Seinfeld for owner. Seriously the Wilson's can get almost 2B for this team....sell it to Cuban!
1
I honestly don't understand why you can't give the Mets the benefit of the doubt here. If they had listened to the media, their center fielder would be Michael Borne, who has hit about .230 since the Mets didn't trade for him a few years ago. Throughout their franchise history, the Mets would have benefited from not making trades and not signing free agents and not signing large long term contracts. Imagine if the Mets after '69 didn't make any trades. Their outfield in the 1970s would have starred Amos Otis and Ken Singleton, and Nolan Ryan would have pitched with Seaver, Koosman and Matlack.
1
Can we all agree: David Wright; it was nice knowing you. You've been a very fine Met, if not one of the greatest, we will always think of you highly, for years carrying us some of the way, but never all of the way, and, frankly, when we really needed a big hit, you just weren't there.
But, again, thanks. And goodbye.
But, again, thanks. And goodbye.
2
Agreed. A good guy. A better than average player. But never a great player. A few stellar offensive years early on, but pretty steady decline since. Decidedly not clutch. In the final analysis, kind of overrated. And now, broken. Who's our third baseman?
1
If the Wilpons have an ounce of decency them, they will sell the team to someone who will treat the team for what it is, one of the most valuable franchises in baseball. A team that certainly can afford to sign Cespedes. If not Yoenis than another big bat that will take dollars to sign. They have treated their fans and the team so poorly for so long they are not deserving to be owners.
1
Although this article is centered on Cespedes, I think the team needs to address what type of team they need to be to win. A team built on the pitching the Mets are blessed with should be putting the best defensive team possible on the field. Too many stolen bases, too many infield hits, too few double plays turned on potential grounders that other teams routinely make. These are a few of my favorite things.
A manager with some offensive insight wouldn't hurt either. The Met batting orders make you scratch your head. It seems like home-run or nothing is the offensive strategy. I don't have the numbers, but it seemed to me that the Mets were the worst team in baseball scoring a runner from 3rd with less than 2 out. Guys that never bunt in their lives are asked to bunt in key situations! Really?
A manager with some offensive insight wouldn't hurt either. The Met batting orders make you scratch your head. It seems like home-run or nothing is the offensive strategy. I don't have the numbers, but it seemed to me that the Mets were the worst team in baseball scoring a runner from 3rd with less than 2 out. Guys that never bunt in their lives are asked to bunt in key situations! Really?
2
Sell the team to Jon Stewart. He needs something to do. And sign Cespedes, lest he end up in pinstripe pajamas and I have to learn to hate him. We loved him in Oakland, but he was made for the NY stage.
2
I will join you in your 'non-serious' commentary: I would like to see the Mets throw ridiculous money at Cespedes for two or three years. I know, I know, he won't accept less than six or even five, but what if the money was crazy! I think they get the money back with fans if they can sign him for three years 90 million. I realize that is a crazy number. He could turn down $20mll per year for two years. He could turn down $25 mill per for two years. But could he turn down 30? Or what is the number he just can't turn down? It's just conversation, I know. What do you think? What number could he just simply not turn down?
1
Since the end of the season
Met losses:
--------------
Cespedes
Murphy
Uribe
Clippard
Colon
Niese
Met gains:
-------------
Walker
Asdrubal Cabrera
That is not a promising tradeoff.
Met losses:
--------------
Cespedes
Murphy
Uribe
Clippard
Colon
Niese
Met gains:
-------------
Walker
Asdrubal Cabrera
That is not a promising tradeoff.
Uribe was a fine pickup, badly underused. He should have been the starting third baseman in playoffs, could very well have made the difference. (Sure would have gotten Harvey the win.)
3
I've said this many times..."the Wilpons are horrible owners".
they have a golden opportunity to keep the Mets on the back cover of the local newspapers for the next 3-4 years
all they have to do is build a decent offense and bullpen around this magnificent pitching staff
its fool proof if the 5 starters reaming relatively healthy
I could do it, you could do it, my 75 year old mother could handle this one.
I am not so sure the Wilpons have the skill, intelligence, or wherewithal (read $$$$'s) to do this
they should be embarrassed with themselves
That being said,
LETS GO METS
they have a golden opportunity to keep the Mets on the back cover of the local newspapers for the next 3-4 years
all they have to do is build a decent offense and bullpen around this magnificent pitching staff
its fool proof if the 5 starters reaming relatively healthy
I could do it, you could do it, my 75 year old mother could handle this one.
