New York Mets Winter Report 2011-12

[syam24]

Just read the article in the NY Daily News....sorry to see him go, but that was a lot of money they (Jose and the agent) got from a team with a history of drawing 10,000 fans on a good nite. New stadium or not, will be interesting to see how they draw. Well lets see what the Mets can or will do this week....

 

[Sausy]

Well lets see what the Mets can or will do this week....

clipping coupons,on a talent budget!It's disgraceful....MLB made the Dodgers sell and the last act of the McCourts was to sign centerfielder Matt Kemp,runnerup MVP choice,to an eight-year extension.Bud Selig extends loans and doesn't push repayment to his buddies the Wilpons...he should have ORDERED Fred Wilpon to sell or give up a significant stake to an investor with deep pockets.The Einhorn thing blew up after the Wilpons refused to give up control of this club...we're not the fucking Oakland A's or San Diego Padres!!!We deserve better after all the screw ups.....all the collapses,all the lackluster play,all the injuries,all the front office dramatics,now all the ownership crap!Now I'm reading the Mets think they might,just might,be two years away from serious contention.....if any of their pitching prospects don't blow out their arms,if ANY hitters can be developed..if,if if!!!Not blaming Sandy Alderson,but c'mon...if the Wilpons really put their undisputed ownership of the new York Mets franchise over winning,FUCK them!Nobody is saying they have to spend like crazy,but in their market $140-170million should be their budget....maybe an adjustment down for this year to $110 mil but if they can't play in the big leagues with the Bostons and the Phillies either get REAL equal partners or get the HELL OUT!!!

 

[Sausy]

Well big surprise…NOT

It’s not been made official but Jose Reyes is a Miami Marlin and he has agreed to a six-year deal with the Miami Marlins worth $106 million, Sandy Alderson made the Mets final offer yesterday but it was not enough. By the way Jose’s agent did not even bother to call Sandy back before the announcement was made,
real class that one.
I have a lot of thoughts of my own but you can bet I will be working the phones all day to get all I can to write about tomorrow, especially how it could affect Daniel Murphy

Bye bye Jose don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

Got a lot to say myself,sonny but I'll hold back after my opening salvo against the Wilpon's Walmart budgeting mentality until you get your thoughts out.Got to say they'll be passionate,genuine and well thought out and I can't wait for the update!!!

 

[sonny10305]

Just have a sec to say thanks to syam for his thoughts, and how good is it see our ole friend Saucy back in here spurting out the wisdom and tellin it like it is.
Love ya dude.

The only correction I want to make to my earlier Reyes post is that it looks like Alderson may not have make an offer after at all or at least that's what many have told me today. But have no fear our pal Kevin Burkhardt is of course on the case and will tell us more tonight on his live broadcast from the winter meetings in Dallas. He will also speak with Sandy Alderson and Terry Collins

That's tonight and all week thru Thursday at 630 on SNY it also repeats thru the day.

Be back tomorrow

 

[Ninja108]

Bottom line, between Madoff and the awful contracts they signed, the Mets are in a rebuilding mode this upcoming season and for the next couple of ones after that.
Reyes wasn't going to stay in New York and given his health history,the MEts couldn't afford to sign another awful contract.

 

[chance1]

Best wishes to Jose - who won the lottery

Had a great off injury year - set himself up to be "wanted" in a big way

28 years old - been with the Mets for 9 (can you believe it?) - game built on/reliant on/depends on SPEED

no way Jose - 6 years with an option? Miami (not Florida) needs to sell luxury boxes - just spent $27M for 3 years on an aging reliever, a position you just DON'T give L/T $ to - wants Pujols

they're the new/old Yankees

Gonna miss Jose - his speed, his glove, his energy

but we'd have been bad/mediocre with him and now w/o

trade David Wright - only catch is get something great for him - I think the Red Sox/Bobby V would be a perfect place for him

I gave up my ticket plan last year and have NO plans to get tix this year

shit show team

time for alderson to show us why he's the boss

 

[sonny10305]

Lemme apologize this is gonna be long but I have to get it off my chest or explode.

