I say win the World Series and then say goodbye to him at the parade.
In that scenario the team, for once, will have all the leverage. If he won't sign on at a discount (and I understand why he wouldn't) say thanks for the memories and move on. The depth is there in the outfield so the Mets will be fine.
In that scenario the team, for once, will have all the leverage. If he won't sign on at a discount (and I understand why he wouldn't) say thanks for the memories and move on. The depth is there in the outfield so the Mets will be fine.
They should sign Ces...Hopefully they will but who knows...
He's a monster
The Mets free up some salary with Colon/Murphy/misc players off the books in 2016 and they are a big market team and can afford to handle a 30% increase in current payroll.
Ces is great / Wilpons not so much...they are putting together a solid team despite their years of incompetence
Alderson has done a good job this year with the trades ...could be executive of the year (along with Toronto GM and Theo in Chicago)
LETS GO METS!!!!!!!
He's a monster
The Mets free up some salary with Colon/Murphy/misc players off the books in 2016 and they are a big market team and can afford to handle a 30% increase in current payroll.
Ces is great / Wilpons not so much...they are putting together a solid team despite their years of incompetence
Alderson has done a good job this year with the trades ...could be executive of the year (along with Toronto GM and Theo in Chicago)
LETS GO METS!!!!!!!
1
I've been a fan of the Mets since 1962. Regarding this article, as well as the article from yesterday comparing the Mets to the Yankees, the article from yesterday mentioned the Mets are up in attendance this year by 4,689 fans per game. If one figures that the average fan spends about $75 (tickets, parking, beer, etc.), that's an increase in revenue of $351,675 per game, and over 81 games would amount to $28,486,675. The point? Put a good product on the field and it will pay for itself. Clearly, the increased revenue should enable (and require) that they sign Cespedes!
5
As a Nats fan, I have to say this was one of the wisest decisions the Mets made. I was at Nats park on 9 September, 2015, when Drew Storen served up a 2 run homer to Cespedes to make it 4-2 Mets. That game turned out to the the 6th victory of the Mets over the Nats since the All Star Break. I don't believe in long term multi-million dollar contract for players in their 30s, but a two year deal with an option to renew for a third year should serve the Mets well.
Do you seriously believe that Cespedes would sign for only 2 years? At his age? Not on this planet!
6
If the Mets win it all, and the money is right, he'll sign. If the Mets defer some of the money to 3-5 years down the road, he'll sign. Your point about his age is correct, but his age also works in his favor of thinking about how many years he has left in this game, and if he'll ever have another year like he's having now. A two year deal with the Mets, with an option to renew after that 2 years and money deferred makes for some sweet action.
hahahahah...2 year deal...hahahahah
Oakland fan here: He's the most exciting hitter I've seen here since Canseco won the MVP. We always knew he was capable of carrying a team on his back when he's hot and its great to see him mature into the superstar level. Very streaky hitter but the best outfielder in the game. Mets are crazy if they don't sign him. His at bats are always worth the price of admission, no matter what he does on a given day
1
As others have mentioned here, the A's -- with the best record in pro ball before they traded-away Cespedes -- completely fell apart the rest of that season, and have never been the same.
A's management denies that the trade was the reason, but in my mind (having lived in the Bay Area for many years) it destroyed the team's morale. Oakland players saw how penny-pinching management was -- even for a super-star caliber player like Yoenis.
Hope the Mets don't make the same mistake. (And Billy Beane should "go.")
A's management denies that the trade was the reason, but in my mind (having lived in the Bay Area for many years) it destroyed the team's morale. Oakland players saw how penny-pinching management was -- even for a super-star caliber player like Yoenis.
Hope the Mets don't make the same mistake. (And Billy Beane should "go.")
From a Tigers fan, you're welcome Mets fans. The Tigers are likely to make a run at Cespedes, so don't be surprised if his price goes more.
