29
2010
Thoughts On Alderson Day In Flushing
An article by 
Sandy Alderson concluded his introductory press conference less than an hour ago at Citi Field and made a positive first impression in laying out the groundwork for the first year of his four-year contract with the Mets.
Among the topics he addressed:
FRONT OFFICE: As suggested here yesterday, Alderson said a priority would be in piecing together his staff. He stressed the word “collaborative,’’ meaning he’ll bring in some quality people and delegate responsibility. It figures to be a staff that encourages the free flow of information and ideas, but Alderson didn’t leave any doubt that wasn’t afraid to pull the trigger on a decision. The farm system, he said, produced players last season, which could be interpreted as a plus for Terry Collins.
MANAGER: The impression is Alderson isn’t keen on bringing in a celebrity manager, which isn’t good news for those stumping for Bobby Valentine. Alderson did say he wasn’t averse to hiring a fiery personality, which leaves the door open to Wally Backman. The new manager should reflect the organization’s philosophy, and should have an intellectual and analytical side to him. Alderson mentioned no candidate by name, but speculation is Bob Melvin has emerged as a favorite. The interview process is expected to begin next week.
THE FUTURE: Alderson said he’s not focused beyond 2011. He admitted he doesn’t expect to be a big player in this winter’s free agent market, but that the Mets expect to be players in the future. Alderson acknowledged the team has financial constraints with up to $130 million earmarked in salary for next season. He also said the team should be competitive in 2011, and with increased production from Jason Bay and others (Carlos Beltran for one, but he didn’t mention him by name) the Mets could be better.
THE DEADWOOD: Alderson said: “I think we want to be thoughtful about everything we do. I’m mindful of public opinion, but I think we have to be circumspect here. I think we need to be careful about writing off any player or any asset we have without thinking about it carefully.’’ Alderson left the impression he would speak with Oliver Perez about 2010. Alderson didn’t say Perez had a role for next season, but he also didn’t say he didn’t, either. Unloading Perez in a deal will be next to impossible, so he’s not about to hurt himself in trade talks by trashing Perez now. Alderson is simply keeping his options open, which is the smart thing to do.
It was a good first impression, but considering where the Mets have been, it would’ve been hard for Alderson to not have impressed this afternoon.
I, like a lot of others, want Alderson to turn around this franchise. A competitive Mets team is good for the city and for baseball and today was a positive.
***
John Delcos has covered Major League Baseball for over 20 years. Read him daily on his blog newyorkmetsreport.com
About the Author: John Delcos
I am an active member of the BBWAA and have covered Major League Baseball in several capacities for over 20 years, including ten in New York working the Mets' and Yankees' beat. I covered the Baltimore Orioles for eight years and the Cleveland Indians before that. It is my privilege to be a senior writer for Mets Merized Online.
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NL East Standings
| Team | W | L | Pct. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braves | 26 | 17 | .605 | - |
| Nationals | 25 | 17 | .595 | 0.5 |
| Marlins | 23 | 19 | .548 | 2.5 |
| Mets | 22 | 20 | .524 | 3.5 |
| Phillies | 21 | 22 | .488 | 5.0 |
Last updated: 05/22/2012
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Why do you single him out everytime he posts something? There’s got to be something more to it, because I don’t see what’s so unappealing about his thoughts on today or his other posts you comented on earlier.
Thank you Cassie.
John,
You know to just take it from where it comes. I think you are a fantastic addition to this site.
Bayonne: Thank you for your kind words. They are very much appreciated.-JD
He’s singling him out because he’s right…the posts from this guy are least insightful, no-s—t, Sherlock kind of posts I’ve ever seen on any website blog. There must be at least 10 people who write for the this with less access that do a better job than this guy. I’m sorry if I’m repeating myself about this, but every time I see a post from this guy here, I cringe. Then I hope maybe I’ll get some insight and what I get is the kind of thing someone writing for the high school newspaper could do. Enough!
Tomterif: Thanks for reading and taking the time to write.-JD
Picky, picky, picky. Let’s lighten up and give John the respect he deserves. His little advert is commonplace and shows his background. Would you like a writer who says, “Joe Schmoe has covered Major League Baseball for over 2 years?”
Des: Thanks.-JD
JD — You’re welcome but I didn’t say anything that wasn’t deserved. I have read your material for several years. I look forward to your articles here on MMO. Welcome aboard.
Yeah really, it’s not Delcos’ fault that the Mets have been shoving a rancid shlt sandwich down our throats for ten years.
It’s amazing how you were able to turn the most positive day in Mets recent history into something negative by your focus on shooting the messenger. Try looking at the positve. Does the sun ever rise in your universe?
theonlymaskman: Thanks. It was a positive day yesterday. For the first time in a long time it felt as if the Mets had the capability to create a plan and stick with it. It’s not going to happen overnight, but it will happen. I was also pleased that he believes he can rebuild without sacrificing 2011. If they are playing competitive ball late and finish over .500 it would be a good first step.-JD
I watched the Press Conference live and am happy to say that Sandy Alderson fulfilled the expectations that I held for him. He is an experienced baseball executive and is skilled at leading organizations to achieve excellence in performance. He has a stellar pedigree and a mind that is able to reason, the ability to communicate clearly, and a presence that will command leadership in the presence of his peers. He is everything we need to turn the Mets organization around by developing a capable support staff, organizing the Mets approach to baseball philosophy and strategy, and negotiating with the other GM’s with commanding presence. As Mets fans, let’s give him the room to manage the franchise and stop quibbling among ourselves over small potatoes. Most importantly, Let’s Go Mets.
Good synopsis of the press conference. Among the items you mentioned I was heartened to hear the use of the word PROBABLITIES. For way too long around here the Met FO has relied upon a best case scenerio in regard to player moves instead of considering the most likely scenerio. For instance, what is the most likely scenerio of acquiring a relief pitcher with an injured elbow who is going to be pitching in real games in March? What is the probablity that a 32 year old second basemen needing surgery on both knees will be a good longterm investment? The list could go on and on but I’ll just leave it there. One thing that scares me is his love of the HR, thoughts on free agency and defense. HR lovers will never come to grips with the fact that RH batters can too easily have their power taken away from them 81 out of 162 games. That LOWERS their value and since they already come with trade offs to begin with that just lowers their value even more. Add to that pressure to make their numbers and they get out of their game on the road. Free agents. They have killed us. What else really needs to be said on this matter, except that they have killed us in the present and they will continue to kill us in the future. The #1 rated prospect in all of the minor leagues is a RH hitting Lenny Dykstra type CFer who we could have drafted had we had a draft choice that year. Instead he will soon be starring for the Angels while we are left with fond memories of K-Rod. And who really needs a CFer in 3 years anyway. Wagner could have been Kyle Drabek or TWO highly sought after prospects but at least we can reminisce about his not being available in game 7 because he blew game 6. Personally I’d rather have had Drabek or one or two guys steaming up here to round out the team. Defense. Saying the infields all measure the same in every park cannot be denied but in the run prevention dept nothing succeeds like not giving up HR’s and making your opponent EARN every base. That means no walks, no extra bases and especially not getting every single out that you get your glove on. I don’t see any reason why the focus cannot be on all around players that will hit AND prevent runs. One thing I was happy not to hear was that we were going to get “younger and more athletic.” Maybe, by not mentioning it this time we will. Overall being involved, interested and implementing an overall philosophy in the minors bodes very well for this organization and I for one am glad Sandy’s here.
How many articles have you contributed?