Reyes Reyes Reyes good God that all anyone wanted to talk about yesterday I am completely burned out and sick of talking about him. BUT, I do want to set the record straight on how I feel about the whole thing. For starters I am not sorry he is gone, yup you hard me right I am sure you cold see that coming based on the things I have been writing about him lately. It all started in the last game of the season last year when Jose decided to leave the game after one hit and two swings of the bat all in order to ensure his winning the batting title, forget the fans forget the team that day was all about Reyes and I was fuming. Next is the fact that the little punk was nothing till he Mets gave him his shot as a kid just still in his teens, now I appreciate and respect all he did over the 8 years as a Met I absolutely do but he should have taken the idea that the Mets made him what he is today, and now when the team is such disarray he should have stuck by us. What happened to loyalty to his fans his team and the city he said he loved. I am sure had the Met been given the chance to make an offer of perhaps 80-90 million he would still be a Met but we were not give that chance. And Reyes should have sat hi agent down and insisted he speak to the Mets before sighing with the Marlins but he did not; Last of course is his health I think the Marlins made a big mistake giving him 6 years and will regret that in the last 3-4 years of that contract when he cant perform as well as he does now. Which is why I congratulate Alderson for seeing that and never considering giving Jose those kinds of years we also know that the Mets can not offers the money the Marlins gave him there is simply too much money baggage with that team right now. So no I am not sorry to see him go I look forward to the first time he hits the field at Citi wearing a Marlins uniform on April 24 and see what the Citi crowd will do, my guess is he will get more cheers than boos, but then check it out, in his first at bat as he rounds the bases and suddenly stops and has to be helped off the field.
WHAT! Too cruel? Well maybe, but come on it will be kinda funny. I told that story to ‘Major’ major ball player yesterday (not a Met) and he said “Damm man you are too cruel” but he also laughed at that prospect.
Ok ok so I don’t really want Reyes to get hurt but sue me it was fun saying and writing that.

As to our survival without him, listen we are in a rebuilding mode and I do not expect to win more games than we loose next year buy we will get closer to winning in 2013 I am a Mets fan first and foremost and a big baseball fan, had it not been for my family business I probably would have tried to be a pro ball payer but I love my job an have no regrets about that. I also love the minor league players more than the majors I attend more minor league games than major ones like 5-1 and most of my baseball buddies are minor leaguers or major leaguers just recently promoted. So this rebuilding is gonna be fun for me I want to watch the young kids scrap and play for their jobs and show what they can do I am tied of watching the Jason Bays and other so called pros who bore me to death I want to see the young kids battle it is way more fun and rewarding. So watching the Mets in 2012 will be all about that and not winning a season but developing a team who in a few years will break out and explode all over the NL the Mets will be a major player again in a couple of years take that to the bank cash that check watch us roar. Stay and watch the ride it is gonna be awesome.

The Daniel Murphy trade talks are heating up again and I am disturbed by that cause I think Murph will be a major role with the ‘New Mets’ Guys like Murph, Davis, Turner, Tejada and Duda are our future along with a fresh bunch of pitchers along with Jeurys Familia in the bullpen and reliever Robert Carson (a lefty) too soon for Harvey maybe in 2013
I also want to see guys and center fielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis next year only problem with him is last time I spoke with him late summer he was still recovering from shoulder surgery. I know that several teams have been sniffing around asking about Murph including The Tigers who have mentioned a trade with outfielder Andy Dirks who could be an alternative for Pagan probably need to add a pitcher as well, also interested are the Blue jays and Padres who have also mentioned a possible trade for an infielder. I just think it would be a tragic mistake to let Murph go I truly believe he will be the Mets next DWright and should not let him go. I know that Collins agrees and has said he would like to se Murph in the lead off spot when he needs Pagan in a lower batting order situation I know that Pagan will do well in the lead off spot but so would Murph due to his high on-base percentage. Alderson has also said many times how much he likes Murph and has dumped tons of praise on him many times. Collins actually said that he could see Murphy like a Wade Boggs atop the lineup. Bu don’t expect Tehad to hit lead off he will have enough pressure on him replacing Reyes at SS. Collins sees Murphy at second with Justin ‘Red’ Turner backing up. But wherever Murph ends up I will be his most devoted fan following him and keeping in touch where ever he goes I would just prefer it be as a Met but what matters most is what is best for Daniel

