21
2012
Wilpon Lays Out Scenarios For Wright And Dickey
An article by 
At least they are talking.
Mets CEO Jeff Wilpon said there’s dialogue between the team and David Wright and R.A. Dickey, then added he’s optimistic about keeping them.
What else is he going to say? “No, I think they’ll both leave.’’ Yeah, that will sell a lot of tickets.
You have to be skeptical whenever any side in a negotiation says something on the record, as much of the time it is posturing and sending a message to the other party. Parties will talk with the media when it is their best interests.
The most interesting thing said was having a preference to letting them play out their options and taking the draft picks rather than orchestrating a trade. That’s the route they chose with Jose Reyes after not even making an offer. This time, numbers have been exchanged.
Draft picks are cheaper than major league players. It also makes one wonder if they don’t believe they’ll get much in return, or would be able to keep the new players.
Reportedly, Wright is seeking a seven-year, $125-million package, while the Mets are offering much less.
How far is the divide? I don’t know, but presumably the Mets are offering roughly $100 million over five, which isn’t bad, but not a superstar deal.
I’m not crazy of deals longer than five years because of the injury factor, so I’d inclined to front load the contract.
As far as Dickey is concerned, he wants three years, but is 38 and likely will get two years plus an option. There are two wild cards with Dickey: 1) he’s only had one great season (the previous two were solid), and 2) he’s a knuckleballer, so we presume he can last longer.
Don’t expect the Mets to just give them the money to keep them regardless. If the Cardinals can say good-bye to Albert Pujols, then the Mets can do the same with Wright and Dickey. Wilpon’s preference for draft picks over trade says he’s not willing to give the players whatever they want or be forced into a trade.
Neither player wants to negotiate after spring training, and both stated what they do is linked to the other because it is an indicator of what direction the team is heading.
The Mets and Wilpon were quiet in their non-dealings with Reyes and grilled. At least this time he acknowledges what could happen.
And, two of the three options aren’t good.
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. I currently serve as an editor and senior staff writer for Mets Merized Online. Follow me on Twitter @jdelcos.
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NL East Standings
| Team | W | L | Pct. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braves | 26 | 18 | .591 | - |
| Nationals | 23 | 22 | .511 | 3.5 |
| Phillies | 21 | 24 | .467 | 5.5 |
| Mets | 17 | 25 | .405 | 8.0 |
| Marlins | 13 | 32 | .289 | 13.5 |
Last updated: 05/21/2013
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Alderson stated that right before Reyes signed with the Marlins, he had come to an understanding with Reyes’ agent about what the Mets were willing to offer. So while not a formal offer, it was nevertheless an offer. I think that those who continue to complain about the Mets not making Reyes an offer are disingenuous.
The Mets simply weren’t willing to go higher for a player whose value is almost totally in his legs. Speedy players of that type seem to age faster than power hitters. So I think it was justified not to go higher with Reyes. Besides, it took a certifiably crazy Loria to overpay Reyes and make him too expensive for the Mets. No other team appeared to have genuine interest in him at the prices his agent was asking.
I don’t think the Mets ever thought that Miami of all teams would open up their wallets for Reyes. Bill Madden said when he talked to other team officials none of them thought anybody would give Reyes more than 4 years. I think the Mets were banking on no other team offering Reyes a deal like Miami and they were right except Miami of all years decided to hit the free agent market. If not for them Reyes might still be a Met.
Completely agree. No one could have predicted Loria would spend like a drunken sailor. The fact that his strategy ultimately failed and he had to blow up the team less than a year later underscores just how questionable and unanticipated his spending spree was. I too think Reyes would still be a Met had not Loria gone bonkers with the wallet last winter.
that makes sense…except that Toronto, Milwalkee and Boston were all fine with taking that drunk Jose Reyes contract
Do you think that in a league void of premium SS talent, Reyes was going to command a Stephen Drew size contract???
Hard to say since no other team made an offer.
Hard to say no other team was going to MAKE an offer when Reyes jumped on the first one
With a manager Reyes was comfortable with…a city Reyes was comfortable with…teammates he was comfortable with…and the chance to play with Albert Pujols ( which was likely a reason why he took LESS money up front )
Its easy to see why Reyes jumped on that offer
All things being equal, why would he go to Toronto, Boston, or Milwalkee
But no other team was showing interest. The Mets and Marlins were the only ones. If there is another interested team it usually comes out either during negotiations or shortly thereafter.
It was also reported that Reyes was unhappy with the Marlins first offer. That it wasn’t until the Marlins gave a deadline and upped their initial offer did Reyes jump.
Supposedly no one was showing any interest in Prince Fielder. And we saw what he he ended up getting
I’m sure someone would’ve made an offer but up until that point nobody else had. You could just as easily say he took their 2nd offer (Sat on 1st offer for over a month) because they were only team to make an offer. After their initial offer nobody tried to match it, beat it or come in under it. If someone else offered more than Miami then all those things you listed would’ve been moot.
Miami is reportedly sending over money with those players. Even if they weren’t doing so, fact remains that at that time, no other team showed any interest in going near the price Reyes’ agent was asking for.
Dude, Miami it’s not paying a huge amount, Toronto is paying $100 million for reyes… IMO great investment. Toronto will be a force to reckon with…
How do you know it’s not a huge amount? Regardless, fact remains that at the time he signed with the Marlins, they and the Mets were the only teams showing interest in him.
As for the Jays being a force, isn’t that what they predicted about the Marlins after they went on their drunken spending spree? The Dodgers also fell flat on their face last season, proving that stockpiling talent is not a guaranteed trip to the postseason.
If I’m not mistaken, it was reported that Miami is sending over 4 MIL with that deal.
