Mets Sign Curtis Granderson

The Mets bid against themselves and gave Curtis Granderson the fourth year he was seeking. According to reports, the Mets and The Grandy Man have agreed to four years, $64M.

We’ll cover this in more depth soon enough, but I’m at work so can’t offer my two cents at the moment. Meantime, though, post your reaction in the comments.

Mets Item of the Day

You don’t need to join the US Army to be all you can be — you can simply follow the path led by Curtis Granderson. In all seriousness, The Grandy Man wrote a wonderful book for kids that I recommend: All You Can Be: Learning & Growing Through Sports

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There is also a drawing book featuring Grandy that was written during his time in Detroit: All You Can Be: Dream It, Draw It, Become It!

Joe Janish began MetsToday in 2005 to provide the unique perspective of a high-level player and coach -- he earned NCAA D-1 All-American honors as a catcher and coached several players who went on to play pro ball. As a result his posts often include mechanical evaluations, scout-like analysis, and opinions that go beyond the numbers. Follow Joe's baseball tips on Twitter at @onbaseball and at the On Baseball Google Plus page.
  1. Steven A December 6, 2013 at 1:36 pm
    I like this better than a Choo acquisition for $100mm. The fourth year for Grandy will probably be a waste, but hopefully by then it will not matter (people forget that Robin Ventura was also a bad deal except that it worked in the first year which is all that mattered). A high likelihood (though not certain) that this deal will work out in that we will get Marlon Byrd 2013 type numbers from LF in 2014 and 2015. We are now perhaps just one moderate level move away from an expected .500 season, and if something goes very well (i.e. D’arnaud becomes a star, or Ruben a bounce-back, or Wheeler develops into an ace), and we can contend for a wild card
  2. DanB December 6, 2013 at 1:57 pm
    I was surprised, to be honest. I don’t think the Mets were bidding against themselves because eventually someone would of come up with 3 yr/$42 million which would been good enough to steal him. It does improve the Mets MLB roster which might be a first for SA. But I think it will take atleast two more upgrades to get to 500. But at least it was one step.
    • argonbunnies December 6, 2013 at 6:44 pm
      Agreed. The Mets were only bidding against themselves in that they paid a premium to get a player to join a bad team. Granderson’s a smart guy. He probably realizes they aren’t going to contend.

      A good team could have had him for a lot less, but if the Mets really wanted him, this was quite possibly the only way to make it happen.

  3. Quinn December 6, 2013 at 2:05 pm
    David Wright is the happiest man in NY with someone behind him with credibility, now only if they’d make a move for a darn SS we can all have a happy Christmas or holidays or whatever is PC right now
  4. Walnutz15 December 6, 2013 at 2:33 pm
    Sense of Urgency – check.
    Major League Player – check.
    Non-Hand-Wringing Contract, That Should Be Manageable For Any Major League Franchise – check.

    Now go get a SS, another pitcher, and BP help.

    No shortage of holes to fill on this squad. Welcome to Flushing, Curtis.

    • argonbunnies December 6, 2013 at 4:34 pm

      Non-Hand-Wringing Contract, That Should Be Manageable For Any Major League Franchise – check.

      And yet it’s the same contract that, when given to Jason Bay, was used as an excuse for not being able to make moves. We shall see…

      • DaveSchneck December 6, 2013 at 5:37 pm
        AB –
        True, but the landscape is a little different now. The Wilpons and other teams have $20 to $26 million more national TV money annually. Their contractual commitments outside of CG are much much lower than they were when JB signed. They have more players, especially pitchers, in the pipeline that have a decent chance to contribute at the MLB level at very low cost. CG still carries some risk, but in this day and age $60 mil over 4 years is moderate risk.

        Now, the Mets still need have a lot of work to do. If they stop here and leave holes or go with lame acquisitions I will be as bugged as I would be if they didn’t sign CG. They absolutely need to add a quality SP. They absolutely need to add a quality vet arm to the pen. It would benefit them greatly to upgrade SS, especially if they can find one that can leadoff at least part of the time. Lastly, a vet backup C would be nice but I consider it a luxury item at this point. Get they other holes filled appropriately and I’ll be happy and may actually be a paying customer in 2014.

