago

          Justify that, I think the return for Williams/Baez was the strongest by far but that doesn’t change the fact that MOST of what they got was lotto tickets

      • iml12

        6 months ago

        Cubs did really well at the deadline and might of found a cheap gem at first base by moving Rizzo.

        Reply
  6. krussMETS

    6 months ago

    If the plan is to fill all their holes through free agency then the Mets are in trouble. Already at $185 million and you need an infielder, at least 1 outfielder but probably 2, 2 starting pitchers at minimum, and probably a closer as I don’t see how you can go with Diaz again. Unless Cohen doesn’t have a problem with a $300 million payroll, it’s tough to see how they’ll compete.

    Reply
    • Samuel

      6 months ago

      Yes, it seems an odd strategy……

      They can go over the cap, but the penalties will guarantee that they’ll get penalized on draft choices. So an already poor farm system will stay that way. The spending will have to continue ad infinitum – and no team has ever won that way.
      –
      The Yankees built the WS teams of the 90’s-early 2000’s when the FO people finally convinced George to stop buy expensive FA’s (they went 12 years without making the playoffs) and to coventrate on building a farm system.

      Reply
      • Sherm623

        6 months ago

        Coventrate? Think like a witch?

        Reply
      • tidybowlman

        6 months ago

        I don’t think you get draft pick penalties unless it goes on for years. They have three high picks this year, which will help cushion the blow going forward.

        Reply
    • Cosmo2

      6 months ago

      Yep. Kruss, you are correct. Everyone else seems to think that pushing the payroll to 300 million to produce a, maybe, 92 win team is somehow not insane.

      Reply
  7. Samuel

    6 months ago

    Yankees II

    Let’s see what FA’s want to go to NYC and play for the Mets.

    Reply
  8. downsr30

    6 months ago

    Cubs will be all over the 1-2 year deal signings, as they should be.

    Pineda, Bundy, Eduardo Escobar, Michael Conforto would all be great sign-and-trade chips – or if nothing else just stopgaps.

    Reply
    • myaccount2

      6 months ago

      I don’t see Conforto as logical. Cubs fall under the umbrella that would cause them to sacrifice a second round pick for him, I believe.

      Reply
      • downsr30

        6 months ago

        I think Conforto, like other rejecting qualifying offer FA’s will wait until after the CBA to sign a deal in hopes that there’s a change in the system.

        Reply
        • 5toolMVP

          6 months ago

          I highly doubt the new CBA will change anything that would affect THIS QO off-season. Something regarding QO changes would likely take affect NEXT off-season 2022 moving forward.

        • tstats

          6 months ago

          Any change will not come into place until NEXT off-season

  9. JimmyForum

    6 months ago

    The Cubs will sign one (if not two) of Stroman, Rodón, Ray or Gausman. Although Scherzer would love to pitch for the Cubs and most likely would take a discount to do so, the new regime isn’t dumb enough to throw that kind of money at a 37 yr old with a history of tired arm. That’s something the Cardinals would do.

    Reply
    • gbs42

      6 months ago

      Why would Scherzer “love to pitch for the Cubs” and at a discount? He wants to pursue World Series titles over the last few years of his career, and the Cubs are starting a rebuild.

      Reply
    • willyb

      6 months ago

      Curious where you’ve heard that Scherzer wanting to pitch for the Cubs? Dunno if there’s a fit there… but an interesting thought

      Reply
    • Dogbone

      6 months ago

      If the Cubs could just get one of the first 4 pitchers you mention, I’d be happy. But not Scherzer – he doesn’t fit their time line.