I am not so sure the Wilpons have the skill, intelligence, or wherewithal (read $$$$'s) to do this
they should be embarrassed with themselves
That being said,
LETS GO METS
3
I have a question. How many big-name free agents have you seen the Yankees sign this offseason? What about the Cubs? How did the Pujols contract work out for the Angels (who for some reason you use as a positive example), compared to the Cardinals who let him go and built from within?
There's a reason teams like the Dodgers, Mets, and Yankees are learning to avoid going after these huge free agent deals. Almost all free agents are past their prime and declining quickly. Essentially, you're paying for what a player did in the past. That's not how you build a team.
In fact, the Yankees are so worn out from long-term free agent contracts that they've had to sit idly by and let many major upgrades go by the wayside simply because they lack the flexibility to make an upgrade.
But hey, why write a balanced, analytical description of the recent transactions when you can trash the owners?
There's a reason teams like the Dodgers, Mets, and Yankees are learning to avoid going after these huge free agent deals. Almost all free agents are past their prime and declining quickly. Essentially, you're paying for what a player did in the past. That's not how you build a team.
In fact, the Yankees are so worn out from long-term free agent contracts that they've had to sit idly by and let many major upgrades go by the wayside simply because they lack the flexibility to make an upgrade.
But hey, why write a balanced, analytical description of the recent transactions when you can trash the owners?
7
Cespedes is a hotdog!! Teams have figured out what he can't hit and that's all he will see.
4
I'm wondering if the whole Ben Zobrist thing was a feint, to drive his price up and distract from other people on the market (like the guy on the Pirates they ended up getting - sorry , I forget his name - which seemed like a way smarter deal in the end). I also like Cespedes. There just isn't another talent like him available. Also, a few years on the same team might help him harness that lethal trio of speed, defense & power.
1
The NY Mets are in the largest media market, but the Wilpon's continue to operate as if they were a small market team. I am not suggesting that the Mets spend lavishly, but spend wisely on top talent. Cespedes is not perfect, but he wants to stay in New York, specifically with the Mets. I am sure a deal can be reached.
The Wilpon's have an opportunity to prove to their fan base that they are serious about building a good team that can compete for years to come. If they are not willing to do that, then it is time to sell the team.
The Wilpon's have an opportunity to prove to their fan base that they are serious about building a good team that can compete for years to come. If they are not willing to do that, then it is time to sell the team.
1
YES YES YES. The Mets' refusal to sign Cespedes is exasperating and baffling. They could have done it months ago. Maybe I should add "depressing" to the adjectives. They are pitching rich and desperate for hitters. Sign that man to a four-year contract NOW and park him in left field..
3
> Cespedes for the rest of us
He's certainly good at feats of strength, so I suppose the question reduces to airing of grievances.
He's certainly good at feats of strength, so I suppose the question reduces to airing of grievances.
3
Cespedes is exactly the wrong guy to place at the top of the totem. Considering he was playing for a contract, he did pretty well through the regular season against teams that weren't sure about how to pitch him. That changed once the playoffs started and we all saw the holes. The language barrier (which is neither a help or a deal-breaker) makes it hard for the current coaching staff to offer any help (Rickey Bones was, I believe, the only Spanish-speaker on the staff in 2015). The inconsistent manner in his approach is troubling. The last thing the Mets need is to sign up for another long-term headache. No to Cespedes, at any price.
6
Should Fred Wilpon refuse to pay the going rate for a sold hitter to anchor the lineup with a team whose pitching is second to none, the failure will be exhibit xx of his continuing negligent failure to compete (except for the second half of this year) or sell the team to someone who can, that is the hallmark of his ownership of the team. The Met franchise is in hock up to his eyeballs because of his greedy dealings with Madoff and yet he refuses to sell the team or use the sports network money that he rakes in to solidify a solid franchise with a special opportunity to win that starts NOW.
4
Interesting Powell makes no mention of what he thinks Cespedes is worth, or will demand. Or get. Fifteen million per year? Twenty? Um, no.
Like the javelin line, but at the plate Cespedes simply isn't reliable to spend the big bucks. Would like to know what type of player Lagares will be, he's got to find more power and quick. Conforto will probably be better, but Heyward or Upton is still the choice.
Like the javelin line, but at the plate Cespedes simply isn't reliable to spend the big bucks. Would like to know what type of player Lagares will be, he's got to find more power and quick. Conforto will probably be better, but Heyward or Upton is still the choice.
2
Mr. Powell you must get paid by the word. Why do you think the Wilpons should sell? The only reason you could come up with is you don't like them.
Oh and are you really comparing Cespedes to Trout, because that is the kind of money that Cespedes wants.