So there ya have it my hopes for the New Mets and the excitement in my bones and heart to watch my team rebuild next year, Hell it will be almost as good as watching the Cyclones or Bisons

I donno what Alderson is thinking in Dallas right now but ya have to think his mind is on pitching and whether to sign one higher-end closer or spread the money a little more around with multiple relievers we need a closer( please not K-Rod again) along with a setup man, but I would not be surprised to see him snuggle up to a catcher, utility infielder and backup outfielder.
So Reyes’ loss adds up to more money to spend on the bullpen, and other areas maybe a couple of more draft picks to build for the future.

 

[gtru1981]

So Reyes is gone and lost that bet (crap). But good for him, he had to do what he had to do. I really starting to think the Mets had no interest in keeping him and what many people are saying is that Sandy Alderson sounded like a compete idiot when talking about it. Sandy is a smart man and i like him, but we all know he was put their by Bud Selig (since him and Fred Wilpon are BFFs).

The Mets are fixing the mistakes of the last couple of years and sad part guys like Reyes arent in their future. The worse part, losing Reyes will effect ticket sales and i see a bigger decline in attendence and revenue in 2012 (sad since its their 50th birthday)

Sonny, i am going to say this, but i see Murphy being traded. Seems like the Blue Jays and the Tigers are very interested in him. Maybe the American League will be better for him, like Jeff Francore has been for him. Also, maybe these two teams or whoever, can really appreciate him and showcase his true talents. Also i read the Duda has offers out for him as well. Let me give u a example, if the Tigers called up Alderson and said, "i give you Verlander for Duda, Turner, and Murphy", i would be like HELL YA and wrap those guys in bows and ship them off.

Also, with Reyes gone, i see Wright days numbered now for then ever. I expect him gone within a year.

 

[sonny10305]

Good grief what a night!!!!
Bata bing bata bang bata bong in just a flash the Mets rebuilt the bullpen, strengthen center field and more.
It only took a little over a day and a little lover an hour to finalize, but the Mets traded Angel Pagan to San Francisco for outfielder Andres Torres and pitcher Ramon Ramirez, and reached agreements with free-agent relievers Frank Francisco and Jon Rauch. By the time you read this the trade should have been officially announced and the free-agent deals had not been finalized, I LOVE THIS!
Torres will pay centerfield and bat lead off followed by Murphy and Wright making it possible for Tejada to hit down in the order a bit, that will be important to Rubin cause as I said yesterday he will already have enough pressure taking over for Reyes, it will help that kid relax not having to back up anybody.

Francisco had 17 saves in 21 chances for the Blue Jays, going 1-4 with a 3.55 ERA. Yeah he does have a bit of a temper but there is that nasty slider when he throws downhill
Rauch was 5-4 with 11 saves in 16 chances and a 4.85 ERA. He has 85 big league saves in his career expect to se him handle the 8th and even close on occasion. He is 6’10
Ramirez was 3-3 with a 2.62 ERA this year.

About the only thing left is for the Mets to add two backup outfielders (maybe re-signing Scott Hairston and Willie Harris or something else, I prefer something else; we could also use a little starting pitching depth and probably a backup shortstop.

Let me now say how great it is to see some many guys posting and adding comments here again
I appreciate that.

