Link Roundup: Frustration and Impatience
December is here, and the Mets front office has been rather quiet. Except for the extension of David Wright, and the release of Jason Bay, no major roster turnover has occurred.
Is Sandy Alderson just a pretender, as MMO suggests, or has the front office simply given up (Yes, I understand linking to one’s own blog is a tad incestuous)? Or could it be that Alderson is still waiting out the market instead of making a rash decision that could lead to overpaying in money and/or players? Either way, Mets fans are getting impatient.
As for Wright, he will be on the payroll through 2025, whether he is on the roster or not. $15.5 million of his contract is deferred, and will be paid in installments during 2021 and 2025. That will help free up salary in the near future, but the Mets better be in stronger financial shape nine years from now.
Andres Torres signed a one-year deal with the Giants, the team on which he had his only good major league season. So now San Francisco has both Pagan and Torres, and the Mets will likely start the year without Ramon Ramirez, the key part of that trade from a year ago. The trade can now fairly be characterized as a bust, but at the time I liked it, mainly for Ramirez. But Ramon decided to have the worst year of his life in 2012, so it didn’t work out.
The only truly big move that is likely to occur is going to be either the extension or trade of R.A. Dickey. Dickey appeared to be having a blue (blue blue blue) Christmas at the Mets holiday party this week. He wants the contract talks to move faster. The Mets appear to be waiting on the trade market now that Zack Greinke is off the board. Everyone has thrown in their speculation, but it looks about 50/50 whether he will be signed or not. They could get a good return on a trade for R.A., but Dickey gives the Mets some identity (not to mention his ace status on the mound), and is truly a feel-good story. When was the last time a Met was on the cover of Sports Illustrated?
For now, it’s time for us Mets fans to wait out the front office. Don’t expect any big moves this year. More payroll will be coming off the books following the 2013 season. Until then, your loyalty will be tested.
“Wright will donate 1 percent of his base salary to the New York Mets Foundation, and the charities will be jointly chosen by him and the team.”
Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/mlb/news/20121212/mets-wright-contract.ap/#ixzz2Eylzezf9
This almost should be required given how overpaid players tend to be.
(a) $40 million+ of completely nonproductive payroll: Santana (who I don’t expect to return in any any meaningful role), Bay, Bonilla (remember him?).
(b) lack of additonal money (due to the Wilpons financial house of cards and declining revenues as fans vote with their feet) to spend; but, in any event, who would you spend it on in this year’s class?
(c) other than Harvey (who’s now up) and Wheeler, no one in the minor league system who could reasonably be expected to play any meaningful role on an MLB team within the next 2 (probably more) years.
In short, 2013 is about (a) letting Harvey and Wheeler mature, (b) plugging at least 2 of the 4 holes in the OF and C positions with 2 or 3 year contracts, and (c) looking for better FA classes in 2014 and 2015. If we can trade Dickey for a young “difference maker”, that would help. But, other than these building for 2015 steps what could any of us expect at this point? This is where the House of Wilpon (and the COO stewardship of the Idiot Son) has brought us.
“Wright’s previous contract called for him to make $16 million next season, and the All-Star third baseman’s 2013 salary was reduced to $11 million, of which $3 million will be deferred. That means the Mets will have an $8 million cash savings next year.”
They also saved a bit on Bay. This money can, if they wanted, be spent on someone. I also think Santana can give you something ‘meaningful’ next season. I don’t know what that means though.
This is the moment to go get Peter Borjous. I think if you have Bourjus or Trumbo available you clearly would want the better player, in this scenario Trumbo may be the better player… But the Mets should get Borjous. Borjous is younger, Under team control for more years, plays centerfield, plays amazing defense, can bat leadoff & desperately wants to play every single day. Not only do you want to get Borjous for the reasons I’ve stated above, but you can also ask for a lot more in return by getting Borjous. If you are trading your Cy Young award winner for a fourth outfielder you will get more return the. You would for the more proven and starting Trumbo. The Mets have a chance to get a center fielder leadoff hitter as well as some pitching back and maybe more. This is the perfect situation for both teams.
Overall the Angels are completely going for it and just need one more piece, the Mets are in desperate need for many players. By getting Peter you take care of centerfield, lead off hitter, speed, defense in the outfield as well as the opportunity to get more in return and fill other holes. I wanted the Mets to get Peter last year and he may be coming!
I hope Alverson reads this tonight haha.
Winter doesn’t start technically for a few days, so perhaps the GM has a little more time to “do something” before he hibernates.