Oh and are you really comparing Cespedes to Trout, because that is the kind of money that Cespedes wants.
1
this is a good article, but it presents silly conclusions. If Comforto hits .260 with 24 home runs, he will be right around what Cespedes had done during his first three years in the Major Leagues, if you remove his incredible salary drive last year. Cespedes hit 23, 26 and 22 home runs during that period, and his batting averages were .292. .240, and .260. More importantly, Comforto will very likely have a higher OB %, which is a more valued metric that batting average, and anyone who has watched them both play would have to agree that despite the canon for an arm and the great speed, Comforto is a better defensive option in left field on the whole. More accurate arm, better routes to the ball, and fewer mental errors. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to keep Yoenis (in center field, living with the defensive drop off) but I'd rather save the $$$ and not block our only legitimate hitting prospect. None of these other top shelf hitters are true centerfielders, which is where we have the need, but I'd sure love to see what Heyward could do out there. But as great as he looks on paper, Heyward compares much more closely to pre 2015 Juan Lagares than to Mike Trout. Save the $$$ until next year or use it at the trading deadline. I'd like to see a left handed, speedy outfielder who can play center field and platoon or even take the job from Lagares.
5
The Wilpons will get 50% or more of their Madoff investment back. The money was "found" in October. Sign some hitters for The Mets!
I disagree with the premise that what the Mets need is another power hitter. They already have numerous guys who (assuming good health) project to hit double-digit home runs next season: Duda, D'Arnaud, Flores, Wright, Conforto, and Granderson. What they're lacking is hitters with high average, OBP, and speed; we all saw how the Royals dismantled them with an offense built around those qualities rather than power. In my opinion, if they could add one or two guys who excel at both getting on base and running the bases, that could provide much-needed spark to the offense and lead the team to score more runs when the sluggers come up to hit their doubles and dingers.
That said, I generally agree with the sentiment of this article, which is that it's high time for the Wilpons to put their money where their mouth is. All along they've excused their penny-pinching ways with the argument that the fans aren't coming. Well, the Mets just won the National League pennant, Citi Field is filling up, the money is pouring in, and so the time to open up the coffers and improve this team is NOW.
That said, I generally agree with the sentiment of this article, which is that it's high time for the Wilpons to put their money where their mouth is. All along they've excused their penny-pinching ways with the argument that the fans aren't coming. Well, the Mets just won the National League pennant, Citi Field is filling up, the money is pouring in, and so the time to open up the coffers and improve this team is NOW.
6
Since the Mets got a second baseman and Tejada is a far better fielder, where does Flores play? Frankly, I think David Wright is done and Flores may have to play there. Watching Wright in the field in the WS made me cringe. Mets may need Murphy should Wright wash out.
1
Tomjones, I agree. The Mets' decision to load up on versatile middle/left infielders sends a pretty clear signal that they are hedging their bets vis-a-vis David Wright -- wisely, in my opinion. While I love Mr. Wright as much as the next Mets fan, and it was a joy to witness his near-miraculous return last season en route to the World Series, the situation with his back is not good. Sadly, his career will be cut short... it's just a question of when.
Todd Frazier?
Afraid I disagree with the majority , but I don't think Cespedes is the answer here. Not anymore than George Foster was back in the 70's, For all his demonstrated strengths, his weaknesses intrude. The belief seems to be that because for a three month stretch he carried the Mets on his back he's simply going to carry on in the same fashion. But he slacked off considerably toward the end of the season (and let's not discount the Nats' inexplicable swoon) and went toes up during the playoffs. Investing millions in a commodity on the basis of limited experience and expecting to unearth another Gary Carter or Mike Piazza, guys who could and did carry teams on their backs over multiple seasons, foes not make good financial sense, irrespective of the Wilpons' well and fairly documented stinginess!
7
Gee. I'd take George Foster back in the 70s in a heartbeat!
Now that 2nd base and shortstop are resolved, it is time to get a promising young 3rd baseman. I'm a huge David Wright fan, but spinal stenosis is not a "sore back." It is a serious degenerative condition that will likely end Wright's carer much too soon. It seems very unlikely that he will be able to start more than 80 games next year. He could barely throw the ball to first base in the post season. I feel badly for him, but the time to get a young prospect to fill-in has come.
9
He's washed up. No nice way to spin it. He may be able to play a few more years as a DH but he's done in the field.