        • argonbunnies December 6, 2013 at 7:23 pm
          Not sure how you define “in the pipeline”, but here are Baseball America’s top Mets prospect rankings going into 2010 and going into 2014:

          2010
          1. Mejia, 2. Flores, 3. Fernando Martinez, 4. Ike Davis, 5. Brad Holt, 6. Niese, 7. Havens, 8. Thole, 9. Tejada, 10. Urbina

          2014
          1. Sydergaard, 2. d’Arnaud, 3. Montero, 4. Smith, 5. Plawecki, 6. Flores, 7. Rosario, 8. Nimmo, 9. Cecchini, 10. deGrom

          Comparing how we felt about the first crop in 2010 to how we feel about the new crop now, I don’t see a huge difference.

        • Joe Janish December 6, 2013 at 7:30 pm
          Agreed, little difference here.

          Unless the Mets make AT LEAST two more significant moves (I don’t count Chris Young as significant), then this signing is almost identical to the Jason Bay signing, in that its main purpose was to sell tickets and make it appear as though the Mets were serious. But there is plenty of time this winter to see if more moves will be made. I do have my doubts.

        • DaveSchneck December 7, 2013 at 12:29 am
          Joe and AB,
          I agree with both of you partially. On the pipeline comment, and the top 10 prospects, the lists don’t mean anything until time determines who contributes. The 2014 list is more top heavy, with the top 4 ranked high across MLB. Also, I think they now have more depth below the top 10, especially with the arms. Regarding the Bay comp, agree 100% that if Alderson goes back to the scrap heap to fill the other holes, to me it will be as if they made no signings. He needs to fill all the other holes/weaknesses for opening day, still no excuses.
        • argonbunnies December 7, 2013 at 2:40 am
          You might be right, but I’d like to argue the point because I think the cycle of prospect evaluation is interesting.

          In 2010, the depth below the top 10 included Gee, Duda, Nieuwenhuis, Den Dekker, Puello, and Valdespin. If the 2014 below-10 prospects produce a Gee and Duda for the Mets, I’d consider that pretty good. Rather than hoping for that, I’d hope for more success out of the top 10.

          Re: top heavy, Syndergaard and d’Arnaud are regarded as potential impact players, Montero’s control seems to make him a good bet to be a major leaguer, and Smith is a kid with tools. Back in 2010, Mejia and Martinez were regarded as potential impact players, Ike’s Arizona State pedigree seemed to make him a good bet to be a major leaguer, and Flores was a kid with tools. So, leaving aside hindsight, I’d consider the top 4 a wash.

          The 6-10 spots certainly favor 2010, with Niese and Havens at 6 and 7. I was more excited about Havens than I am about any hitter currently in the Mets system (some may have more upside, but none have performed in AA as Havens did).

          Perhaps the biggest difference between now and then lies in the players recently called up? Murphy & Pagan vs Harvey & Wheeler?

        • crozier December 7, 2013 at 12:31 am
          I suppose you do. But Alderson has pitching prospects to spare, plus Murphy/Duda/Davis (some combination thereof) which in combination could net someone of value. It wouldn’t surprise me at all to see a decent trade during the meetings.

          Your remark about signing Granderson as a cynical move to increase ticket sales is baffling. Granderson won’t add significant value over Byrd, so how does that draw fans if they play at the same level as 2009-12?

          And while there was speculation that Bay wouldn’t repeat his Boston numbers, no one lacking a working crystal ball foresaw the complete disaster that was his tenure. Had he performed well, the Mets would have won more games. That’s how you increase ticket sales.