      Reply
    • riffraff

      6 months ago

      My guess? – cubs do the whole ” throw %$#@ against the wall and see what sticks” approach. 3 or 4 one year deals for pitchers rebuilding value or just want the innings to either get traded at deadline or set themselves up for payday at end of the year. Cobb, Bundy,Paxton, wacha all come to mind. Maybe a reunion with lester. Theo did it well have to imagine Jed will give it a try

      Reply
      • downsr30

        6 months ago

        Yea – the Cubs won’t be signing the big name guys. The only big names they should have interest in (but still won’t get) would be a Correa or Seager, because they are still young and the contract would be long enough where the Cubs would still have them in their next contention window.

        No use in signing anyone big over 30 and wasting $ on them when you know you aren’t going to contend. Much better off signing a bunch of low-risk, medium-high reward guys, and if it turns to gold and you can contend for a year great, but if not, flip them for prospects at the deadline.

        This will be an expedited version of what the Cubs went through from 2011-2014.

        Reply
        • rondon

          6 months ago

          I think it’ll be a combination of both. They had a fairly low cost roster when Theo signed Lester to build around. One front line power arm would be a good way to start with all the young arms vying for spots next season.

      • iml12

        6 months ago

        Agreed. Find the best value on short term deals with no qualifying offers. Bring up Davis at some point and hope Marquez can stay healthy and hit the rotation by the end of 2022. Try to be competitive and if it doesn’t work have another trade deadline fire sale. The farm will be stacked by the end of next year.

        Reply
  10. jvent

    6 months ago

    $185 mil currently ? Is that without Syndergaard,Conforto,Stroman,Baez,Familia,Betances,Hill,Pillar and the other free agents on the Mets ? I know between Lindor,deGrom,Cano,Carrasco, McCann and Walker is about $110-$120 mil , the rest of the team that’s not really making much is the rest ? Wow.

    Reply
    • gbs42

      6 months ago

      Those 6 are making over $130M next season.

      Reply
      • Krlnd

        6 months ago

        Jvent is correct.

        Those 6 are making “only” ~$118 MM, not over $130M (also remember the Mariners are paying $3.75M of Cano’s contract every year).

        Reply
    • Doug Dueck

      6 months ago

      Syndergaard signed a one year contract with the Angels so yes the 185M is without him.

      Reply
      • Lee Mazzilli for HOF

        6 months ago

        Ouch. Team has some definicies that some high free agent signing won’t resolve

        Reply
  11. Chev Chelios

    6 months ago

    Las Vegas Athletics sounds perfect.

    Reply
    • johnk

      6 months ago

      It wold have to be enclosed stadium. About one to two billion

      Reply
  12. ham77

    6 months ago

    Cohen: Let’s see how many terrible $300M contracts we can add to the books to anchor down the roster for years to come.

    Reply
    • Cosmo2

      6 months ago

      Here’s hoping he doesn’t give in to fan pressure and avoids such catastrophe.

      Reply
      • Samuel

        6 months ago

        @ Cosmo2;

        LOL

        He’s a fan, and he’s putting on as much pressure as any other fan is.

        Reply
        • Cosmo2

          6 months ago

          That’s the image fans are painting of him and he’s embraced it but time will tell how true it really is. I doubt he’s as dumb as the average spending-equals-winning fan.

        • Samuel

          6 months ago

          @ Cosmo2;

          That’s the image he’s painting of himself by his words and actions.

        • Cosmo2

          6 months ago

          Sure. I don’t buy it.

        • VonPurpleHayes

          6 months ago

          In Cosmo’s defense, Cohen didn’t stupidity blow through the tax last year. There’s a good chance he doesn’t fo it again. He needs to be smart with his money. The spend-happy fan thing is a Twitter persona.

  13. KYLE LLEWELLYN

    6 months ago

    Would love to see the Red Sox playing on the road in Vegas!!

    Reply
  14. LebronHatesAsians

    6 months ago

    There was a legit period of time I was worried the Mets were going to take over NY with Hal and Cashmans laissez-faire attitude towards building a team to get the job done and not just keep the status quo for the Yankee brand.

    That time is over. The Mets are more dysfunctional than ever. My father would always say “I don’t know what it is with the Mets and Jets but they can never get their act together”……now I’m saying it lol.

