I didn't want Cespedes back if it meant giving him more than 3 years, but I did want him back. Other than the opt-out clause, which was probably unavoidable, the Mets pulled off a great signing here. Give credit where credit is due - I have been among those loudly condemning the Wilpons over the years, but they did the right thing here. Great job.
7
We needed a big bat, and we got a big bat. Enough said.
Now, let's play some ball !!!
Now, let's play some ball !!!
2
"And they did it on their own terms"????? $27.5 mil for ONE YEAR??? If he has a great year, then he's gone to the highest bidder. If he flops, the Mets are on the hook for another TWO YEARS!!!
2
I will never understand the opt out clause. Why any major league team EVER agreed to such a clause is beyond me. If I was an owner I would agree to it on one condition - that it works both ways. The team gets to opt out as well if they so desire. If Cespedes has a banner year in 2016, he will opt out. That will be his reward for having a good year. But isn't he SUPPOSED to have a good year for $25 million???
3
So let's get this straight. Cespedes is worth two to four wins over replacement player. But he gets into the lineup for any game only by replacing Lagares or Conforto, each of whose value is at least as great as that. So they are spending 27+ million for NOTHING. How amazingly Metsian. Not the worst they've done--they did pay Cuddyer something north of 10 million (and gave up a first-round draft pick) for less than nothing. But bad enough. The only way this "brilliancy" will be less than another disaster would be for him to turn into a third-baseman to replace the washed-up David Wright. Ain't gonna happen.
1
Lagares is worth as much in the lineup as Cespedes? That's news. To everybody. If that's a "WAR" statistic it proves how much of a fallacy WAR is.
3
"They should be working hard on extensions for one or more members of their rotation, so they can lock up as much of their prime as possible."
See also: SF Giants...
See also: SF Giants...
Four teams in four years says signing this guy long term is a mistake. Has potential BJ Upton all over it.
For the first time in a long time the Wilkins didn't screw this one up.
They have a Cory strong lineup, a solid professional bull pen, and the best starting pitching in baseball.
They have a window of perhaps 3 years to win before the pitching becomes unaffordable to maintain.
So this is a prudent move on all facets.
For the first time in years I cannot wait for baseball
So I say ...LETS GO METS...
And I eagerly await 2016 MLB
Bam
They have a Cory strong lineup, a solid professional bull pen, and the best starting pitching in baseball.
They have a window of perhaps 3 years to win before the pitching becomes unaffordable to maintain.
So this is a prudent move on all facets.
For the first time in years I cannot wait for baseball
So I say ...LETS GO METS...
And I eagerly await 2016 MLB
Bam
3
Forgot to mention the Mike Piazza trade and subsequent big contract as an example of a large contract that worked. Piazza is actually a good parallel to the Cespedes situation. Mets traded for a huge star to add to a young talent base that gave them immediate respect and legitimacy and then gave him a big extension which worked out well for the organization
2
It isn't that Cespedes is so great, it's the terms that make this a good deal for the Mets. They did need another bat. Who would it be? They weren't in the running for #52 because Yo wanted a 5 year deal. They were smart to not offer it, and they got him without breaking down on that. Overpaying for him for the shorter term? Yes, but that's the free agent market. If he has a huge year and opts out the 27.5 million will have been well spent. If not, its a disappointing 3 year deal, but it's worth the risk. If Wilpon has to spend like a middle-market team why should be the Mets fan be unhappy with that? Their offense was no better than they were last July unless they added a bat. Who else were you going to get? Who was available who wouldn't be overpaid. Best of all, Alejandra De Aza just went way down on the outfield depth chart to 5th outfieler, which is where he belongs.
3
Cespedes = New York Values
How many days until pitchers and catchers report?
The snow is falling in New York, but my thoughts are squarely centered on the warmer climes of April...and the start of another fun, exciting, and enjoyable season...
The snow is falling in New York, but my thoughts are squarely centered on the warmer climes of April...and the start of another fun, exciting, and enjoyable season...
25 days to pitchers and catchers!!! Can't get here soon enough!!!!
A bit expensive but a move they had to make. However, I doubt they would have made it had their rivals not forced their hand.
Cespedes must stop swinging at bad pitches in clutch situations.
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Right. And they're paying you how much to coach him from your vast years of experience and expertise.
This is an impressive move by the Mets and an even more impressive move by the player. The Mets have been well-managed by the GM and his cadre of mini GMs. The ownership has finally risen to the occasion, when it looked to all skeptical Mets fans (me included) that things were just (terrible)business as usual. Cespedes is not a perfect player but BIG NEWS: There are no perfect players. (maybe Stanton, Trout and Harper).