        • crozier December 7, 2013 at 12:33 am
          Edit: I meant 2009-13, of course.
        • izzy December 7, 2013 at 12:42 pm
          Selling tickets has nothng to do with Grandeson’s value over Bird’s. You sell tickets in the Winter on the perception of a good and or exciting team. Bird was signed as a minor league reclamation project. He sold zero tickets in the /winter. Then when he did good during the season he sold zero tickets because the team was bad and boring except when Harvey pitched. Harvey sold some tix. Now Granderson may or may not sell tickets now but i think they are not even reselling packages to previous season ticket owners. so I think his signing was to tell these guys to stay with the Mets because look, we did something!!!!! We signed a real HR hitter. Does it work? Don’t know. But if they make another big splash then you know Grandy didn’t sell. Its all perception in December.
        • Joe Janish December 7, 2013 at 1:07 pm
          Crozier, my cynical comment may be baffling because I didn’t present it properly. Not one Mets fan — anywhere — bought a single ticket last winter based on Byrd’s signing. Granderson, however, almost certainly is expected to cause a slight uptick in ticket sales between now and spring training. It’s no accident that the Mets made a big-name signing of a guy who most baseball fans in New York already know. On the business side of things, the Mets HAVE TO sell tickets in the offseason. How do you drum up ticket sales when no games are being played? Make a big signing. Get the fan base excited. Just look around at the suddenly positive comments right here from fans who a few days ago were expressing less optimistic thoughts.
        • DanB December 7, 2013 at 2:07 pm
          I have already started reading reports that Granderson was signed to a (gulp) backloaded contract. Why? Because not only do they do not have money now (darn those $500 million loan refinancing) but I would guess they are hoping Grandy generates ticket sales to help pay off the contract later. Mark this under, “they never learn”. When do we start hearing the “Mets will be able to sign free agency once Granderson’s large 2017 salary is off the books” comments?
        • crozier December 7, 2013 at 3:34 pm
          I agree with your reasoning to an extent, Joe. The Mets spring for a decent player and the fan base thinks they’re back on the right track. But while I’m seeing encouraged responses in the Mets community, what I see most are comments about how many holes are left to fill in order to be competitive again. So while Granderson helps to energize potential ticket buyers, I still think Alderson has to make a splash during the meetings or – to my point – the Mets are no better off than they were with Byrd. And without Harvey, worse.
  5. NCMets December 6, 2013 at 2:45 pm
    Is it a foregone conclusion that he will be batting behind DWright? He is probably the best option we have, but I think he profoiles better in the 2 slot moving Murph to the 5 spot. It would be nice to obtain another slugger to bat cleanup (Butler, Braun, Joey Bats, Beltran etc)
    • argman December 6, 2013 at 4:03 pm
      I agree. I don’t see Granderson batting behind Wright, but in front of him. You will probably see a left-handed hitting first baseman hitting behind Wright, with Murphy still batting 2nd. Of course, there could still be a lot more changes between now and opening day anyway. I’m kind of hoping there are…
      • Quinn December 7, 2013 at 3:00 am
        Why would Granderson with his .317 OBP hit ahead of Wright? Why is it a bad idea a legit 30 HR guy bats behind him?
        • Jason M. December 8, 2013 at 9:23 am
          Who’s the legit 30-HR guy here? There is no such thing as a legit 30-HR guy who plays half his games at Citi Field. Granderson and Wright will probably both finish with about 15-20 HRs apiece in 2014, assuming they each play the 120-140 games that aging ex-superstars are supposed to do.
  6. Andrew Lloyd December 6, 2013 at 5:10 pm
    nice to get the fire going this way, but would really love to see a bold trade to bring back some fresh talent – hopefully at SS. it’s the most exciting position on the field (besides P of course) – it really would be nice to have a dynamic SS in the post-Reyes era…

    So, #1 – bold trade for SS TBD. #2 – how about signing Bartolo Colon to a 1-yr, $8-10M contract? #3 – veteran, reliable bullpen arm; and #4 – depth to the roster. the Dice-K’s, the Harangs, etc etc etc.

  7. Andrew Lloyd December 6, 2013 at 5:13 pm
    correction – Colon will probably cost more like $15M, since Kuroda just signed for $16M and he’s only a year or so younger.

    Still; the Mets should get in on that. Enough BS’ing around.

  8. argonbunnies December 6, 2013 at 6:56 pm
    Here’s how I prefer to think of Granderson’s $60 mil contract:

    2014 – A fair $18 mil to add 3 wins to an improving but not yet contending team.

    2015 – A fair $12 mil to add 2 wins to a wild card long shot.

    2016 – A fair $6 mil to add 1 win to a real contender

    2017 – Release him and eat $24 mil for the privilege of helping the team improve from 2013-2016. If the 2016 team does make the playoffs, the added revenue and fan interest will probably make the $24 mil worth it.

    One contract like this is fine, but now the Mets probably can’t afford any more. Hopefully we don’t miss out on a better player down the road because of this.

    For anyone who thinks 6 WAR over the life of Granderson’s contract is pessimistic, please factor in: no short porch, age, declining speed, and positional adjustment to offense moving from CF to LF. 9 WAR wouldn’t shock me, but 3 WAR wouldn’t shock me either.