Even before his back went bad, Wright had diminished into a mediocre player, at least offensively (though he did also go through that stretch where he was throwing wild to first). Over the last several years, he's continued to put up respectable numbers, but anyone who follows the Mets closely knows that he tended (and still tends) to get his big hits early in games, while choking in late-inning game situations. Now it looks like he's really damaged goods. It's too bad, as he's such a nice guy, but despite being the face of the franchise, the Mets are going to have to face up to the reality that his days are numbered and they have another hole they need to plug.
4
When referring to his home town the reference is to Eureka IL, where his parents still live, which is considerably closer to Chicago than Nashville TN.
For all those clamoring for Cespedes, let's not forget his shortcomings. In game 1 of the World Series, he inexplicably skipped the pre-game introductions, which made the entire Mets organization look amateurish (kinda like in 2000 when Timo Perez came out wearing the wrong hat before game 1). Then, on the first defensive pitch of the game, he was off in his own world and let a routine fly ball drop for an inside-the-park home run. Which he then blamed on the rookie left fielder (and future face of the franchise), even though it was clearly Cespedes' fault because replays showed he didn't react until well after the ball was hit.
When he's locked in, Cespedes is amazing. But he clearly has problems keeping his head in the game, and it cost the Mets badly in the World Series. Take away the ITP home run, and it's a completely different game, and a completely different series.
When he's locked in, Cespedes is amazing. But he clearly has problems keeping his head in the game, and it cost the Mets badly in the World Series. Take away the ITP home run, and it's a completely different game, and a completely different series.
5
He played 18 holes of golf before every world series game. He said it helped his swing and there were rumors that golfing is how he hurt his shoulder in the playoffs. It didn't seem to happen in the field. Obviously, his hitting did not benefit in WS and I have to believe that even with a cart 18 holes is taxing. He does have a problem taking the game seriously and being mentally prepared. It will be interesting to see where he ends up...maybe across town? And interesting to see his performance.
5
How sad that we 'lost out' on a 56 million, 35 year-old utility infielder with snap. It will be pathetic if the Wilpons fail to act on their window of opportunity, where through 2017 we will have one through five top notch pitching. Cespesdes should be a met (think Dave Kingman but way better), but instead we'll get mediocrity in the hopes of catching lightning in a bottle.
1
the last thing the Mets need is Cespedes...
there is a reason why every club he's been on has let him walk.
there is a reason why every club he's been on has let him walk.
6
This is an honest assessment of the Mets' situation. Along with signing Cespedes, management could fill the void of an experienced Spanish speaking coach somewhat by retaining Bartolo Colon. He seems to provide an anchor for the younger players and would give the Mets reliable innings that will no doubt be needed. Bartolo will bring fans into Citi Field with his combination of hard work and his fun-loving approach to the game. Don't forget his family lives in New Jersey.
One has to spend money to make money, sometimes. I, for one, would be willing to make the trek to Citi Field rather than an easier drive to Philadelphia to see them if I knew that the Mets would be fielding an exciting lineup like the one that got them to the World Series.
One has to spend money to make money, sometimes. I, for one, would be willing to make the trek to Citi Field rather than an easier drive to Philadelphia to see them if I knew that the Mets would be fielding an exciting lineup like the one that got them to the World Series.
3
This article was an enjoyable read!
Does anyone really think the Wilpon's would of spent the money needed to keep this team on top but since Bernie burned them they now have to hold off ?
Wilpon's clearly just don't care enough , they will end up wasting the best years we have with these young pitchers because their tightwads , thanks Fred and co.
The time is NOW , SPEND THE DAMN MONEY .
Wilpon's clearly just don't care enough , they will end up wasting the best years we have with these young pitchers because their tightwads , thanks Fred and co.
The time is NOW , SPEND THE DAMN MONEY .
3
The Mets have in front of them an almost unprecedented situation where they have not only a possibly historic starting pitching staff (and a pretty darn good closer too), but because they are all so young, they are paying them collectively almost nothing for the next 3 years.
Seemingly, with a chance to really be a dominant team for the next several years, the Mets are likely going to cheap out with minor moves, and not get the middle of the lineup force that they desperately need.
Will a Cespedes or a Heyward be expensive, and maybe you're overpaying? Yes, but the team has just been to the World Series, attendance is up dramatically, the team is worth a fortune, and the money is flowing in.
Is there just no real desire to be exceptional?
I just hope they don't waste this pitching staff
Seemingly, with a chance to really be a dominant team for the next several years, the Mets are likely going to cheap out with minor moves, and not get the middle of the lineup force that they desperately need.
Will a Cespedes or a Heyward be expensive, and maybe you're overpaying? Yes, but the team has just been to the World Series, attendance is up dramatically, the team is worth a fortune, and the money is flowing in.