He brings power, athleticism, charisma, Latino roots, speed and oh, that arm. He'll protect the guys around him in the lineup and YES, he is well-liked in the clubhouse in spite of his very low key antics. He's certainly not a problem child (can you spell C-H-A-P-M-A-N or P-A-P-E-L-B-O-N or P-U-I-G?).
He also provides the Mets with a large dose of their new mantra: FLEXIBILITY. He can play three outfield positions, He can bat 2,3,4,5 and he can even steal a base on a team that doesn't steal bases.
I think the fans will reward the Wilpons (and the players) with fervent attendance and support. The last time I felt this good about a Mets free-agent signing was when they signed Carlos Beltran and Pedro Martinez.
Let's Go.
He brings power, athleticism, charisma, Latino roots, speed and oh, that arm. He'll protect the guys around him in the lineup and YES, he is well-liked in the clubhouse in spite of his very low key antics. He's certainly not a problem child (can you spell C-H-A-P-M-A-N or P-A-P-E-L-B-O-N or P-U-I-G?).
He also provides the Mets with a large dose of their new mantra: FLEXIBILITY. He can play three outfield positions, He can bat 2,3,4,5 and he can even steal a base on a team that doesn't steal bases.
I think the fans will reward the Wilpons (and the players) with fervent attendance and support. The last time I felt this good about a Mets free-agent signing was when they signed Carlos Beltran and Pedro Martinez.
Let's Go.
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Have you noticed that he brings exactly NO wons above replacement to their lineup?
Some nice baseball news in the middle of this snow storm.
3
There is joy in Metsville today. Sometime it pays to be patient.
4
wow. Let's go Met's.
Ohhh Yespedes! The Power is back, baby! What excellent news to wake up to this wintry morning.
All in all, I think the Mets have made some good moves this offseason, from Walker to Bastardo to the totally unexpected return of La Potencia. The team looks stronger in all dimensions -- pitching, fielding, and hitting. I am enjoying the snow right now, but eagerly looking forward to the return of the Boys of Summer on those green fields next spring.
All in all, I think the Mets have made some good moves this offseason, from Walker to Bastardo to the totally unexpected return of La Potencia. The team looks stronger in all dimensions -- pitching, fielding, and hitting. I am enjoying the snow right now, but eagerly looking forward to the return of the Boys of Summer on those green fields next spring.
10
They are still a couple of relievers short. They have a pressing need for someone who can lock down the 6th or 7th inning when the starters begin to falter.
I'm also not sure if Reed and Bastardo are really the bridge to Familia that gets them to the playoffs. Look at Betances and Miller in comparison.
There's not much available, but I would think that Tampa is winning to move Boxberger, or preferably Jake McGee.
I'd like to see them try to land one of those two guys. Perhaps Rafael Betancourt still has one year left in him. He still got it done ( in Colorado ) last year.
I'm also not sure if Reed and Bastardo are really the bridge to Familia that gets them to the playoffs. Look at Betances and Miller in comparison.
There's not much available, but I would think that Tampa is winning to move Boxberger, or preferably Jake McGee.
I'd like to see them try to land one of those two guys. Perhaps Rafael Betancourt still has one year left in him. He still got it done ( in Colorado ) last year.
You think he can field center after last fall?
This was the right move to make for the Mets. True, Cespedes was just ordinary in the playoffs and world series, but man oh man he was electric in helping them reach the playoffs in the first place. Great to have him back.
5
He was worse than ordinary. And not taking himself out when he could no longer even run to first base was anything but the mark of a team player.
good deal for Mets fans.... he can opt out after one year... that means you won't have to wait until 2018 for him to hustle again.... :-) peace
3
" In Sandy we trust " , this is a win- win for everyone even the Wilsons look good.
3
And how many WARP does he add(?) to their lineup, given that he gets into it only by benching Lagares or Conforto?
Met fans owe a big thank you to the Washington Nationals for making their offer. The prospect of the Nats with Cespedes opened the Wilpons' wallet. I suspect they would have let him go to a non-Yankee American League team.
13
Good for the team, Cespedes and loyal fans.
Lets Go Mets!
Lets Go Mets!
2
Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!
2
I wondered whether or not GM's were going to remember that this guy was a .260 hitter who could be counted on for 20 home runs and 100 RBIs. Apparently they did. Who wanted another Carlos Beltran contract on their watch? Except that Beltran did his Captain America routine in the playoffs as opposed to the regular season, like Cespedes.