That's the problem, paying big bucks at the back end of big contracts when players numbers diminish. It also makes the players way harder to get rid of without picking up part of their salary. This means little to the fan because they don't pay directly but it means quite a bit to team management. When he is 36 and hitting .230 and only 18Hrs while leaving many in scoring position will the fans be cheering then? What also makes me wonder is the number of teams he has been with. Oakland could have kept him way longer because he was far from free agency and could have built up his value with a few more seasons of high numbers making his value way higher in the trade market. Also Detroit and Boston both teams who are not afraid of spending could have retained him also, perhaps giving him a lesser contract earlier than before he hit free agency. And both have a history of spending on free agents. Something doesn't add up. No matter what way you look at it, He has made this year enjoyable for Mets fans.
2
Classic planted PR script here, yes likely from ownership that does need to watch public opinion, which of course will favor signing Cespedes at crazy out-year prices. If they make it to the WS, that should improve the Mets chances to attract other offensive talent at market rates in the offseason, and I hope the team holds the line with a front-loaded 5 year offer. The opportunity is substantial for 2015-18. But keep improving the club/system top-to-bottom, stay competitive with good pitching and avoid bad contracts. That will be massively popular too.
4
A fan favorite in Oakland! Wish he stayed. New Yorkers are rich: pay him the salary.
1
If the Mets win it all with Cespedes continuing to play a prominent role, the pressure to sign him will be enormous. They will do so at their own peril. Any team that signs him will overpay him and reap far less on the back end of that contract. If that happens, are the Mets going to just suck up the loss and sign someone else to fill the need? Their track record says no. They should shop wisely for a free agent and/or trade some of their pitching depth to acquire some solid position players ala St. Louis.
3
Hey! That was just a loan, you guys have to give him back!
1
As a Nationals fan, I hope they don't keep him. But the Mets are a playing great baseball and I hope they go far this season....and not so far next year :-).
1
Trading away Michael Fulmer for 2 months of Yoenis Cespedes was not a minor issue. You never know about young arms, but if he remains healthy, Fulmer will likely be a front of the rotation MLB pitcher for a decade. And this will be felt in a few years when the Mets cannot sign all the current young arms to big contracts, and are looking for starting pitching to replace those that are traded or not re-signed. Fulmer was going to be the replacement for one of the current starters--allowing the Mets to trade someone away.
The deal needed to be made, and it has paid immediate dividends--but this is the price that an organization pays for not being able to develop middle of the batting order talent through their system. So while it has worked out in the short term, it is a reminder of a failure to produce your own bats.
The deal needed to be made, and it has paid immediate dividends--but this is the price that an organization pays for not being able to develop middle of the batting order talent through their system. So while it has worked out in the short term, it is a reminder of a failure to produce your own bats.
2
Getting Cesepes isn't a reminder of failure - no team can draft and develop all its players.
2
At least they didn't give up Wheeler. Even if they only get into the playoffs, the trade will be worth it, what with this losing franchise getting the taste of winning once again.
2
With this guy, as the Red Sox found out, it all depends if he wants to be with a given and then decides to make an effort. Now, he's not enamored of the Mets but he's playing for a new contract. Be ware next team as he's devoid of character.
1
"Speedy" is a star right now, which makes the willingness of three other teams to trade him seem so strange. If someone gives him a big contract they are taking a huge chance that he is a flash today and burned out tomorrow.
2
Mets fans- show him some love and Cespedes will never want tt leave....providing the money is right, of course.
I was crushed when the A's traded him, and doubly crushed when Lester turned into a dud. The A's haven't recovered. He can be electrictrifying, and rises to the occasion.
4
Lester had a 2.35 ERA for the A's. You can hardly call that performance a "dud."
2
Why doesn't Seinfeld just buy the team? Then, he can be master of his own domain.
12
Acquiring Cespedes was a great move by the Mets; certainly a better option than giving up a better package of talent for Gomez.
3
Advice to Mets fans from a non- Mets fan.....Enjoy the now. The future will take care of itself.
5
As great d Cespdes has played this was a lousy deal for the Mets.
If they don't win the world series now they have reduced their chance in the future and have not helped the team to win one now
As good as he is he can't help if they pitch around him and the Mets aren't deep enough to make the other team pitch to him.
In the playoffs you only see great pitchers who will easily over power any hitter who bats either before or after Cespedes.