Is there just no real desire to be exceptional?
I just hope they don't waste this pitching staff
2
Like most Mets fans, I'm also enamored w/Cespedes. He's a fantastic fit for our club and would do well to tap into the latino NY market, but (and this is a big but) I still think it's a bad idea to resign him. Simply put, signing him now will cost us one of our stud starters at some point in the next few years. Yea, it's unlikely that all will resign long term w/the Mets, but you can all but guarantee that at least one and possibly two that might've been inclined to stay w/the blue and orange simply won't be able to. The money won't be there. It'll be on the back end of a slugger on the decline(?), who may have lost some of his sparkle by then.
It's all ridiculous anyway. We just went the world series and every game I watched on MLB.TV seemed to sold out at Citi Field. Are they really still so screwed by Madoff that they're digging out of a hole? It's freaking NYC, the largest sports market in the world. They need to start shelling out some of the pre-Madoff, early nineties money. IT"S THERE. We know it's there. Show us the Money!
It's all ridiculous anyway. We just went the world series and every game I watched on MLB.TV seemed to sold out at Citi Field. Are they really still so screwed by Madoff that they're digging out of a hole? It's freaking NYC, the largest sports market in the world. They need to start shelling out some of the pre-Madoff, early nineties money. IT"S THERE. We know it's there. Show us the Money!
3
Bummed the bucs had to part with Neil Walker, hometown guy and a good addition to Mets if you ask me.
You must sign Yoenis. I honestly think he wants a team to commit to him, and I think it would show on the field if someone did.
You must sign Yoenis. I honestly think he wants a team to commit to him, and I think it would show on the field if someone did.
1
Not for seven years. Five max.
A a longtime die hard Mets fan I would swoon over the signing of Yoenis Cespedes, as he is the perfect center fielder for the Mets. With the rest of their cast and the young pitchers, the Mets could rule NY or at least share it with the Yankees for several years to come.
BTW, best of luck to Jonathan Niese. I look forward to seeing him pitch for the playoff bound Pirates. He has done everything the Mets asked, and has shown class and consistency.
BTW, best of luck to Jonathan Niese. I look forward to seeing him pitch for the playoff bound Pirates. He has done everything the Mets asked, and has shown class and consistency.
8
He would be a better left fielder. Move someone else over to center. But otherwise, I completely agree.
Jason Heyward would be a solid ballplayer to sign. Cespedes not so. A team like the Cardinals would never sign a player with the kind of baseball acumen Cespedes displays. Everything he does is all about himself. His play has not markedly improved since he has joined the league. The Mets sign him at their own peril!
7
I'm a little worried that a Duda / Neil Walker / Asdrubal Cabrera / David Wright infield will be worse defensively than last year.
A CF is a priority, but with some good starting pitchers still available, I'd say the Mets ought to get one of them.
Gallardo, Cueto, and Leake would be great replacements for Niese. Wheeler is not back until July as best, and Matz is not a lock to stay healthy all year long. Gallardo especially.
And they'll need a strong bullpen. Wade Davis and Luke Hochevar are two examples of excellent former starters that the Mets ought to be familiar with.
A CF is a priority, but with some good starting pitchers still available, I'd say the Mets ought to get one of them.
Gallardo, Cueto, and Leake would be great replacements for Niese. Wheeler is not back until July as best, and Matz is not a lock to stay healthy all year long. Gallardo especially.
And they'll need a strong bullpen. Wade Davis and Luke Hochevar are two examples of excellent former starters that the Mets ought to be familiar with.
1
Why isn't Matz a lock to stay healthy?
Don't you believe in hitting the ball?
Bullpen they need (can only assume Tyler Clippard is going, going, gone) and agree with you on infield. Mets need a power third baseman, and Wright obviously ain't it. Know nothing about new second baseman, but would be willing to make a big trade, one of the guns and outfielders, for a power third baseman and another power outfielder.
Don't you believe in hitting the ball?
Bullpen they need (can only assume Tyler Clippard is going, going, gone) and agree with you on infield. Mets need a power third baseman, and Wright obviously ain't it. Know nothing about new second baseman, but would be willing to make a big trade, one of the guns and outfielders, for a power third baseman and another power outfielder.
1
Matz has a history of injuries.
There's no formula I'm using, but players with a history of injuries are not locks to stay healthy.
I think Matz and Wheeler combined won't start 35 games for the Mets next year. That's just my opinion.
There's no formula I'm using, but players with a history of injuries are not locks to stay healthy.
