Tagged: sandy alderson
Frankie joins the ‘Brew Crew’
Immediately after the National League won their second straight All-Star Game, the Mets announced that closer Francisco Rodriguez was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for two players to be named later. Also, the Mets will give the Brewers cash considerations, which essentially means they will take care of some salary.
This is a big move for both the Mets and the Brewers for a number of reasons. In regards to the Brewers, they will be getting a top of the line closer to help set up John Axford. Sure, K-Rod may not be what he used to be, but he is a very good arm. Frankie could be a big help to the Brewers and their pursuit of a playoff berth. But, while that is a big plus for Milwaukee, they also have to be cognizant of his $17.5 million dollar option that could vest if he finishes 55 games this season. That probably won’t be a problem unless Axford goes down. Still, it is an enormous risk for a smaller market team that cannot afford an option of that magnitude.
As for the Mets, it’s a huge weight off of the Sandy Alderson and the Mets’ shoulders. Although Frankie was pitching well this year, whenever he entered a game the topic of discussion not just on the television and radio broadcasts but in the stands was that he was getting closer and closer to that inevitable option. I don’t think that it was an option to keep Francisco. That option was too much of a risk to the team. If that were to vest, the Mets would be financially tied up for 2012, delaying the Mets’ rebuilding process.
Also, with the trade there is much speculation that the Mets will begin a fire-sale and trade all valuable pieces of the team in hopes of beginning their rebuilding process.
Honestly, I don’t see that happening at all as of yet. I really don’t even see this trade as an indication that Sandy will deal Carlos Beltran. I see this trade as a necessary trade to help keep the checkbook open for 2012. The Mets traded K-Rod not because he was performing below par or because they were out of contention, but because of that huge option that could vest and force the Mets to suffer another lousy and be strapped for cash.
Fred’s digging his own baseball grave
The Mets’ owner Fred Wilpon made some outlandish comments about Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes, and David Wright. Over the past few days, in an interview with a New York based newspaper, highly criticized the three players. In regards to Carlos Beltran, Fred called him “at 65 or 70% of what he used to be” and said that he regrets giving him a seven-year, $119 million dollar deal off of one good post season. Let me tell you, if I were Carlos, I would be livid.
As for Reyes, Wilpon said that Reyes won’t be getting a Carl Crawford like deal from the Mets, thus Fred Wilpon has just told Reyes, all of the fans, and the 29 other Major League Baseball teams that Reyes won’t be signed by the Mets, and that Reyes will no longer be a Met.
Now, this is what bothers me the most. Wilpon called David Wright a good player, but not a superstar. Sure, this past year David Wright hasn’t looked like a superstar, but how can you say that about players on your own team. Why should David Wright want to play for Fred’s team anymore? Fred is giving David Wright a lot of reasons not to resign here after the 2012 season.
As Jayson Stark pointed out on Mike and Mike this morning, Fred Wilpon’s criticizing Carlos Beltran has caused a few major problems. The first, Carlos has to be severely upset and he must have great animosity toward Fred and the ownership. Secondly, Fred just made Sandy Alderson’s job a lot harder. How is Sandy supposed to get a good prospect for Carlos when Fred even believes that Carlos isn’t what he used to be.
And, for Jose Reyes, the Mets now may have trouble getting a couple good prospects for Reyes because now everyone knows that the Mets will not be resigning him, so he will be on the open market.
Fred is just digging himself a deeper grave. This is all coming amongst the $1 billion dollar lawsuit and the Mets’ financial problems. Fred also added that “the Mets are bleeding cash” and suggested that their payroll could go down as much as $60 million.
I’m not sure I quite understand. You’re having trouble getting people to attend games at your $800 million dollar stadium (ticket sales are down 10%), yet you’re doing to get rid of many of your superstars and will not bring anybody of high quality back in? How does he expect to bring in fans? By throwing Minor Leaguers on the field? If I were considering buying the team, I would back out immediately due to the fact that my money wouldn’t go towards player resigning or club improvement, but towards helping the Wilpons get out of debt.
Mets fans, it’s time to start protesting the games, and don’t attend. Why should we support your team if you don’t even believe in them? Step in Bud Selig, end the pain.
The rivals
The Mets will be taking on their National League East foes tomorrow at Citizens Bank Park. Getting the ball for the Mets is going to be Chris Young, while Cole Hamels pitches for the Phils. Of course, the Mets will get to see the wonderful north east weather for the first time in seven weeks.
It will be interesting to see Chris Young pitch tomorrow. It’s probably too much to be asking for, but I expect Chris to be good. I mean, I really like him and think he was a really good, cheap pick up by Sandy Alderson. Just as long as he can remain healthy, he can be an effective pitcher. You would think that Chris would be k-ing guys all over the place because of his size, but he really doesn’t strike out many. The Mets need to solid defensively tomorrow.
The Mets had Cole Hamels’s number last year, as did many teams. Hamels didn’t pitch well versus anyone in particular, but I expect him to rebound. The Mets are pretty good versus lefties, especially David Wright.
The weather tomorrow looks as though the rain with halt around 6 p.m, perhaps only delaying the game. Sunny weather is expected the next few days, which is a plus, but it’s not Florida.