All the other team had to do is to walk him or pitch him in a way that gives him nothing to hit but will likely walk him but can strike him out.
They also gave away a potential star for someone who won't be with the team in the future.
So how has this helped them.
If they don't win the world series now they have reduced their chance in the future and have not helped the team to win one now
As good as he is he can't help if they pitch around him and the Mets aren't deep enough to make the other team pitch to him.
In the playoffs you only see great pitchers who will easily over power any hitter who bats either before or after Cespedes.
All the other team had to do is to walk him or pitch him in a way that gives him nothing to hit but will likely walk him but can strike him out.
They also gave away a potential star for someone who won't be with the team in the future.
So how has this helped them.
Wow. John - the Mets have made a historic deadline deal here - historic - and acquired one of the best players in baseball for prospects, neither of which are sure-things. The Cespedes deal has arguably been the greatest deadline acquisition EVER, by any team. They were last in the majors in runs scored before the deal, and they are first in the majors since. The deal totally changed the team, and Cespedes has been a real-life Roy Hobbs. This trade was the greatest trade the Mets have ever made.
10
I guess Up Is Down, right , John ?
You'd make a fine Republican.
You'd make a fine Republican.
If you think that this was a lousy deal for the Mets just look at what the Tigers and their fans are having to go through. That's me, sigh!
Since he, Price and Soria were traded the team hit bottom. Hard.
Enjoy the moment Mets fans!
Since he, Price and Soria were traded the team hit bottom. Hard.
Enjoy the moment Mets fans!
A good story about a good story.
6
Yoenis Cespedes is my Lord and Savior.
17
Like Michael I have to say I'm a bit skeptical about this account. I have heard from other sources that Sandy himself was against trading for Cespedes, hence the attempts to land Gomez, Upton and Bruce, and the reason why the deal didn't get done until the final minutes. I also have a very, very hard time believing that Jeff Wilpon simply said "go for it." This is a man noted for his consistently poor judgment, and even though broken clocks are right twice a day, in Jeff's case that might not be true.
The attempted trade for Gomez, which would have cost Wheeler and Flores, seemed like a desperation trade even while it was happening, and was far too expensive. That it was even attempted is pretty disturbing. My impression is that this story has been twisted by whoever the source was, to make Jeff and Sandy look good, at the expense of DePodesta, Ricco and Ricciardi. Fred and/or Jeff are the obvious suspects, as usual. I suspect the real story is quite different.
For now though, I am going to enjoy this wonderful ride, rare as it is for us Mets fans. The palace intrigue can wait.
The attempted trade for Gomez, which would have cost Wheeler and Flores, seemed like a desperation trade even while it was happening, and was far too expensive. That it was even attempted is pretty disturbing. My impression is that this story has been twisted by whoever the source was, to make Jeff and Sandy look good, at the expense of DePodesta, Ricco and Ricciardi. Fred and/or Jeff are the obvious suspects, as usual. I suspect the real story is quite different.
For now though, I am going to enjoy this wonderful ride, rare as it is for us Mets fans. The palace intrigue can wait.
11
So who do you think was for the deal if the GM wasn't ?
I'm not defending "Jeff," nor the former presidential candidate Rick Perry, but a broken digital clock with an AM/PM function is right only once a day.
Right? According to rfj, neither Sandy or Jeff had anything to do with getting Cespedes. So who did? Keith Hernandez?
Pay the man.
And NYT, pay the man who made that awesome image at the top of the story.
And NYT, pay the man who made that awesome image at the top of the story.
11
Bottom line: All that great young pitching they have is fantastic, but would you rather lose 2-1, or win 5-2? They've gotta sign him.
5
Fan since '62.
Attended games at Polo Grounds and was at the first game at Shea.
My message for Cespedes: you'll never find more loyal, appreciative fans with expectations in check and real love of team and anyone who commits to the team.
Stay a Mets player for the rest of your life.
Do something odd for sports - accept a good offer from the Mets even if it's not the best offer.
You'll be happy and you won't miss the extra money.
You'll have plenty of money.
Stay. Play. Enjoy.
We love you.