I think Matz and Wheeler combined won't start 35 games for the Mets next year. That's just my opinion.
Not Cespedes. Chemistry is not right. Walker and Carbrera will make the Mets better. The team needs D up the middle and a little more pop with the best starting 5 in baseball. Now we need one more middle reliever.
1
Best starting 5 ?
1-3 is solid. Matz may be good, but he's not in anyone's top 5 4th starter list.
Who is 5 ? Logan Verrett ?
1-3 is solid. Matz may be good, but he's not in anyone's top 5 4th starter list.
Who is 5 ? Logan Verrett ?
Harvey, deGrom, Syndergaard, Wheeler & Matz.
3
I think he's including Wheeler.
Sign Cespedes now.
1
The Mets might need a genuine power hitter, but very few consider Jason Heyward to be a genuine power hitter.
Kansas City didn't need a power hitter.
On the other hand, they could defend.
This team is shaping up to be a bit like the Oakland A's ( not really a surprise ):
Good starters, a shaky bullpen ( Familia is the exception ), no defense, little speed, little power, low strikeouts, and high OBPs.
On the other hand, they could defend.
This team is shaping up to be a bit like the Oakland A's ( not really a surprise ):
Good starters, a shaky bullpen ( Familia is the exception ), no defense, little speed, little power, low strikeouts, and high OBPs.
1
I like the Niese for Walker deal. Payroll stays the same and if Walker does well we can get draft pick for him when he signs somewhere else next year. Plus payroll goes down about $22million next year with Walker and Cuddyers contracts up.
So I feel they should go all in for a number 3 and 4 hitter. So we should
1) sign Heyward 8 years $160 mil
2) sign Cespedes 6 years $120 mil
3) trade Granderson for prospects
4) trade Duda for prospects
5) trade Harvey (for the perceived Jose Fernandez deal) and Nimmo to the Dodger for Seager, Urias, DeLeon and Van Slyke
You add about $43 million a year in payroll but deduct with the trades about $27 million. So we basically added balls these players for the same amount we offered Zobrist(oh by the way thank you for going to the Cubbies).
I think this is do able
This would be our lineup
1)Seager
2) Conforto
3) Heyward
4) Cespedes
5) Walker
6) Wright
7) Darnaud
8) Van Slyke/Flores/ Cuddyer
So I feel they should go all in for a number 3 and 4 hitter. So we should
1) sign Heyward 8 years $160 mil
2) sign Cespedes 6 years $120 mil
3) trade Granderson for prospects
4) trade Duda for prospects
5) trade Harvey (for the perceived Jose Fernandez deal) and Nimmo to the Dodger for Seager, Urias, DeLeon and Van Slyke
You add about $43 million a year in payroll but deduct with the trades about $27 million. So we basically added balls these players for the same amount we offered Zobrist(oh by the way thank you for going to the Cubbies).
I think this is do able
This would be our lineup
1)Seager
2) Conforto
3) Heyward
4) Cespedes
5) Walker
6) Wright
7) Darnaud
8) Van Slyke/Flores/ Cuddyer
Hilarious fantasy island stuff here Zozo. The dodgers are not trading Seager and MLB is not fantasy league with all your metric considerations that have no bearing on how things work in the real world. Heyward will make more than you indicate and no one is taking Granderson for prospects. Corey Seager will be the SS for the dodgers for at least the next 15 years. He's a legit future star.
5
Fred is correct about all of this.
You're wrong about trading Duda, you're wrong about trading Granderson, you're wrong about keeping Cuddyer another year, you're wrong about having Wright in starting lineup.
1
I like the Niese for Walker deal. Payroll stays the same and if Walker does well we can get draft pick for him when he signs somewhere else next year. Plus payroll goes down about $22million next year with Walker and Cuddyers contracts up.
So I feel they should go all in for a number 3 and 4 hitter. So we should
1) sign Heyward 8 years $160 mil
2) sign Cespedes 6 years $120 mil
3) trade Granderson for prospects
4) trade Duda for prospects
5) trade Harvey (for the perceived Jose Fernandez deal) and Nimmo to the Dodger for Seager, Urias, DeLeon and Van Slyke
You add about $43 million a year in payroll but deduct with the trades about $27 million. So we basically added balls these players for the same amount we offered Zobrist(oh by the way thank you for going to the Cubbies).