It's jaw dropping that a half season wonder can command a $27.5 million salary in today's game. If that doesn't tell us something about the economics of the game I don't know what does.
It's jaw dropping that a half season wonder can command a $27.5 million salary in today's game. If that doesn't tell us something about the economics of the game I don't know what does.
2
Hey! If you don't like the deal, go root for the Nationals.
Cespedes' game deteriorated after he got hit by a pitch--and played hurt. With their rotation, they can be the equal to the Cubs and Nats--and possibly better in the playoffs.
1
The Wilpons don't deserve the benefit of doubt. They may be doing the right thing, but it's not because it's the right thing. It's because it's the cheap thing, which happens to align with the right thing. They'd be doing the cheap thing even it was the wrong thing.
12
Awesomely good news! With both Detroit and the Mets, he had a pretty good Piazza-like season, .291 ave., 30 hrs, and 105 rbi. Another player, like Mike, whom you MUST watch when he's at-bat. If the team reaches the WS again, and if Cespedes is healthy, he should be quite motivated to prove his disappearing act in the 2015 fall classic was just an aberration.
Thanks, Sandy and staff!
Thanks, Sandy and staff!
8
I would thank Cespedes not the Mets: he chose them.
Cespedes for the Metsofs!
1
Now will the talk radio pundits finally shut up? We went to the World Series last year, Sandy was the executive of the tear, give the Wilpons a break!
Yesterday, Kepner was against the Mets signing Yo. He even belittled his effect on the team, stating that much of his power came against bad teams. Now he's for it??
2
Let's Go Mets!
2
The excitement that the Mets bring to the playoffs and World Series is of a different and more gleefully explosive tone then it is with the buttoned down Yankees, in part because it's more infrequent. It's a shame that the owners are financially strapped, because a winning team in Flushing is invigorating. Though not as consistently great, Yoenis Cespedes reminds me of Willie Mays, and his exciting play make the Mets both watchable and potential champions. The amazing youthful pitching staff becomes much more successful with run support. The Amazing Mets are back, for at least another year.
5
Hallelujah! Now, if Sandy can get a set-up man worthy of our closer, we can look forward to a great season and another exciting October.
If your Cespedes or his agent, this is a very good, if not great, deal, all things considered. He doesn't get the extended contract he was looking for, but with other suitors signing other options, he was down to the Nationals for 5-year but for much less money per year than he was anticipating. It was clear his attractiveness, given what he was looking for, had lost some luster after his weak performance - at the plate, in the field, and on the basepaths - in the post-season So, essentially he gets a do-over on free agency, but with the security of a guaranteed 3-year deal at an average of $25 million per year. If he has a strong year, he opts out, while earning $27.5 million. I think the Mets are paying more than he's worth, but they also get to keep his bat out of the Nationals line-up...at least for a year. So, in the end, a great deal for Cespedes and an understandable, but not great deal for the Mets.
4
That money would be a bargain if it kept Trump or Clinton out of Washington. But a 2-4 WARP outfielder?
Go Sandy! GM for MVP.
1
It's nice to see the Wilpons being responsive to the fans. Even if this doesn't work out the way we hope it will, the fans can feel good about their team----for now.
Maybe. Mets have had so many busts among their big star signings, mostly because they get fooled into signing those guys as they near the end of their careers (Bonilla, Coleman, Vaughn, Tom Glavine, etc). A few did work out: Piazza, Beltran, Delgado, Frank Viola. Let's just hope Cespedes didn't catch Jason Bay disease last September.
2
agree with you - one small point on Frankie V. He was traded for vs. free agency and the Mets got the short end of that deal. He pitched for 2-1/4 seasons with the Mets giving them 1 outstanding year (1990) but return the Twins got 4 players including a mainstay in their rotation for most of the 90s (Kevin Tapani) and one of the best closers of the 90s (Rick Aguilera). It's one of the deals that sent the Mets south after the glory years.
A great signing. With a strong Cespedes in the lineup, Wright, Duda, etc. are better set up and the Mets have a formidable offense to go with the great pitching.
But must be always hear about the Wilpons' so-called ravaged finances? Remember, the Wilpons took out more from their Madoff investments than they put in. The change now is that they seem to have moved away from their penny pinching psychology, having finally come to realize that investing in a big town team can actually pay off.
But must be always hear about the Wilpons' so-called ravaged finances? Remember, the Wilpons took out more from their Madoff investments than they put in. The change now is that they seem to have moved away from their penny pinching psychology, having finally come to realize that investing in a big town team can actually pay off.