New York loves you.
That's priceless.
Attended games at Polo Grounds and was at the first game at Shea.
My message for Cespedes: you'll never find more loyal, appreciative fans with expectations in check and real love of team and anyone who commits to the team.
Stay a Mets player for the rest of your life.
Do something odd for sports - accept a good offer from the Mets even if it's not the best offer.
You'll be happy and you won't miss the extra money.
You'll have plenty of money.
Stay. Play. Enjoy.
We love you.
New York loves you.
That's priceless.
10
Exactly right. Could someone please translate into Espanol this message from Mr. King to King Cespedes. Gracias.
Then the Mets better not have a downturn in fortunes. He disappears without a winning team around him. Red Sox fans are as passionate and loyal as any. Ask David Ortiz.
One thing to remember is that the A's fell apart after he left and have never been the same. His influence goes well beyond the playing field. If the Mets approach this thoughtfully and carefully, I'll bet they can work something out. Cespedes won't want to play for a bad or rebuilding team. He likes the spotlight and has risen to the pressure of NYC, to put it mildly. Say he only has about five good seasons left. Sign him for eight and enjoy the next five. Simple.
7
Cespedes provided good karma for the Oakland A's in 2014. But idiotic Billy Beane wanted to make any deal just to show what a cool GM he is. The trade sucked the energy out of the A's clubhouse and destroyed the team. The Mets should not worry about next year. Win the friggid World Series and be happy.
6
As bad as trading Cespedes was for Billy (I read my press clippings) Beane, his trade last winter of Josh Donaldson due to a fit of personal pique was way, way, worse, and should have been a firing offense.
3
As a Met fan from 1962, I say it is a no brainer to sign Cepedes. His skill set is similar to that of Roberto Clemente. With Colon ($11 Million) and Murphy ($7 million) coming off the books it should be affordable. This Mets is poised to be a solid team for many years, With the young pitchers and D’arnaud, Comforto, Duda, Flores etc. this is the time to commit.
3
We need to keep Colon AND Murphy... they are part of the family and have been excellent for the club. Heck, Colon has won more games than ANYONE for the past two years on this club. Murphy is extremely versatile and can play multiple positions. Get rid of Parnell. Neise OFlarrherty, Move Colon to the bullpen. You need to keep the personalities as well as the talent..
Keeping this guy is a no brainer. With the increased revenue the Mets are generating from their certain entry into the playoffs, they have to bankroll Cespedes for the next 6 or 7 years. They are paying Wright (nowhere near Cespedes as an offensive force) 20 mil a year, so giving Cespedes a long term deal at 20 mil per is certainly appropriate. Cespedes makes everyone around him better - the proof is in the stats of his teammates. Signing him will give the Mets the upper hand in the NL East for years to come, given their stellar starting pitching and Familia, who will become baseball's best closer next year and for many years after that.
5
He handles NY and the media well. He's a star but here in NY, he's on his way to becoming a superstar.
3
I have long rooted for the Mets, but Cespedes has made the difference this year at last. Jerry Seinfeld is right, I too love watching Cespedes.
Whatever happens will be fine, but these weeks have been grand and will not be forgotten by me.
Whatever happens will be fine, but these weeks have been grand and will not be forgotten by me.
5
Who wants to bet Fred Wilpon is the anonymous source for this story ...
"But on his way out of the room, he paused to confer with Wilpon, who had been listening to the debate.
Alderson asked him, just to be sure: Was he comfortable making the deal?
“Go for it,” Wilpon told him."
I am sure that is exactly as it transpired. Alderson has done a great job as GM despite ownership. It will be interesting to see how things play out next year when Wilpon is asked to dish out real money and does not have the benefit of Wright's insurance money to reallocate.
"But on his way out of the room, he paused to confer with Wilpon, who had been listening to the debate.
Alderson asked him, just to be sure: Was he comfortable making the deal?
“Go for it,” Wilpon told him."
I am sure that is exactly as it transpired. Alderson has done a great job as GM despite ownership. It will be interesting to see how things play out next year when Wilpon is asked to dish out real money and does not have the benefit of Wright's insurance money to reallocate.