Mets release Oliver Perez
The Mets released Oliver Perez today, eating the remaining $12 million dollars that he was owed this year, his last year of the contract he signed in 2009. This release comes just days after the Mets decided to release Luis Castillo and his $6 million dollars he was owed for the remainder of the year.
Thank God. I haven’t been this happy with the Mets in a while now. There was no doubt he had to go. He wasn’t producing and he would have taken away a roster spot from a deserving candidate who actually can pitch. Perez signed a $36 million dollar deal before the 2009 season. It appeared as though Omar Minaya panicked when he gave Ollie the money. The Mets failed to land Derek Lowe and he worried there would be no pitchers left. Why? Why didn’t we let him go to the Yankees?
It’s over now, and the Mets have to move on. This is what the Mets fans wanted and expected from Sandy Alderson and Terry Collins. To make important decisions for their baseball team on the field, not the money in the bank. Who knows, maybe the Mets will draw more people at Citi Field now that they have made the changes.
Also, the Phillies signed Luis Castillo today to a minor league deal and he is expected to fill in for Chase Utley while he is injured.
Jason Isringhausen is having his elbow examined as he has some discomfort. He says he does not believe it is a serious matter. Also, check out on ESPN New York to read a story about how drug testing ended up saving a Mets minor league players life.
Mets split squad games
The Mets played a split squad series today versus the Atlanta Braves. I haven’t had much time to blog today, so here are some quick notes.
- The Mets won their home game, 7-4, and tied their second game at 3-3 in Orlando, FL.
- Chris Capuano was lights out, pitching over five scoreless innings. That also included striking out four out of five batters in a row. With the Mets re-assigning Boof Bonser and sending Dillion Gee to AAA, it looks like he will be a viable starter and he’s a benefit because he is a southpaw.
- Scott Hairston did it again, driving in three runs and hitting a triple.
- Willie Harris went yard and Nick Evans had a good day with the bat.
- Oliver Perez let up four runs in less than one inning. He walked one, a batter who was lefty, and non of his pitches were close. It needs to end, NOW. This can’t keep going on. Even Dan Warthen, Ollie’s supporter, appears to be fed up. Although Sandy Alderson wasn’t at the game, Jeff Wilpon was, which is encouraging of you are rooting against Perez.
Johan’s Rehab
Johan’s Rehabilitation schedule
According to Mets GM Sandy Alderson, Johan Santana is expected to be ready to return to the big leagues toward the end of June or possibly sometime in July. He will be throwing on flat ground until about May.
Also…
According to Jon Heyman, the Mets are far more likely to cut Luis Castillo over Oliver Perez.
I can understand this, but I hate it. They both need to be gone. And, Mets 24-year old pitcher Pedro Beato has a good chance of making the club.
I like Sandy Alderson
I have come to really like Sandy Alderson. There are a few reasons. For starters, he is a great baseball mind. He has been involved in baseball for years and has been at the helm of some very good teams (i.e. the Oakland Athletics).
I love his approach with this Mets franchise. He has taken it slow these first few months, which is exactly what the Mets needed. He doesnt appear concerned about what the media thinks and he seems to be intrigued on what the fan base and bloggers think, which is great. After all, the team still needs to be able to sell A LOT of seats. And, that wont be easy after the past few seasons.
Most new general managers would have likely felt the pressure to need to make a big ‘splash’ and show the fans that they are here to make a change. I feel Aldersons not making a huge trade or signing shows it more. He is being smart about the team and is preparing the team for years to come. It appears he is building the team up as how the Twins and Angels build their teams. Through good coaching and building home-grown players up through the minor leagues. They can make a big free agent signing if they need to, but dont need to continually break the bank to fill vacant positions.
I hope he continues to make good decisions and to bring this team to the promise land within the next three to four seasons.
Mets Hire Collins
The Mets have hired former Houston Astros and Anaheim Angels manager Terry Collins to a two-year deal to manage the club.
I dont really know much about him. From what I understand, many of the players like him and he isnt a rah, rah type of guy. I personally wanted a hot head for the team, but Collins may work out fine.
Reportedly, Collins is interested in hiring Larry Bowa to be the teams bench coach. That makes me excited because Bowa is a hot head and he may go well with Collins.
Two things that I’m worried about. One, Terry Collins is reportedly like Willie Randolph in that he handles the media in the same way. Two, he didnt have much success anywhere else.
The Mets will be having a press conference Tuesday at 11 am to introduce Terry Collins, which can be seen on SNY.
The Mets’ offseason
It’s been a long time since I’ve written a post of my own. I’ve been pretty busy and have, yet again, had computer troubles. Since I had last written a post…
The Mets signed former Athletics General Manager Sandy Alderson to be the team’s new General Manager through 2015. I think this move is great. I have to admit, I didnt know much about him before the hiring but now have come to realize this guy is the right guy for the job. To me, he doesn’t appear to be the type of GM that will be pushed around and worry what the players are making. I think he will do what’s best no matter a players’ salary.
He has also since hired J.P. Riccardi to be a special assistant and I think he will contribute greatly along with Paul DePodesta from San Diego. The Mets now appear to have one of the best front office’s in baseball. It’s pretty exciting.
I am looking forward to seeing who will be the Mets’ new manager.
Put it in the Books! 