Soooooooooo gtru now that Reyes is gone have ya got that Mets uniform all ready to wear opening day at Yankee stadium

As to what you wrote about Murphy I do not think he should for all the reasons I outlined yesterday, but you are absolutely right he would make an excellent DH and would do very well in the American League. Thing is that is not what Murph wants he wants to play for the Mets and master second base. He has had no luck with staying in any one position for any length of time, after working his butt off learning first base he got hurt then he got hut again shortly after playing second. As to the outfield well… look, he was thrown out there with little experience which was a little unfair but he tried his best but as Murph said “made a fool of himself” Murph's good buddy Nick Evans once as a gag took Murphy's outfielder glove and said “I am doing this for your own good before you hurt yourself” all in good fun of course. Murph himself once joked that he is not allowed to play out there any more
Of course we still have a couple of days to go and things can always change after the meetings but my hope is that the Mets will stand by what they have been saying and stay with the idea that Collins and even Alderson have said that Murphy needs to stay with the team. But as I said I will be there for Murph were ever he lands next year but anyone you talk to will tell you he needs to be a Met who can be as Alderson said a "jack of all trades" which he can, when I first met Daniel in the minors he was a third baseman and a very good one, we saw how well he playes third when he filled in for Wright a few times he aslo played a mean first as well.


Kevin Burkhardt will have Jose Reyes tonight on Mets Hot Stove, Jose passed his physical yesterday and is now officially a Miami Marlin (got to get used to that new team name) I asked KB to ask Jose how it will feel to hit Citi field in a Marlin uniform for the first time and how he expects the fans will react, Kevin did not commit but at least I put the bug in his ear about it cause I wanna hear what Jose says about that. Mets Hot Stove live on SNY at 6:30 and repeats

I may jump in again later today with more but yesterday was a great day for us Mets fans

 

[syam24]

I think the two free agent signings are pretty good, safe deals. Mets get a couple of proven guys who've closed before. The guy I'm really amazed we got was Ramon Ramirez, he's a very good pitcher, who gets both righties and lefties out on a consistent basis. He'll be very good in the seventh/eighth innings of games. The addition of Rauch and Ramirez also allows Parnell, maybe, to develop at a slower pace and not have to pitch everyday, where he seems to be very hittable on consecutive days. It's also possible he could be used as a chip to trade for additonal help. The outfielder swap, I see, as basically a wash, but could turn into a plus for either team, if the player gets back to previous offensive results. Torres, I think, will be a defensive plus, and couldn't be a worse baserunner than Pagan, so I think the Mets come out a bit ahead there. A pretty good day, overall.

 

[gtru1981]

Sonny, please explain something to me about Angel Pagan since I been out of the loop for a season. What happened to him? I remember he was friendly, fans loved him and had a great 2010. In 2011 he had a ok year and his attitude changed. Maybe he had personal family issues(I know something happened to one of his daughters). A lot of people are happy he is gone and i keep hearing lack of chemistry in the clubhouse. So what happened to him in 2011? I liked him but since I don't have SNY I been out of the loop ( dam you dish!)

 

[sonny10305]

Sonny, please explain something to me about Angel Pagan since I been out of the loop for a season.

Grtu it was a steady downfall for Pagan that began immediately after Betran left, you may recall I wrote about that last year. Angel just seemed to fall apart. His defense became erratic and his base running errors seem to get worse. But more than that was his relationship with Collins which had begun to deteriorate. Angel complained to Terry about hitting leadoff and made a fuss every time he had to play that position. Often times before and after games he could be found in Collins office bitchin, moanin and complaining and seemed in constant need of reinsurance from his manager he becoming very needy. Clearly Collins and Alderson got feed up with him and so a trade seemed like a good idea not just for the Mets for Angel as well who clearly needs a change of scenery. as to his daughter she needed eye surgury but has recovered and is fine now.

It is a pretty good bet that unless some unforeseen circumstances arrive Daniel Murphy will be the Mets second baseman in 2012; Terry Collins said last night "That's what we're leaning toward right now. In fact Collins called Murph amid all the trade rumors and talked to him about him coming down to Florida early to get ready. When Murph asked Collins 'Where do you think I'm going to be?' Collins answered second base. Collins went on to say “With his work ethic, and the fact that when we play those exhibition games, Daniel Murphy is going to go play second base. He's going to play a lot of second base, because the only way he's going to get better is to be out there. Even though they are exhibition games, I want him out there getting used to being in the middle of the infield. As to those trade rumors in spit of the fact that Alderson is not done dealing and of course anything can still happen, apparently Sandy was underwhelmed by what teams said they were willing to offer adding that Murph was worth far more to the Mets than what is being offered for him at this time. We know that Sandy is big Murphy fan we have aid time and time again and I always felt it would take a lot for him to give Daniel up. .