    • izzy December 7, 2013 at 12:35 pm
      I appreciate your thought processes in your posts AB, but there is really no way to measure how a guy will deteriorate. Your suspicions in general are backed by the fact the Yankees had absolutely no interest in retaining Granderson, and would rather have an older and on the surface, more broken down Beltran than Granderson, but still, nobody knows the future.
      • argonbunnies December 8, 2013 at 2:58 am
        Definitely true, I’m just guessing here! I dunno, I figure that’s what GMs are doing too when they sign players over 30.

        I’m guessing a decline based on his arc of the past 3 years, and also on the thing you mentioned — his last team, which got to see him play every day and is shelling out cash left and right, didn’t seem interested. Michael Kay, another guy who got to see him play every day, had this to say to ESPN: “The Mets overpaid a bit, he won’t hit HRs the way he did for the Yankees, but he’s a great guy and a great citizen.”

  9. The King December 6, 2013 at 7:31 pm
    Oh no, not again. I’m getting the J. Bay heebie jeebies. Slightly aging AL home run hitter from a home park that gives up lots of cheap dingers. Gets a look at the Grand Canyon, er, I mean S–tty Field, and becomes a head case. Heads for the Interstate. You heard it here first.
    • crozier December 7, 2013 at 12:15 am
      Just because Yankee stadium allows cheap home runs doesn’t mean Granderson’s home runs were cheap. In fact, an overlay of Citi Field shows over 80% of his home runs would have cleared the fences at Citi as well.

      For whatever reason, Bay couldn’t perform for the Mets. Granderson has proven his ability to do well in New York, his average notwithstanding. But advanced statistics have long proven that strikeouts and batting average aren’t necessarily indicators for success. I’m warming to this deal: good defensive outfield, potential protection for Wright. We’ll know soon enough.

      • izzy December 7, 2013 at 12:31 pm
        wow Crozier! I don’t think you realize nor remember this, but the city morgue overlay was the exact sme stuff Minaya used to justify Jason Bay and declare his HR totals in Fenway would equal out in Queens!!!!!!
        i have no problem with signing this guy. Almost anybody is better than what alderson has put in the outfield the last 3 years. But don’t say he ain’t Bay because his HRs in the Bronx went far enough to carry in the morgue. And don’t say he ain’t Bay because he succeeded in NY. Bay did the same in Boston which has the same pressure on guys.
        • The King December 7, 2013 at 1:38 pm
          A 20% reduction is enough to make anyone a head case. Add to that the natural decline from aging, and you’ve got a guy obsessed with why he can’t get it done anymore, all the while being booed mercilessly. A formula for disaster.
        • DanB December 7, 2013 at 2:18 pm
          Let’s not forget when doing all these homerun charts that the fence is only one factor in homeruns. The new Yankee stadiums has winds that blow out in right. And ask any fan in Denver about what elevation does to homeruns. I take all these homerun/fence arguements with a grain of pepper.
        • Joe Janish December 7, 2013 at 3:05 pm
          Let’s also not forget all of the homerun charts and homerun distance research that was done on Jason Bay prior to his signing. Eerily similar.
        • crozier December 7, 2013 at 3:39 pm
          Granderson hit half his home runs on the road. He won’t be Jason Bay, because almost no one in history turned in such an ungodly sustained (lack of) performance. It’s enough to make you wonder what fueled Bay’s power, and what stopped it. It wasn’t Citi, since Bay’s road numbers were dismal as well.
        • Joe Janish December 7, 2013 at 3:55 pm
          In the pre- and post- PEDs eras, players in their early to mid-30s suddenly fell off a cliff all the time. What the heck happened to Albert Pujols? To Josh Hamilton? Pat Burrell? JD Drew? For every Carlos Beltran continuing to hit in his late 30s, there are a half-dozen guys who lose it by 33/34. All it takes is a tiny decline in confidence, eyesight and/or bat speed (all of which can be preserved by steroids and/or HGH). Granderson’s batting average and OBP have gradually and noticeably declined over the past several years, and his strikeout rates have increased, so it won’t be a shock if he plays below expectations over the next four years.

          Also, it was pointed out prior to his signing, that Jason Bay hit more than half of his homers on the road, too.

        • crozier December 7, 2013 at 9:57 pm
          Joe, please. I’m well aware that players’ performances took nose dives through history. I (ahem) consider myself an amateur scholar of the game [end pompous declaration].

          Bay’s post-Boston performance is on the level of Steve Blass, which as a child I sympathetically observed, even as it aided the Mets’ eventual division conquest. If Granderson makes like Bay, I will eat my imaginary hat. Please make note of this comment, and get back to me in July 2014. I’ll make good, I promise.