    Reply
    • Lee Mazzilli for HOF

      6 months ago

      My dad always said the same thing. Lol

      Reply
  15. Mitchell Page

    6 months ago

    YES !!! I’m a lifelong A’s man , and I’m sick of Oakland .

    Reply
  16. The Baseball Fan (Doesn’t like the Cubs)

    6 months ago

    I came here for Metsfan22 lol

    Reply
  17. Robrock30

    6 months ago

    Mets are deluding themselves and Steve Cohen is a huge disappointment. They won’t be able to spend their way out of this mess. Cohen needs to stop listening to Sandy Alderson and kick him and his Son to the Curb and Clean House of Wilpon holdovers now. Bring in a new voice to change the Culture not just manage the existing dysfunctional mess. Time to Rebuild. If Degrom isn’t healthy they have no pitching. LOL

    Reply
  18. Amazins

    6 months ago

    Almost have to sign Stroman, not a big fan but he’s a good pitcher who’s proven he can pitch in NYC. I expect some trades, their roster has been off for a couple years, too many guys for the same position, package and move some people. Smith, McNeil, Davis, might be selling low but another year of them in the same spots would be depressing. Perhaps the DH would help, we have plenty of those……

    Reply
    • kodion

      6 months ago

      Stroman needs a top-5 infield defense behind him to be worth the money he should get. Mets don’t have that.

      Reply
      • Dan Hunter

        6 months ago

        bryant baez lindor and alonso then

        Reply
      • MetsFan22

        6 months ago

        If we get Baez it’s…Baez Lindor up the middle…. That’s more than good enogh.. you don’t even know who are 3b is yet.. might be good defensively ‘zzz

        Reply
        • kodion

          6 months ago

          So Stroman and Baez then? That’ll add 30 million or so more to payroll …what else are we still shopping for, Steve?

        • Samuel

          6 months ago

          Biaz @ 2B?

          It would sure help that awful defense.

          But where do they play Cano? They already have a 1B, another 1B in LF, and 1-2 other guys that should be DH’ing.

  19. anthonyd4412

    6 months ago

    Of that group I’d bet only Steele makes the rotation, the other 3 in the pen. Cubs will acquire/sign two bat missing SPs.

    Reply
    • egrossen

      6 months ago

      I think Alzolay is the best of those 4. Especially if he can limit the long ball.

      Reply
      • cubbbies15

        6 months ago

        I think Keegan Thompson makes it and maybe Justin Steele. Thompson was the better of them. Depending on his shoulder from late seasson.

        Reply
  20. SalaryCapMyth

    6 months ago

    Hmm..Really wondering what Cohen means by “the right free agents”. Mets are going to need pitching. Is Sherzer “right” or is he a little TOO right? Cohen said it will take spending. Does that mean he will pump another $40 mil in AAV to an already significant payroll even without having signed a single player yet?

    I would like to take all this at face value but their still feels like there’s a gap between “I’m willing to spend money” and “I’m going to smash through this luxury tax ceiling”.

    Reply
    • Cosmo2

      6 months ago

      They’ll smash through the luxury threshold before they complete two major signings. The question is: is he dumb enough to push payroll far beyond that.

      Reply
  21. Camden453

    6 months ago

    Well, Eppler signed Rendon and Cozart, both of which were not very good signings

    Rendon would have been a good signing for teams who needed that last piece for a title, but the Angels were not in that position

    Cozart was 32 and (obviously) benefiting from Great American Ball Park. Any good GM would have avoided Cozart

    But, Eppler not only was in a position where he was in between with not having prospect capital and depth, he also may have been pressured by the owner to spend on anything.