6
FYI: That was JEFF Wilpon the writer was referring to. He was in the room, NOT Fred Wilpon, who was supposedly no where near that room.
The distinguished Messrs. Wilpon have but one job to do this off season. Let's hope they do not mess up.
6
as a met fan since 1962 from the old polo grounds he must be signed he is the reason we are running away with the nl east.. i am realistic to know he may not be here next year so i am enjoying the current yr.. lets worry about next yr after the season just enjoy this great ride
6
"They wondered if Cespedes, normally a left fielder, could play center field on a regular basis if needed." How much real research was done re Cespedes' history? When he came to the A's, he had played only center field. The A's moved him to left field so Coco Crisp could play center.
A's fans loved and still love Cespedes. I'm happy for him that he's now on the big stage where his talents can shine.
A's fans loved and still love Cespedes. I'm happy for him that he's now on the big stage where his talents can shine.
11
Let's be real. This is all about the money. Cespedes is having an MVP & contract year at the same time. This will be his BIG career contract. Will the Mets open the door to the vault????
2
Uhh no.
When I read that Cespedes was coming to the Mets I hoped that his upcoming free agency would motivate him to excel while the Mets rented him for the remainder of the season. BUT two months does not make a superstar. Glad some of these commenters don't run a biz because they would go bankrupt. Sure he could be a great Mets player but look at his record. He's a .272 hitter who supposedly has an attitude problem. Who pays this guy 140mm for two months of outperformance. He should feel blessed he can play in NYC. I'm grateful he is playing like a superstar but Carlos Beltran was paid like one and wasn't. Remember Bobby Bonilla? I wish him the best but it's always easy to spend the Wilpon's family money when you didn't earn it. Lets Go Mets!
3
I agree , I think Mets should walk away . and take that money and invest in another Cheaper Area !
I don't know where you heard that Cespedes has an "attitude problem," but in a tweet the other day, Justin Verlander called him a "great teammate." And in this article, Billy Beane called him a "good guy." So why would you even suggest otherwise when you have no inside knowledge. And whether you were a Carlos Beltran fan or not, he was a superstar despite the infamous strikeout. He gave the Mets their money's worth. (Bobby Bonilla is another story.) Bottom line is the Mets need to sign Cespedes.
5
Really tough call for the Mets. As a fan, of course, I'm like, pay the man whatever he wants! But it's not my money to spend.
On the one hand, the Mets have a crowded outfield already heading into 2016 (Grandy, Lagares, Cuddyer, and Conforto, with Nimmo waiting in the wings). No question Cespedes's bat is one of the best in the National League right now, but does the team really need another outfielder?
On the other hand, there's his hitting, which not only wins games on its own, but also seems to make the whole lineup better. And the Mets seem like they should have some disposable income this offseason -- they're already loaded up on stellar starting pitching at a discount, and have a number of their bigger salaries coming off the books (Colon, Murphy, Parnell, Gee). So why not spend some of those savings on Cespedes? Better still if they could trade Lagares (thus saving even more money) and make Cespy the full-time center fielder.
Or can he play shortstop?
On the one hand, the Mets have a crowded outfield already heading into 2016 (Grandy, Lagares, Cuddyer, and Conforto, with Nimmo waiting in the wings). No question Cespedes's bat is one of the best in the National League right now, but does the team really need another outfielder?
On the other hand, there's his hitting, which not only wins games on its own, but also seems to make the whole lineup better. And the Mets seem like they should have some disposable income this offseason -- they're already loaded up on stellar starting pitching at a discount, and have a number of their bigger salaries coming off the books (Colon, Murphy, Parnell, Gee). So why not spend some of those savings on Cespedes? Better still if they could trade Lagares (thus saving even more money) and make Cespy the full-time center fielder.
Or can he play shortstop?
2
Sign him.
5
Mets need to make the deal and use the leverage of New York City.
The biggest market has tremendous benefits to any "star" player. If you were Yoenis, ask yourself: Would I rather play in NY for $ 20m a year or KC/Milwaukee/Toronto...for $ 24m ?