        • crozier December 7, 2013 at 3:45 pm
          I’ve already said it elsewhere, but I’ll keep saying it – Bay can’t be used as a model for anything.

          But izzy, we both agree that this was an okay signing, so I’m, quitting while I’m…not ahead, exactly, but being roughly on the same page as you will suffice.

  10. DanB December 6, 2013 at 9:00 pm
    i am not criticiing the signing but I am pointing out our new outfield never hit over .230 last year. Just saying. By the way, if the Mets can’t afford to eat half of Grandy’s contract in 2017 to get rid of him if necessary, there is no chance for this team in the long term.
    • Joe Janish December 7, 2013 at 1:13 pm
      Dan, good point — that if the Mets can’t eat the back half of the contract, the club has no hope.

      Remember, though, when the Mets couldn’t eat the back half of the contracts of Castillo, Perez, Bay, et al?

      • DanB December 7, 2013 at 2:15 pm
        Backloaded contracts (as I have heard whispers that Granderson’s contract is) make that last bite much harder. I know the debt has the Mets pushing salary to post 2015 (when it should be refinanced). And I know 2013 money might not equal 2017 money if inflation kicks in. But I would of loved the Mets to pay Granderson more appropriate to his output i.e. more money now (when the Mets payroll is low) and less later when his production is lower and the Mets might want to trade him. Smaller contract equals better trade returns.
  11. TexasGusCC December 7, 2013 at 3:08 am
    A few points:
    – I believe a big benefit that goes beyond numbers is the leadership Granderson will bring to a team that doesn’t have a strong personality to guide the younger ones.
    – I was hearing 3 years at $16MM per year and thought let’s just make it $50 for 3 years. Therefore, I look at the fourth year as a $10MM year. So, $15MM per year is just fine because if Pence is worth $18MM per year isn’t Granderson worth at least $15?
    – It should be noted that while Granderson’s AVG was low, all his other numbers were pretty good. Also, if he did become a little pull happy in Yankee Stadium, that would account for a lower average. Therefore, I would not be surprised at an increase to about .260.
    – It is presumed his centerfielder instincts will translate well to the corner outfield as it did for Carlos Beltran and give very good defense.
  12. Sach25 December 7, 2013 at 11:29 am
    I wouldn’t have blinked and given this guy 4 guaranteed years to sign because clearly no other 4 year offer was on the table for this guy. And I don’t think Sandy blinked but Jeff blinked. With the Yanks making so much noise in FA, the Mets had to close this deal. I now expect both Davis and Murph to be traded to offset some of the FA spending.
    • Joe Janish December 7, 2013 at 1:12 pm
      It’s really not dissimilar to when the Mets signed Luis Castillo to a four-year deal. They probably didn’t have to go four years, but Jeff blinked, and Omar was forever crucified for it. That’s what you do — you lie under the bus for your boss.
      • crozier December 7, 2013 at 3:49 pm
        Jeez, you drop one little pop up…

        Okay, so that isn’t Castillo’s legacy…oh wait, yes it is.

    • crozier December 7, 2013 at 3:48 pm
      I expect Davis/Duda and Murphy to get traded also, but not to offset anything. Murphy’s value is as high as it’s going to get, and I bet there are clubs who think they can get far more production out of either Duda and Davis.
  13. Joe Janish December 7, 2013 at 4:06 pm
    Crozier, I’m answering here because the comments won’t nest any further … in response to:

    “I agree with your reasoning to an extent, Joe. The Mets spring for a decent player and the fan base thinks they’re back on the right track. But while I’m seeing encouraged responses in the Mets community, what I see most are comments about how many holes are left to fill in order to be competitive again. So while Granderson helps to energize potential ticket buyers, I still think Alderson has to make a splash during the meetings or – to my point – the Mets are no better off than they were with Byrd. And without Harvey, worse.”

    We are in agreement, in that Granderson, alone, is not nearly enough to help the Mets be a better team in 2014. However, Granderson, alone, is enough for a spike in ticket sales. Keep in mind that the people who will consider buying Mets tickets as a result of the signing are, by and large, NOT people who regularly check up on Mets blogs — rather, they are the “average Mets fan,” which I believe accounts for at least 75-90% of the total fan base (I’ve pulled this percentage out of my arse). In my experience, the “average Mets fan” could not tell you who is Travis d’Arnaud, nor could he/she pick Bobby Parnell out of a police lineup. But they probably have heard of Curtis Granderson.