I think this is do able and we stick out minor league up for the future
This would be our lineup
1) Seager
2) Conforto
3) Heyward
4) Cespedes
5) Walker
6) Wright
7) Darnaud
8) Van Slyke/Flores/ Cuddyer
So I feel they should go all in for a number 3 and 4 hitter. So we should
1) sign Heyward 8 years $160 mil
2) sign Cespedes 6 years $120 mil
3) trade Granderson for prospects
4) trade Duda for prospects
5) trade Harvey (for the perceived Jose Fernandez deal) and Nimmo to the Dodger for Seager, Urias, DeLeon and Van Slyke
You add about $43 million a year in payroll but deduct with the trades about $27 million. So we basically added balls these players for the same amount we offered Zobrist(oh by the way thank you for going to the Cubbies).
I think this is do able and we stick out minor league up for the future
This would be our lineup
1) Seager
2) Conforto
3) Heyward
4) Cespedes
5) Walker
6) Wright
7) Darnaud
8) Van Slyke/Flores/ Cuddyer
1
Thank you, thank you, I do so agree. Cespedes is the player the Mets needed last year and won with and the player they need from here. Cespedes is a player who has every talent necessary and who enjoys playing for the Mets and being in New York, and besides being a power at the plate as such, Cespedes makes the lineup better by just being there.
"A Cespedes for the rest of us."
"A Cespedes for the rest of us."
20
Jason Heyward, Jason Heyward, Jason Heyward. At 26, he's the only free agent who deserves one of these ridiculous contracts. Sign him yesterday!
6
Sign Cespedes...I think he also attracts fans, as you point out the "intriguing marketing possibilities" given his popularity, period, and no less a city with a very large black and Latin population.
2
Doesn't seem to have worked that well for A-rod.
Saw him hit a laser opening day that only the cold April air kept in the park. His throwing arm is spectacular and his speed is a plus for a left fielder. Not sure why no team has ever played him in right though. That being said he is too much of a free swinger for the contract he will eventually sign. Good luck Yoe.
1
Yes.............(somewhat).........but...............
Cespedes in CF? Not happy about that.
Grandy in CF?
Give up on Lagares? I'm not quite ready for that yet.
That said, I'm far from thrilled with the prospect of the Mets offense for next year. Where's the production coming from? Best case scenario would be better performance from Wright and Duda, healthy, productive D'Arnaud, status quo Granderson and improvement in Conforto. All in all, a lot to ask for and a bit much to expect all that.
Cespedes in CF? Not happy about that.
Grandy in CF?
Give up on Lagares? I'm not quite ready for that yet.
That said, I'm far from thrilled with the prospect of the Mets offense for next year. Where's the production coming from? Best case scenario would be better performance from Wright and Duda, healthy, productive D'Arnaud, status quo Granderson and improvement in Conforto. All in all, a lot to ask for and a bit much to expect all that.
7
The defense looks even worse than the offense.
Signing Cespedes for the Mets is a "no brainer".
Cespedes is charismatic exciting fans with his electric play
on offense and defense.
Mets need a marque player of his caliber for the next 4-6 years.
Mets fans should not be penalized for the Wilpons' colossal error in judgment in getting burned by Bernie Madoff.
Mets appear to be using the team profits to cover the ownerships'
past investment losses and not spending it on the team and product on the field. Mets Fans deserve much better than that.
Mets should sign Cespedes.
As the writers points out, the increased revenues from TV, tickets, concessions, memorabilia etc...should more than cover Cespedes's deal
with much more left over for other players.
Remember how boring the Mets were and how difficult it was for the Mets to generate offense before the Cespedes deal?!
Let's not go back there.
NL East will be even more competitive this year.
Mets cannot risk falling behind the Cubs, Nats and Cardinals.
Cespedes is charismatic exciting fans with his electric play
on offense and defense.
Mets need a marque player of his caliber for the next 4-6 years.
Mets fans should not be penalized for the Wilpons' colossal error in judgment in getting burned by Bernie Madoff.
Mets appear to be using the team profits to cover the ownerships'
past investment losses and not spending it on the team and product on the field. Mets Fans deserve much better than that.
Mets should sign Cespedes.
As the writers points out, the increased revenues from TV, tickets, concessions, memorabilia etc...should more than cover Cespedes's deal
with much more left over for other players.
Remember how boring the Mets were and how difficult it was for the Mets to generate offense before the Cespedes deal?!
Let's not go back there.
NL East will be even more competitive this year.
Mets cannot risk falling behind the Cubs, Nats and Cardinals.
14
Don't leave out the Pirates. Their pitching coach can only make Niese better.
1
If I had my druthers - sign Heyward who can play CF for the next 2 seasons before moving to RF versus Cespedes or Upton who I both like. Heyward is young and versatile and worth the extra dollars.