Seems to me the extra $ 4m and much more are in the bag if playing in NYC via endorsement deals, etc.
The biggest market has tremendous benefits to any "star" player. If you were Yoenis, ask yourself: Would I rather play in NY for $ 20m a year or KC/Milwaukee/Toronto...for $ 24m ?
Seems to me the extra $ 4m and much more are in the bag if playing in NYC via endorsement deals, etc.
3
And that extra $4m is only $2m after taxes (yeah, I know..."only"...but you know what I mean).
Gotta keep him. I confess I am not a deeply knowledgeable baseball fan but based on how happy he is, how enthused the fans are, how the attendance numbers have gone up at the Park and how viewing numbers have gone up on their cable station , it seems that the Mets can allocate some of that increased revenue to pay Cespedes what he deserves. As they say " he puts the fannies in the seats." I think the Mets risk a backlash from their now optimistic-about-the-future fans if they don't sign him.
14
I've been a Mets fan for almost 50 years and few players, if any, have energized the team in such a short period of time as has Cespedes. It's been an incredible ride. However, there is still a long way to go in this season. Assuming they make the playoffs, they will be up against some stiff competition. Let's see how Cespedes handles the pressure. If he responds, then maybe a long-term investment is warranted but I'm not going to worry about that now. I'm just enjoying the ride.
14
Living in the moment.
Enjoying what he's brought to the team.
Will wake up later.
Enjoying what he's brought to the team.
Will wake up later.
27
Cespedes has proven himself in New York. Hopefully, the Mets will offer him a deal at top dollar for four years (perhaps 28 a year and go to 30 if limited to four years--Kershaw got 30). The boondoggle contracts for 30 year old players last six or more years. If the Mets clearly pay top dollar for four years and tell him that he then has chance for another contract if he keeps producing (and the Mets would likely want to extend him after three years if he is producing), he would have a hard time leaving New York for a significantly lower per year deal over more years. If the Mets make him an offer good enough to lose, the Mets owners will be refusing to compete with no obvious justification. The union should then file a grievance or sue them for being unwilling to compete in good faith, if only to get the situation aired out in public.
6
The union doesn't and cannot operate that way. Did they file a grievance because the Mets didn't make an offer to Jose Reyes, winning an NL batting title on his way out the door? If the Collective Bargaining Agreement doesn't say teams must make offers to players with expired contracts then they don't have to. (But Your Honor, he was so awesome!) Are they going to say Cespedes lost income because their should have been more bidders? Maybe they should file grievances against any team who fails to offer him a contract. It's called free agency. As for "airing it out in public," courts don't appreciate what they call "frivolous lawsuits". Anyway no one with the least interest in baseball will fail to notice if the Mets don't offer Yoenis a deal. Whatever their offer BTW, it will be buried by someone else because the Wilpons are still the Wilpons. Let's just enjoy that Sandy Alderson got the trade deadline right this year with Cespedes, Kelly Johnson, Uribe and Clippard.
5
Exactly my thoughts, Rob. Instead of 10K per game attendance the last four Septembers, the park will be full.
What worries me is that this article seems to lay the groundwork for letting him go.
Cespesdes has been, by a wide margin, the best offensive player the Mets have EVER had, and he's played close to flawlessly either in left or in center, with well above average defensive range and arm.
What worries me is that this article seems to lay the groundwork for letting him go.
Cespesdes has been, by a wide margin, the best offensive player the Mets have EVER had, and he's played close to flawlessly either in left or in center, with well above average defensive range and arm.
3
With regard to re-signing Cespedes (the best player the team's had in more than a decade), long-term Mets fans universally expect the Mets front office to do the wrong thing. When the season's over, whatever the wrong thing to do IS, the Mets will do it. Just watch. It's like clockwork...
11
The owners should just do the math and measure Cespedes's worth according to the higher profits they have earned since he joined the team. What do they call that in baseball and business? A simple proposition? Even if he has two average Cespedes's years, or he gets injured, as could very easily happen in a span of five years, how much money would Cespedes still bring to the Mets--and fun to their fans--if you have him play alongside the likes of deGrom, Harvey and the rest of the gang for three or four of the next five to six years?