    What could he do? He couldn’t rebuild. Adding Rendon, a very legitimate core piece, was his only logical option

    Since Cohen has been adamant about not just throwing money around but throwing money around wisely, I’m sure he and Eppler had those discussions about his plans for free agents

    In other words, I doubt Cohen would have went with Eppler if he was left with the impression that Eppler would have thrown money at bad free agents

    Reply
    • Samuel

      6 months ago

      @ Camden453;

      I’ve read your stuff. You’re very good.

      No expensive FA is going to be signed by any team without a sign-off from the owner. You’re talking about 10’s of millions and now sometimes 100’s of millions of investment dollars.

      Artie talked to Boras about Rendon when he was bidding on Cole. Whether Eppler and he discussed it beforehand – who knows?

      Here’s the thing – Cohen is going to continue to be a George Steinbrenner hands-on owner. He demanded a hitting coach be fired early in 2021; he pressured his young manager to say the players needed to play harder…..etc.

      Eppler will meet with Cohen on player moves. We can be sure that anything Cohen suggests will be carried out unless Eppler makes strong arguments to the contrary; and anything Cohen doesn’t want to do will not be done. Doesn’t mean this can’t work – but it does mean that Eppler is in the same position he was in Anaheim.

      Postscript – don’t know that David Stearns can work in this structure.

      Reply
      • Camden453

        6 months ago

        Well, I don’t know why he didn’t say fire Luis Rojas before the season started then

        Apparently he wanted him fired in August, which he should have done then also

        It was easy to see from day 1 that he was too extremely defense minded, too downtempo, and the team would struggle offensively. He was putting the team to sleep

        They won 86 games with Callaway in 2019 and completely blew it by going with Rojas

        Reply
        • Camden453

          6 months ago

          2021 was a huge season for the Mets. They were projected to win and needed to win to keep Syndergaard, Conforto, Stroman and the team together

          They will likely lose all 3. I said they should have stuck with Callaway. Firing Callaway and then going to Rojas was a bad mistake

        • Samuel

          6 months ago

          @ Camden453;

          I read your comments about the media passing judgement on prospects and creating a narrative away from reality.

          The national sports media is in the NE corridor. They create images that push those teams. When the Mets traded for Lindor and Cookie, the national sports media made the Mets out to be a WS contender. Anyone that had seen Lindor and Cookie play the previous year in Cleveland knew this was nuts – especially with that awful Mets defense that botches plays and forces their pitchers to run up their pitch counts too soon in the game.

          As for Calloway – I’m with you. The NYC media attacked and second guessed his every move. Meanwhile, the players were playing their hearts out for him. As for Rojas – I like him as a future manager. But you don’t bring a rookie manager in to take over a team of veterans that supposedly are making a pennant push (think Asmus in Detroit – pure disaster).

          I’m older and here’s the thing about the Mets and their fans today – up until the Mets unexpectedly won the WS in 1969, their fans had fun with the booted balls, bad baserunning, dumb FO moves. But todays fans take them so seriously that instead of LOL’ing at their inconsistent play, they act like it’s not happening and make excuse for those involved. Was Marvelous Marv a worse defender than JD Davis? I saw them both – the answer is no.

      • kodion

        6 months ago

        I had a similar thought: Is there George Steinbrenner DNA in Cohen’s family tree somewhere?
        It’s his money. And he might even have enough to buy himself a team …eventually

        Reply
  22. tigerbreak

    6 months ago

    Carlos Rodon and Jon Gray would make sense for the rotation. Someone who can roll in CF (Marte) and a guy like Chris Taylor would make sense for the Amazins right now.

    Reply
    • AgeeHarrelsonJones

      6 months ago

      Rodon is damaged goods. Shoulder is too risky. (like Conforto’s). But I like the idea of bringing in Gray, Marte and Taylor

      Reply
  23. VonPurpleHayes

    6 months ago

    A win-now team that’s not quite good enough to win now. Similar to the Phillies. Spending will help, but it’s no easy feat to spend and replenish the farm at the same time. Not to mention every signle team in the division is going to spend to improve. Tough road ahead for the Metsies, but they have cash.