Well if you had an doubts about what I told you guys weeks ago that Alderson did not give a ratz ass about Reyes if you saw Alderson speak about him after Jose blamed the Mets for not trying to sign him, Alderson with a look of total sarcasm stared into the camera and in an ice cold voice said “If you’re asking whether I should have sent him a box of chocolates, perhaps I should have done that. On the other hand, the box of chocolates wouldn’t have cost $106 million either”. Oh man did I love that. It’s funny how the more I talk to baseball players and other Mets fans the more I realize that his leaving is split between those who are sorry and those who don’t give a “ratz ass” about his leaving. I as especially surprised to find out that when DWright got the news he sent Jose a text to congratulate him, A TEXT! I mean don’t ya wonder why David would not have wanted to speak to Jose rather than just send a text? They we so close and played together for so many years, make what you want of that but I just found that very strange and perhaps telling.
Another thing that bugged the Hell outta me with Reyes was last nights interview with Kevin Burkhardt with Jose wearing that Marlins shirt, totally unnecessary he should not have been wearing that knowing he would be talking to Kevin and seen by mostly Met fans, no class at all on his part. I was happy KB took my advice and asked Jose about how it will feel going out on the field at Citi in a Marlins uniform Kevin was not sure he wanted to ask him that but during the interview hen Jose showed wearing that shit I think maybe Kevin decided to ask. Reyes sorta nervously smiled and said he appreciated all the love the Mets fans gave him bla bla bla, well Jose I can tell you I will b a Citi that day leading the boos and oh yeah, the cheers when you strike out.

If you guys heard those rumors that were all over the place about Ike Davis as a possible trade forget it aint gonna happen and was never even something the Mets considered Just a sill rumor totally without basis or truth, Ike's not goin anywhere. The stories about Jon Niese however are true and he could be moved in a trade.

Interesting development from MLB, you will recall I told you that the Mets would get a third-round pick from Miami if Jose Reyes signed there, not a second-round pick. But that is not what as it turns out is what is gonna happen. The Padres will get pick 9a in the second round created from losing Heath Bell, and the Mets will get pick 9b in the second round, so The Mets get a pick between the first and second rounds, Sooo the Mets will receive the Marlins' 2nd-round pick in the 2012 draft for losing Reyes, not the 3rd. If you wondered, there won't be any official free-agent signing announcements from the Mets until after Thursday's Rule 5 draft.

Lastly, after writing about Kirk Nieuwenhuis the other day I got to thinking about him an gave him a call, he said he is healing well and is hoping to be in the Mets outfield mid season or at least that is what he is being told, so that’s great news he is an outstanding ball player one I have followed for a while now in the minors and expect to be a major player some day soon.

That enough for today I worry that these posts are gettin too long, it’s just there is so much going on I just can’t help but want to share it with you guys.

Kevin Burkhardt raps up his live coverage from the winter meetings tonight a 630 on SNY.

 

[sonny10305]

So that’s it the winter meetings are over, Alderson said although something more may happen
it is also possible they are done. I am bettin on the later.
Sandy Alderson left the winter meetings shortly after 11 yesterday morning,
Kevin Burkhardt left soon after pre recording a couple of interviews for last night Mets Hot Stove which was hosted by tubby and dummy Chris Carlin and Bobby O (did I say that out loud)
KB did a awesome job covering the Winter Meetings for us, but then its KB so ya knew that would be the case. The best line Kevin gave to Sandy Alderson was right after the Pujolis deal was announced Kevin asked Sandy with tongue in cheek, “So how close did you get to signing Pujolis?”
Sandy without missing a beat said “A box of Chocolates” cute no?