8
Well, well well....
It would appear as if Mets' management handled very sticky situations before and during the trade deadline with professionalism, forthright disclosure, and competence. Call me surprised!
Cespedes seems as if he had been mistreated by at least two different organization and has found a new home in baseball's capital city and largest stage. It seems as least to this observer and Mets fan that Cespedes truly wants a new shot and turn over the proverbial new leaf, good for him and the Mets.
If the Mets continue this new management style but more importantly get the owners to literally buy into the new feeling in Flushing, maybe just maybe the worm will turn for the Cespedes and the Mets.
How refreshing! But give them a chance, the Mets always find a way to blow it.
It would appear as if Mets' management handled very sticky situations before and during the trade deadline with professionalism, forthright disclosure, and competence. Call me surprised!
Cespedes seems as if he had been mistreated by at least two different organization and has found a new home in baseball's capital city and largest stage. It seems as least to this observer and Mets fan that Cespedes truly wants a new shot and turn over the proverbial new leaf, good for him and the Mets.
If the Mets continue this new management style but more importantly get the owners to literally buy into the new feeling in Flushing, maybe just maybe the worm will turn for the Cespedes and the Mets.
How refreshing! But give them a chance, the Mets always find a way to blow it.
5
Best player the Mets have had from the right side in the outfield in almost 30 years. Also, more effective than even Piazza, who hit well but was a liability defensively. This guy fields his position like Clemente and has a cannon for an arm. Plus, because he is such a threat at the plate, he protects all of the other good but not great major league hitters the Mets have assembled over the past two years. Whatever it takes--sign the guy!
7
Pretty much agree with everything except the last sentence. I refuse to be a neurotic fan and mess with the mojo. Let it ride and see what happens in October.
2
The Mets should count their "good fortune" in the otherworldly production they've gotten from Cespedes and then let him walk away after the postseason. Although Alderson wasn't around 10 or so years ago, a similar player, Carlos Beltran, had an incredible last two months and postseason with the Astros then proceeded to free agency where the Mets drastically overpaid him and suffered the consequences of his dwindling production as he aged over the years of the contract. Just look at Jacoby Ellsbury and Robinson Cano, Jayson Werth and Joe Mauer, ARod and Ryan Howard, Carl Crawford, et al. The moral is to not give multi-year, $100M plus contracts to players entering their 30's.
Cespedes dogged it in Boston the last two months of last season. He is now playing for a big, new contract which he will undoubtedly get from some team...(there is always a greater fool out there). The Mets should hold onto their great young pitching, hope to compete again next year, then pick up a bat at the deadline as they just did.
Cespedes dogged it in Boston the last two months of last season. He is now playing for a big, new contract which he will undoubtedly get from some team...(there is always a greater fool out there). The Mets should hold onto their great young pitching, hope to compete again next year, then pick up a bat at the deadline as they just did.
4
I don't think the comparison to Beltran is that accurate. Cespedes is far outproducing what Beltran did for Houston in 2004. Also, you can't underestimate the poisonous environment of the 2014 Red Sox. There was nothing Cespedes was going to do that would drat them out of the cellar.
1
I don't think it's fair to characterize the Beltran signing as a bust for the Mets. In his seven years with the team, he averaged a slash line of .280/.369/.500, hit 149 home runs (including 41 in 2006 alone), won three Gold Gloves, and made the NL All-Star team four times. Sure, he famously struck out looking to end Game 7 of the NLCS (on a curveball from hell) and was part of the Amazingly Collapsible Mets of '07 and '08, but his production was generally at a high level overall.
And let's not forget that he brought back returns for the team even in his walk year, as Alderson managed to trade him for none other than Zack Wheeler.
And let's not forget that he brought back returns for the team even in his walk year, as Alderson managed to trade him for none other than Zack Wheeler.