    This is why I’m cynical about the signing — I think it’s motivated more by ticket sales than improving the ballclub. Now, if the Mets go out and continue to spend money on the free agent market, and fill their many holes, I could be persuaded to believe they prioritize winning, and believe that creating a winning ballclub is the ultimate way to sell tickets. But that would be a grand departure from the way this club has been run since Doubleday was forced out.

    • crozier December 7, 2013 at 10:05 pm
      Fair enough. Can’t wait to see how this plays out.

      And yet – it sounds strange to write this – it would be kind of weird to see you admire some sound organizational moves.

  14. Vilos December 7, 2013 at 6:12 pm
    I frankly don’t understand the cynism.
    A month into the offseason the Mets have filled and upgraded their outfield without giving up prospects and they still have their “trading chips” in place.
    What moré do you ask for?
    Oh yes I forgot. You want the Mets to spend moré because they are from NY.
    just curious
    • Joe Janish December 7, 2013 at 6:43 pm
      Frankly I don’t understand the optimism. The Mets just replaced Marlon Byrd, so maybe their offense will be as good as it was last year. But they also need to replace Harvey. And then add on more talent and fill in holes.

      And yes I think they should spend money, in part because they are based in NY but also because they are a Major League Baseball team.

    • DanB December 7, 2013 at 7:21 pm
      Nobody is questioning whether the 2014 opening day Met outfield is better then 2013. And certainly it should be a good outfield defensively. However, last year Lagares batted .242, Granderson batted .229, and Young batted .200. Lifetime Lagares is .242 , Granderson is .261, and Young is .235. Vilos, you ask what more do I ask for? While I am happy their outfield is better, I am going to ask for upgrades at two of the three outfield positions by opening day of 2015. I also am asking for upgrades at at least one infield position by 2014 and another one by 2015. And a veteran quality starter. But I am happy step one was taken after four years of trading away our best players with no replacements on the MLB roster.
  15. Vilos December 7, 2013 at 6:14 pm
    Just curious, why do you like the Mets and not the Yankees?
    (honest question, no cynism attached)
    • Joe Janish December 7, 2013 at 6:47 pm
      Whoever said I like the Mets? I’m a baseball fan. I’ve lived in the NYC area my entire life, so my choice of teams to watch on a daily basis has been the Mets and Yankees. The last 10-15 years or so I’ve chosen to watch more Mets games than Yankees games. Further, I write a Mets blog because a Yankees blog would be boring.
      • crozier December 7, 2013 at 9:58 pm
        This comment gets to the root of why I read this blog every day.
      • argonbunnies December 8, 2013 at 3:06 am
        Why would a Yankees blog be boring?
        • Dan B December 8, 2013 at 11:57 am
          Mr Bunny, Yankees are easy to predict — they spend money to make money and they believe winning makes money. The Mets are like a Shakespearean play with lies and deceptions, good guys and bad guys, father/son relationships, and of course money battles. There are a thousand beliefs here about why the Mets make the moves they do and the reasoning is rarely baseball motivated. People always slow down to look at the car wreck.
        • argonbunnies December 9, 2013 at 10:17 pm
          My retort: A-ROD.
        • Joe Janish December 10, 2013 at 1:32 am
          That would be an A-Rod blog.

          There’s a reason that there are maybe two dozen Yankees blogs, and a few hundred Mets blogs, and I think Dan B. offers strong supporting reasons.

          Here’s my take: Yankees fans expect to win, and the Yankees themselves consider anything short of a World Series, a failure. There isn’t much gray area there.

          With the Mets, it’s really hard to pin down why their fans subject themselves to the suffering and misery — especially over the past 5-6 years, but really, over the past two decades (save for brief runs in 99-00 and 06-07). In KC or Pittsburgh, there is the built-in excuse of “small market.” In NY, there is no excuse for such abject failure and perennial nincompooping. When the club was run by Doubleday and Cashen, it was first-class. Once the Wilpons took control, the franchise was ridiculed as a “Mickey Mouse” operation — and they’ve lived up (down?) to that moniker with one ridiculous act of buffoonery after another. It’s difficult to find a MLB team with more built-in material for blog fodder than the Mets — they’re like a perpetual Shakespearean tragedy.

          In comparison, the Yankees look like a scoop of vanilla at Baskin Robbins. Why choose that, when you have 30 other flavors to choose from in the same freezer case?