5
The Mets won't go the 8-10 years necessary to get him. May as well forget it.
The one constant throughout the Mets years: the Wilpons. They don't speak to the news media, even their joined-at-the-hip "journalists" at the dying Daily News. Stubborn to the end. They even disrespected the legacy of the last majority Mets owner to win a World Series - Nelson Doubleday, Jr. in 1986. The Wilpons say they'll never sell ... and they'll never admit that they are over their heads financially after the Madoff debacle. It will be interesting, though, what will happen to Mets ownership when Fred Wilpon, who is in his late 70s, passes. His partner Saul Katz is around the same age, and unlike Fred's son Jeff "Fredo" Wilpon the Katz family has expressed little interest in carrying on baseball ownership. We'll see.
4
AMEN!
4
Thank you. My thoughts exactly. Sometimes, you gotta go with what's in front of you and you could do a whole lot worse than Cespedes. And the guy loves NY - and NY loves him! He's a gold mine - he'll pay for himself. Yes, it's a little bit of a gamble, but who else are you going to buy with the money - pay the man and keep him in orange and blue for at least 4 years!
13
New York may have loved him when he was knocking the ball all over the park in August and September, but the honeymoon definitely ended when he was flailing away at awful pitches and kicking the ball around the outfield in the post-season. He's a shiny object, but beware. I fear this would be yet another ill-advised free agent signing that we'll all be griping about a few years down the line.
2
As a life long Met fan, I say it is time to get rid of the Wilpons. Ok, they lost a lot of money because of Bernie Madoff. If it was that bad, the club should have been taken from them. But nooo, Selig bails his buddies out and NY is left with Ebenezer Scrouge as the owner.
If that's not bad enough, Wilpon Sr. builds a ball park that doesn't fit his best players talents. Then insults him (Wright) and the rest of the team to a reporter. And Wilpon Jr. thinks he knows something about baseball. Hah! Between the Wilpons and Dolan (NY Knicks) I want to be a fan of some other teams. But I can't.
WILPONS, SPEND SOME MONEY!!!!
If that's not bad enough, Wilpon Sr. builds a ball park that doesn't fit his best players talents. Then insults him (Wright) and the rest of the team to a reporter. And Wilpon Jr. thinks he knows something about baseball. Hah! Between the Wilpons and Dolan (NY Knicks) I want to be a fan of some other teams. But I can't.
WILPONS, SPEND SOME MONEY!!!!
27
Where is V Stiviano when you need her ???
Looks like the Wilpons think that the Mets' immense good fortune last season bought them more time and credibility with the fans. Both of those commodities are oh so fleeting and, for the Wilpons, there is still five years of suspicion that are in need of being dispelled. It's very early, but the signs are not great. At this point, the Mets have lost a #3 and #4 hitter who were a huge part of their offense. The Neil Walkers ain't gonna do it, boys.
6
Agreed! Seems like they are ignoring the first half of last season, when they had no hitting. Makes one think Alderson got lucky with his trades, after all, Cespedes was his last choice....
Good article. Now add the Niese for Walker trade to the case against the Wilpons and Alderson. With the money given to and the recent trades of pitchers, you think Niese could have brought back more than a stop gap second baseman. What about Castro? Do you think the Cubs didn't want to deal with the Mets?
3
Agree with this comment, Yankees got Castro, 3time AllStar for Adam Warren and we get Walker for Niese? Why not keep Murphy who can also play third? And absolutely agree that Mets did not need Ben Zobrist, especially for $60 million. Murphy is not the best fielder but is a great hitter and a career long Met, and they won't consider giving him anywhere near that much.
I always enjoy and admire Michael Powell's writing, but regarding that headline, as a lifelong Cubs fan I just can't resist: sour grapes.
Huck, no sour grapes over the Mets sweeping the floor with the Cubs in the NLCS?
3
Huck - I think you'll find many Mets fans did not want Zobrist - not because he's a bad player, to the contrary, but because we can't have him AND a star power hitter. We already have a young 2B-star of the future in AAA. Because the Mets will not spend much, therefore, we'd rather spend our money on a Cespedes who, when he's hot, can carry this team (God knows the team needs it sometimes). As voiced so clearly in this article. No sour grapes. Well done Cubs. But since we only have one or two bullets to shoot, we need a superstar, not a super-utility player.
12
Ha. Fair enough. But (as we've been saying for a century or so) the future looks bright at Wrigley.
1
Good on you, mate. But these are the Wilpons. I won't hold my breath waiting for them to do both the smart and the right thing.
11