Praise the lord...A Cespedes for the rest of us!!!!!!
Way to go Sandy Alderson!
Smart move by the Mets. It will likely only be for one more year, but the deal makes sense. Wish the Yankees had made it instead, but congrats to Mets fans on enjoying Cespedes for another season.
Granted the playoff and World Series competition was better than the teams he faced down the stretch, and the Royals scouting report on how to pitch him was dead on, but was he hurt or not? Can the New York Times report definitively on the speculation that he was injured during the World Series?
1
Now, where does he play? He kind of showed that he's not the world's greatest glove man in center field and Conforto's ready to play full time in left. Granderson was the team's most consistent player and a real heads up asset in right every day he's in the lineup. So, a platoon in left against lefties and in center against righties, like last season? Maybe Curtis gets a few days off against tough left handers also. Ces is going to play pretty much every day.
Amazin'! I hope this warms the hearts of all my snowed in Mets brothers and sisters in New York. Spring and opening day will be here soon enough.
A shrewd deal. Front loaded, short term with the incentive to produce immediately. This could turn out well for all parties concerned.
10
Speaking as a Mets fan, it's too good to be true. A measured, countenanced contract with terrific winning potential. Really? Truly?
1
I'm sorry, Cespedes played in Boston and based on that I think the Mets have totally overrated him. Aside from one hell of an arm in the outfield, he just isn't a superstar. That said, the Mets were wise to limit the damage to three years.
He may not be a superstar but he's worth a lot more than the overweight .260 hitter Boston signed to play 3rd for 100 million over 5 years! And they gave the Cuban Missile away! Shades of the Curse of the Bambino!
1
That was Jason Bay. this is a marginally better bet.
Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.
But the backlog on deliveries this past holiday season was brutal.
Yet, here at last is the present we've been dreaming of as visions of championships danced in our heads.
It's here! It's here!
Cespedes has arrived (to stay for awhile) for all of us.
I promise I will curtail the cursing of Mr. Alderson's name and the Mets organization for the foreseeable future.
O, happy day! O, joy of joys!.
Now let's take down the Christmas decorations. Please.
But the backlog on deliveries this past holiday season was brutal.
Yet, here at last is the present we've been dreaming of as visions of championships danced in our heads.
It's here! It's here!
Cespedes has arrived (to stay for awhile) for all of us.
I promise I will curtail the cursing of Mr. Alderson's name and the Mets organization for the foreseeable future.
O, happy day! O, joy of joys!.
Now let's take down the Christmas decorations. Please.
This is great news for Mets fans and players, too, including those great, young arms, who stand to win a lot more close games now. Mets management and Cespedes deserve credit for making this deal.
1
Wait, in a previous version of this column, Mr Kepner implied Cespedes should be deferred in favor of tying up the Mets' stud starters. This version champions his signing. Dude, you can't have it both ways.
I guess this is good news. Time will tell. Cespedes needs to stay motivated and stay off the golf course before games and a one-year opt out might do that. It will be interesting to watch his adventures in center field. Does this make Lugares expendable? His bat in the middle of the order should help the team. Hopefully, he will hit like he did last year, but I'm not counting on it! Please Cespy...prove me wrong!
4
The Mets just bought themselves the pennant. Snatching Cespedes away from the Nationals makes all the difference. A lineup of Granderson, Walker, Wright, Cespedes, Conforto, D'Arnaud, Duda, and Cabrera should give the Mets enough offense to result in the most talented pitching foursome in baseball - Harvey, DeGrom, Syndegaard, and Matz - each winning between 15-20 games. I've been a Met fan since 1962 and this should be their best team since 1986. Finally I can stop complaining about the Mets brass nickel and diming their way through each season. All of us long suffering Met fans have reason to rejoice!!!
C'Mon, Tyler! I was halfway enjoying you post, until you wrote. "Cespedes all but disappeared in October."
What you forgot to mention is had to take a cortisone shot in shoulder. What's next, David Wright got off to a slow start lats season?
What you forgot to mention is had to take a cortisone shot in shoulder. What's next, David Wright got off to a slow start lats season?
Really, really excellent.
A healthy Cespedes and the Mets will have a terrific year. I just love watching Cespedes play and having him changes the nature of the entire lineup since another team knows a big bat is coming round and coming for them.
A healthy Cespedes and the Mets will have a terrific year. I just love watching Cespedes play and having him changes the nature of the entire lineup since another team knows a big bat is coming round and coming for them.
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