As to the draft the Mets lost catcher Hector Alvarez and Luis Rojas in minor league phase.But I was sorry we also lost Rhiner Cruz. In that Rule 5 draft, I really wanted that righty he was pitching really well in Binghamton, a very good arm; hard thrower just needed work on his command
Thing is the Mets had more first-time Rule 5 eligible players than any organization in baseball. Problem for Sandy was there just wasn’t any room on the roster basically they just couldn't protect everybody. But kiddies look at this way we saw the depth of the talent the Mets have now and that should stand for something

Next up the deadline to tender contract offers to players who have had their contracts expire, but are not eligible for free agency, is Monday night. Keep in mind however that if a player is not tendered a contract by Monday’s deadline; he can then become a free agent. Some of the guys that might be non-tendered are Catchers Paulino and Flores, Pitchers Gorzelanny, Ohlendorf and Saunders. and Outfielder Theriot who I would like to see us get maybe if the Cardinals non-tender him.

So who will play Santa this year in the Mets holiday party on Tuesday, why none other than our boy Daniel Murphy Niese and Turner will be there as well. You can be sure there will be pictures posted. Last year DWright did the honors.

 

[sonny10305]

Today is the deadline for teams to decide whether to cut arbitration-eligible players. As I have explained that would be those with at least three years, but less than six years of major league service time. What you have to keep in mind is the keyword here is tender which makes the arbitration-eligible player a contract, which then gives the player the right to go before an arbitrator if the salary is not settled before then.
Still unclear is what the Mets will do with Ronny Paulino, I wrote the day about how the Mets are dissatisfied with him and may be looking to make a change. But if you listen to what the Mets have been saying that they had all but resolved to stay in house with its catching for 2012 mostly ya have to think because there just isn’t much out there in the way of decent catchers, which would mean the alternative would be to get a player from AAA or of course Mike Nickeas. If the Mets decided to keep Paulino it would mean in my eyes that they are uncertain whether Mike has what it takes to work along with Thole especially from an offensive point of view from the right side of the plate. My guess is that the Mets will non tender Paulino later tonight, Stay tuned.

Mike Pelfrey is also eligible for arbitration, as was Angel Pagan who is now with the Giants the players we acquired for Pagan, Torres and Ramirez are also eligible. Pelfrey is not a free agent until after the 2013 season and I don’t think they would non-tender him,

The other issue if Paulino remains would be the Mets will need to make a change in the 40-man roster move cause we still have free-agent relievers Frank Francisco and Jon Rauch waiting to come in. Meantime The Mets have claimed right-hander Jeremy Hefner off waivers from the Pirates. Looks like they also signed catcher Lucas May and Garrett Olson to minor league deals. No other new trade or acquisition talks so far today although the Dodgers are still interested in Murphy, they made a big push to get him last week but Alderson felt that what they offered was not nearly enough to give up Murphy. Other possible Players I could see us getting could be available tonight are Hong-Chih Kuo, J.P. Howell and Jesus Flores:

Congrats to Jason Prodie,hitched on Saturday some ex team mates were in to Arizona for the ceremony.

Looks like I was able to move some stuff around and will be able to go to the Mets holiday party for the school kids after all. I told you Daniel Murphy will play Santa and there will be a couple of other Mets there as well I know Jon Niese Jason Bay and Justin Turner for sure will be there with Murphy and Collins. Most of the guys (Murph and Turner for sure) will hang around thru Wednesday for the Mets coat drive at Citi Field.

 

[sonny10305]

So in a move that was no surprise to Me Ronnie Paulino was cut loose at last nights deadline to offer contracts to arbitration-eligible players, that is good news for Mike Nickeas. I was one of ones who were a little confused by some of the games Ronnie called did not think he was in sync with some of the pitchers, I also like Nickeas and fits right in with our rebuilding. Although nothing is set in stone yet as to what exactly will happen there, it does give us a perfect mix of righty-hitting Mike Nickeas backing up lefty-hitting Josh Thole. Also let go was Mike Baxter,and Brad Emaus

As expected The Mets did tender contracts to arbitration-eligible Mike Pelfrey and Manny Acosta along with our new center fielder Andres Torres and reliever Ramon Ramirez. Not sure why Baxter was let go except to think he was not yet eligible for arbitration and the Mets prolly wanted the roster spot. But if you like Baxter keep in mind his leaving will not keep the Mets from re-signing him to a minor league contract.