    Reply
  24. Rsox

    6 months ago

    A’s move to Vegas is imminent, its only a matter of when not if. Lucky for Oakland Mayor Schaaf she’ll be out of office before she gets to see Oakland’s third (and last) professional sports franchise leave under her watch

    Reply
  25. outinleftfield

    6 months ago

    A’s didn’t make a move like put down earnest money or even take an option on the land, they just said this would make a nice place for a ballpark. Come on MLBTR, you are better than that.

    The A’s won’t move from the 6th largest TV market to the 40th largest. It would cost them too much money. Tens of millions per season. MLB has national TV contracts that run for 6 more seasons that say that there are 2 teams in the Bay Area market. They are not going to allow the A’s to move without paying back a huge portion of the TV revenue lost.

    This is all posturing on the A’s and MLB’s part. It is sad that its even reported as serious when its not. The A’s will build a new home on the site that has already been approved in Oakland with the financing that has already been approved and the infrastructure that the city and county are willing to provide.

    Reply
    • Samuel

      6 months ago

      1. The A’s do not get good ratings in “6th largest TV market”, the Giants do.

      2. If there’s a clause in the National TV contracts, I’d suggest that could easily be negotiated. And what “huge revenue” will be lost? Those in the Bay Area that watch national broadcasts will continue to. If the A’s move to LV, it will be interesting for fans around the nation to watch what happens. Did the NFL have TV problems because the Raiders moved from the 6th largest TV market to the 40th largest?

      3. I’ve been reading about the A’s getting a new park in Oakland, Hayward, and other locations for well over a decade. I’d suggest you find the statement from the Commissioners Office saying that they would work with the City to get a new park built. It also made clear that the situation has been going on for a long time, and it needed to be resolved soon, else the A’s were free to look at other locations.

      4. The owner that everyone hates is what’s keeping that franchise in Oakland. If he simply wanted to make more money he’d have moved that team over a decade ago. The situation is coming to a head, and with the success of the Raiders in LV, it’s hard to see why the A’s wouldn’t move there. The team could stay in the NL West which will be a major consideration if they want to move further east.

      5. We see by what’s happened in Miami that a new park does not resolve attendance issues.

      6. If that team stays in Oakland I believe that millions of sports fans would be shocked – starting with the 29 other ownership groups.

      Reply
      • AgeeHarrelsonJones

        6 months ago

        Thank you – Always appreciate your insights

        Reply
  26. jim stem

    6 months ago

    I hate this first paragraph. It implies the Mets didn’t try to keep Conforto or Syndergaard, but they DID post the QO. The players turned them down.

    Conforto I’ll miss, as he always played hard and was a team player. While not a CF, he filled in well when pressed into duty. Injury prone? I know one injury came while diving for a ball in center and another was the result of being hit by a pitch. I believe he’ll have a fine career, well into his late 30’s.

    Syndergaard? Good riddance! The guy was all about himself. His weight lifting to the pitcher to throw more 100 mph pitches than anyone else resulted in his not being available for over 2 seasons of his contract. He blamed his catcher for not getting strikes called on pitches delivered out of the zone (?!?!?!), resulting in the Mets sitting their middle-of-the-order hitting receiver in favor of their third stringer. The guy simply cannot hold a runner on first base and has failed to further develop his skills the past 4 years. He’s more concerned about maintaining his brand and hair than being on the field. Haven’t seen the guy smile or laugh with his team mates in 6 years. He stated he looked forward to accepting the Mets QO, then takes more money elsewhere. He announces to the league that he will only be throwing fastballs and changes to protect his arm…
    Hey Thor, give Harvey a call and see how his career has trended, you are headed down the same path. Good riddance!

    The team can take the Conforto $$ and offer it to Marte. Take the Syndergaard money and sign Baez. Then trade McNeil, Dom Smith and JD Davis for pitching. Work out a deal with Cano to “be injured” all year to avoid the inevitable 2022 embarrassments. Sign Castellanos for RF and Bryant for utility.