3
Gotta disagree with you about Beltran. After a tough first year he was one of the best CFs in the game during his time here. Not to mention they turned Beltran in to Wheeler which was the beginning of this pitching renaissance. I also think you're understating the impact Cespedes has made. To think that they'd be able to "pick up a bat at the deadline" next year and expect the same return is a little off. This guy is performing at an other-worldly level not to mention, they'd have to give up more pitching to acquire such a bat which goes against you're thought that they should hold on to their young pitching. I think a 6 year deal would be perfect for this guy and someone will give it to him. Hopefully it's the Mets.
4
Would you not sign willie mays at age 29? Willie hit 52 home runs at 35. Not sure he is a Mays but he is closest I've seen, looks like he takes care of himself and I'm betting u could get 4 to 5 excellent years from him. If he stays in shape and avoids injury a drop off after that but if Mets remain competitive over that time in part because they have a stud in the lineup then he will pay for himself.
15
I like your analogy. Sign a 29 year old Willie Mays? Hell yes. 52 homers that era would be like 75 today.
Cespedes is a health and workout freak. I think he'll be awesome until at least 35.
Cespedes is a health and workout freak. I think he'll be awesome until at least 35.
Oh, please! Do NOT compare anyone to Willie Mays, probably the greatest player in MLB history. That is just foolish. Plus, you want to compare these two months Cespedes has had as a Met with Mays career? Again, foolish.
If the Mets can get him for 6 years and $120 million, or even 7 years and $140 million, they should jump on it. This will signal to their fans that they really want to make a run with this young pitching staff. They've been under $100 million for 4 years now, which is laughable for a major market team. Transcendent pickups like this don't happen that often. When they do, teams are foolish not to keep the magic going.
Though if not, this Yankees fan would be happy to have him in pinstripes.
Though if not, this Yankees fan would be happy to have him in pinstripes.
13
i don't think the money will be a problem..there are at least 10,000 more people who come to the games when the Mets are in play than when they're an also ran....a six yr. deal @ $120-145 million is definitely in reason with a talent like this.....next year Michael Cuddyer will be in the last year of a 2-yr. $10 million dollar contract that may not be renewed...Niese,Duda,Lagares, & Murphy are questionable parts of the Met future, therefore enabling them to tweak the payroll...and also if Matt Harvey becomes problematical based on innings pitched etc, the Mets could deal him for another strong player. the outfield of Cespedes,Conforto & Granderson is a top tier outfield, so signing Cespedes is a must if the Mets want to stay in contention for a World Series ring over the next five years
11
I disagree with your negative take on Lagares. He won the gold glove last year. He should have elbow surgery and be held onto.
If Wilpon and Katz actually compete hard in trying to sign Cespedes, it will be a first. Wilpon and Katz just want to make money or use the Mets to shelter other income, period. I am sure they would prefer winning over losing but they have not risked money to try to win. They have not acted consistently with the motto that you have to spend money to compete and make money. They act like they have a captive market that will pay to see the Mets as long as they do the bare minimum to make it at least arguable that they are trying to win. They are among the cheapest owners of a big market franchise that baseball has seen because while they insist that the players compete at the risk of losing playing time or their jobs, they do not either compete like heck or sell and get out. The true successors to Brooklyn Dodgers owner Walter O' Malley. One almost wishes that
Wilpon and Katz would give money to Trump in violation of the campaign finance laws--that legal mistake started the Yankees rolloing in the early 1990's because it got George out of his own way and helped him learn how to be a good owner.
Wilpon and Katz would give money to Trump in violation of the campaign finance laws--that legal mistake started the Yankees rolloing in the early 1990's because it got George out of his own way and helped him learn how to be a good owner.
The deal for Cespedes was a no-brainer. After a nearly disastrous attempted deal, and a couple of other dreadful efforts, the Mets front office finally raised their baseball IQ to the no-brain level. Will it stay that high when it comes to the no-brainer decision to re-sign him, whatever they fear the cost will be after 2020?
6
If he is not Willie Mays, he is the closest player to Mays that I have seen. They must sign him. Just look at the buzz he has created all over the city. Everyone is talking about the Mets for the first time since 2008. Look at the players' numbers who hit in front of him. Look at where the Mets were in July and now. It is because of him. Just sign him.
1
It was a smart decision for the Mets to get him at the trading deadline. It will be even a smarter decision to sign him and keep him.