That’s about it I am headin over to Citi Field soon for the holiday party gotta give Daniel (Santa) Murphy my Christmas list. We are expedcting at least 100 kids tp be there
Murph has been keeping busy checking out all the NY teams this weekend including his beloved Rangers and Jets. Check out Murph at the game wearing his Jets jacket but keeping the Mets spirit alive with that cap.

 

[sonny10305]

I had way to much fun at that Mets holiday party yesterday, had to be better than 100 kids there all jumpin around singing songs and getting presents. My heart was full watching those kids having so much fun. A nice turnouit of Mets players, staff and brass including Sandy Alderson. But the star of the show was Daniel Murphy as Santa did he ever put his heart and soul into it, I mean seriously he was just as excited to be there as the kids were. Ya had to see him getting into that Santa suite practicing his HO HO HO with different voice levels and pronunciation he just had to get it right. You may have read that Murph joked that "Santa's got a box of chocolates for Sandy this year." a reference to Alderson's comment to Kevin Burkhardt about Jose Reyes comment about the Mets not showing him love. Actually it was Murphs brother who came up with the idea for Daniel to say that.

Here are a few pictures

The Kids arrive



Christmas songs



Lunch



The man of the hour Santa Murph arrives




Santa Turner and Niese



After a fun day it was time to chage back from Santa to Daniel

 

[sonny10305]

Just wanted to update you guys on a couple of things

Jon Rauch signing is official no word yet on Francisco, should happen today, Rauch is a right handed pitcher.
Ryota Igarashi, who was given free agency and has signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates
You may have heard that Sandy Alderson has said that Johan Santana as a “question mark” heading into the 2012 season, however Santana's people are saying that Johan is currently in the midst of his offseason conditioning getting ready for spring training and is expected to be ready opening day. Truth be told that is a very tough surgery to bounce back so soon so it would not surprise me if Johan return is delayed, we will have to wait and see how he does in spring training. Alderson is just being realistic, as he should be.

Justin Turner said he is not going to play winter ball in the Dominican Republic, he recalls how tired he was after playing last winter following a full major league season. I have heard others say this but with no disrespect to Jason, cause I really like the kid, he does not have a spot on the team at the moment not even a bench spot and will have to win one, so for me I think he needs the advantage of play winter ball. The move of Tejada to SS does increase Justin’s chances at perhaps playing second with Murphy, but still he will have to win that spot.

Sandy Alderson said he is hoping to bring back outfielder Mike Baxter on a minor league deal, you will recall Mike was cut loose at Tuesday's non-tender deadline along with Ronny Paulino. Baxter, though, is a free agent and will be free to sign anywhere.

Two of our guys continue to be wooed by other teams, Niese and Murphy remain targets. Niese has several teams that want him and Murph has the Dodgers choppin at the bit to get him. Of course I want to keep both those guys but I will support what ever is best for them and the team. I have said before giving up Murph would be a big mistake but what ever is best for him I would support. Daniel was actually very surprised and flattered by all the attention by other teams. Funny thing I forgot to mention about Murphy and the Holiday party, apparently and without thinking when he signed autographs for the kids he forgot himself
and signed 'Daniel Murphy' instead of 'Santa'.
Murph later worried that he may have traumatized some of the kids.

Kevin Burhardt returns to the SNY studio tonight for Mets Hot Stove at 7 on SNY, Kevin will have Gary Cohen on the show and speak with Daniel Murphy and Andres Torres

 

[syam24]

Ken Rosenthal of Fox reports the Mets have "kicked" the tires on Gio Gonzalez of the A's along with several other teams. It would be nice to get him, but not sure what we'd have to give up to get him. I won't hold my breath on this as my thinking is if the A's do trade him, there are probably a couple of other teams (Yankees included) who would do almost anything to outbid the Mets.