    Marte
    Nimmo
    Alonso
    Castellanos
    Baez
    Bryant
    Lindor
    McCann
    Pitcher/dh Mauricio (switch him to 3b/OF this spring)

    McNeil for Sp
    Davis for Sp
    Smith for Sp
    Mark Vientos for Sp (Baty is the better 3b prospect.)

    If they can sign another true closer, trade Diaz to restock two prospects.

    Lee (CF) could be ready to fill that every day void. He had a great AAA season after surviving his dreadful debut.

    Mets have two rebounding SP arms that could impress this spring after full recoveries.

    This payroll flexes as soon as Cano comes off the ledger. And I pray this front office regards fundamentals and contact over the occasional homerun. Look at the Braves for a blueprint the past 5 seasons.

    Reply
    • jim stem

      6 months ago

      Oh, and bring back Villar and Pillar if at all possible. If we get Villar, pass on Bryant and let Villar play 3b every day.

      Reply
  27. jim stem

    6 months ago

    Realistic signing targets:
    (Obviously not all of them, depends upon availability)

    Alex Wood
    Trevor Rosenthal
    Carlos Rodon
    Martin Perez
    Quang Hyun Kim
    Alex Colome
    Jon Gray
    Danny Duffy

    Marte
    Mark Canha
    Eddie Rosario
    Jurickson Profar
    Avisail Garcia

    …I think any of these are realistic and logical Mets free agent targets.

    Priority FA order:
    SP
    CF
    SP
    RP
    SP
    OF
    SP
    RP
    …I list 8 because trades and FA losses could free up that many spots. (Conforto, Syndergaard, Pillar, Villar, Baez, McNeil, Davis, Smith, Familia, Loup – who they should resign for 3 years, etc)

    Reply
  28. csalko

    6 months ago

    Wow. You said something nice about the Mets. “Sound team building strategy”. Thanks for that. Makes me feel a bit better as a fan. Usually MLBTR has negative stuff to say about the Mets. But it’s not like they didn’t bring that on themselves. But this is a new owner and new GM and best of all new strategies all over the place.

    Reply
  29. padam

    6 months ago

    I can see the Mets retaining Baez and possibly going after Bryant or Marte. On the pitching front, I can see Wood and Gray being targets on the pitching side. Some trades could take place based on whom they sign to fill other spots.

    Reply
    • Bill M

      6 months ago

      I can’t see them being able to afford Baez if they allocate money to either Bryant or Marte plus Wood and / or Gray. Getting any combination of those guys would be unrealistic. Let’s face it, they’re stuck with Cano / McNeil at this point. SP should be a priority, followed by OF.

      Reply
  30. agrorolm

    6 months ago

    I love these Mets fans. Everyday looking more as the Yankees, thinking that all MLB FA’s would kill to play for them, with discount prices, and always daydreaming of probable lineups, with all those free agents, lmao. One thing I can give them is that they put Javier Baez in place with their critism an booes. He did play a lot better after that. Cubs fans in Wrigley were too tolerant with his slumps, therefore, I don’t think he would play for any other team as he did for the Mets. Maybe the Yankees? Baez and NY press-fans are in mutual need for each other.

    Reply
  31. agrorolm

    6 months ago

    Also as a Cubs fan, there’s no way they will go after any mayor free agent. Maybe they’ll go after under radar players, or reclamation proyects, as they always do when rebuilding. They are hoping and praying guys like Swindell, Ortega or Wisdom continue as they finished this season, to get all of them traded for prospects by the trade deadline, if not before.

    Reply
    • rodgerspack26

      6 months ago

      this didnt age well. with the stroman addition and the fact that they are talking with Correa’s camp as well as other top line starters…they are more all in on a retool then a rebuild.

      Reply

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