 

[Sausy]

Thanks sonny for all of the great stuff from the annual event....no surprise how all out Daniel would go in making a great Santa!I'm sure it was a blast for Daniel,Santa's elves Jon Niese and Justin Turner and all players and administrative staff involved ....always a great cause.Like Daniel to do something delightfully goofy like that and write out his signature instead of Santa's....he's such an endearing guy especially because of his good heart,dedication and occasional goofiness.You can't help but love the guy and hope all the trade rumors are nothing substantial and he'll be around for awhile doing very good things on the field.Love the fact he is as dedicated to improve defensively at second base as much as he knows how helps them offensively...he's never satisfied trying to make himself a better player.

The Gio Gonzalez stuff is interesting.I don't know the Mets have enough confidence in their depth systemwide to even do this trade at this particular time,even if they are one of the more serious teams chasintg Gio.He's a top notch young lefty already,one of the best young pitchers in the AL these past two years despite still needing to improve on his control(over 90 walks give up in 202 innings last year).His ERA of 3.23 and 3.12 is especially impressive in more of a hitter's league over the past two yearsand he does have a terrific hits to innings pitched ratio likewise,and struck out almost 200 batters.I would really HATE to think about giving Ike Davis or Jon Niese up but you got to give up to get....and hell,going to Oakland it's like hey,we can get em back in a few years anyway when they are nearing free agency....IF we can stop acting financially like Moneyball,East and have ownership hocked up to high heaven of debt like the Wilpons are now.God I LOATHE the Wilpons....forget the Madoff stuff they are in over a billion and a half dollars debt with the CitiField itself,plus cable and other shit.Why the hell does the Dodger ownership get forced to a buyout but the Wilpons get good friend Buddy(hell he WAS a used car salesman)Selig to keep them afloat?God,I cannot keep a cool head when I think about the selfish,arrogant,entitled Wilpons.Hope sonny doesn't get too mad

 

[sonny10305]

Nah saucy I don’t get mad over the Wilpon's just frustrated, I mean look at the mess we are in, the Wilpons are in debt for over 400 million just in principal of a loan against the Mets, which by the way is due in 2014; they also owe close to 500 million in principal of a loan against SNY, that will be due a year later in 2015; on top of that they owe over $600 million, which they have to pay in $25 million increments every six months, on Citi Field, and all of that in addition to any money due as a result of the Madoff lawsuit.
I don’t know how much longer before Bud Selig decides that just as he did with the Dodgers It’s time to take a good long look see at the Mets’ finances, It does not take a financial, genius to see that the Wilpons are no longer able to finance a MLB team like the Mets. Yes, it is time Selig put his friendship with Wilpon aside and do what he needs to do. We all know Selig hated Dodgers owner McCourt and could not wait to get involved with the Dodgers, well it’s time to do the same with his buddy Wilpon.
It is possible that MLB will only really get involved as it did with the Dodgers if the Mets are unable to repay the loan given by the league or I would think if the Mets are ever unable to pay their employees as in when the checks start bouncing. But come on, MLB has to be concerned about the any team’s levels of debt. It is clear hat the Mets can’t spend any money on talent and what we got is what we are going to stay with. Look, Wilpon needed get rid of Omar and hire the right GM, and I believe that he did that with Alderson but thy also need to give Sandy the tools he needs to be successful which they clearly he has not and this is why MLB should step in. But, at least so far, that hasn’t happened, The fans will not accept this penny pinching method of running a team which is going to mean a lot of empty seats at Citi next year only adding to the Met financial woes.

Yes Syam the Mets have indeed “kicked the tires” on Gonzalez (I love that remark) but I don’t se it happing The As want too much for him, the Mets have already said they will not include Jon Niese or Ike Davis, in any deal and I also believe you can add guys like Matt Harvey, Zack Wheeler, Jenrry Mejia, and Jeurys Familia to that list names As have asked about. In addition as of now the Mets are among at least six teams are interested in Gonzalez, But hey ya gotta have faith maybe Sandy will find a way, it’s just not likely.