SRT. i am sorry, TORONTO IS PAYING $96 MILLION THEN???
Actually $8.5 million.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/baseball/mlb/11/19/bud-selig-will-not-block-blue-jays-marlins-trade.ap/
And, even if they didn’t send over any money, the point is no other team was ready to spend that type of money on Reyes last winter. For example, the Red Sox, were tapped out last winter. They could only pursue Reyes now because they freed up considerable payroll with their salary dump to the Dodgers.
Well your facts are all wrong….
There were two other teams interested, one being Milwalkee…
The Marlins had a 100Mil offer on the table, only actual offer made…
Reyes got a call to go visit a team and there was another who contacted his agent and THEN the Marlins offered the 106Mil with a take it or leave it note attached.
SO this myth that no one else was interested is dead wrong and you guys should stop trying to sell that fantasy.
Other teams WERE interested even after they had known about the Marlins’ 100M offer and when they tried to set up meetings the Marlins uppsed thier offer, And gave Reyes an ultimatum that he actually took.
Teams weren’t scared of signing or paying Reyes 100+Mil they just never got the chance to make an offer that would have beaten the Original Marlins bid.
The Marlins basically scared Reyes into taking thier offer before he could hear what someone else was willing to give him.
SO lets cut the revisionist crap here on how much Reyes was offered are how many teams actually wanted him because it was way more than just the Marlins and at least two teams who wanted him more than The lord God Sandy!
Can you find a single link that supports your contention? That is not just someone speculating about who might be interested in Reyes?
I never saw a single report that any other teams besides the Mets and Marlins were serious enough to make an offer.
Here’s a link Metro12,
http://www.620wtmj.com/blogs/danodonnell/133461038.html
So you stand corrected its many more that go into further detail but all you wanted was one link
And here is further proof Ryan Braun recruiting Reyes…..
http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/35828/reyes-more-likely-a-brewer-in-12-than-fielder
If Brewers werent interested Braun wouldnt be recruiting him…
Is that your speculation, or do you have evidence that none of the 28 other teams had interest in Jose Reyes? According to MLBTR the Giants, Nationals, Phillies, Tigers, Reds, Twins, Angels all had interest at one point or another between October and December.
Do you have a link that talks about that? And we’re not talking speculation here. I mean a report of someone showing real interest.
I don’t recall a single report of another team showing any serious interest in Reyes other than the Mets and Miami.
Do you have any links at all that says an offer WAS MADE AT ALL??? can you come with it!?!?
“But, according to sources, they made it clear they were willing to guarantee five years — with the deal ultimately rising in value to six years, $100 million if Reyes could stay healthy and a vesting option kicked in.”
http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/39497/jose-reyes-is-a-ballplayer
Ok here is a link from your home siteMetro
http://metsblog.com/metsblog/nine-teams-interested-in-jose-reyes/
Here from another site you probably like…
http://www.amazinavenue.com/2011/11/9/2548814/lots-of-rumors-and-its-only-november-9th-applesauce-jose-reyes-things
And I need to make a correction to something else I said…Marlins upped thier offer from 90M to 106Mil….Why do you think they did it because they found extra change in thier pocket?
Did you read the first link (Metsblog)? LOL, it’s speculation by Heyman in August of who might be interested in Reyes. Mere speculation!
As for the second link, that was in early November 2011. The Brewers showed interest until they heard Reyes salary demands and then promptly dropped out.
Also, why would you think Metsblog is my “home” site. That is hilarious!
And, I’ll repeat this too: The Marlins upped their offer because the Mets were coming in at roughly the amount of what the Marlins originally offered, and they wanted Reyes badly. When you want someone really badly, you’ll do crazy things.
No link huh…I guess you won’t believe what you just said then….And why should anyone else especially when they know it’s not true we made NO offer at all.
Do you REALLY need a link to know that someone showed interest?
WHy do you think the Marlins upped thier offer from 100M to 106M with a take it or leave it note attached at the GM meetings?
Because someone else was calling and they didn’t want to wait and find out later Reyes took a better offer aftyer all the other FAs they could target were signed!
Yes, I need to see a link to believe it. I don’t believe it exists.
The Marlins raised their offer because the Mets were willing to offer a contract worth $100 million (albeit not all guaranteed) and they were desperate to get Reyes, and Reyes made it clear he wouldn’t sign with him unless they raised their initial offer.
Your just making this crap up as you go along aren’t you?
In no universe, Dimension, Alternate Reality, or any sense of TRUTH did the mets even MAKE an offer let alone were at any time willing to pay Reyes 100 Mil….
So I guess time for you to show a link that proves the Mets made this offer or we just label you BS Artist the rest of the year!
I already posted this link here, but apparently you didn’t read it:
http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/39497/jose-reyes-is-a-ballplayer
From the article:
But, according to sources, they made it clear they were willing to guarantee five years — with the deal ultimately rising in value to six years, $100 million if Reyes could stay healthy and a vesting option kicked in.
“according to sources”
the same sources that said Cliff Lee was going to the Yankees
Here’s more from Adam Rubin’s article:
“Don’t get caught up in whether the Mets made a formal offer to Reyes. Sandy Alderson conveyed to agent Peter Greenberg the parameters the Mets could reach. And Reyes’ side decided that would not be enough and went with the superior Marlins offer. “
Actually, Lee was going to go to the Yankees, until the Phillies entered things at the last moment.
When?
IN August ?
In September?
Sandy: Hey Peter, I’m not sure how this whole financial picture looks for us…Freddy gave me the green light to offer Reyes a 3 year deal for 38 mil with 2 club options at 25 mil a and 1 mutual option at 100 million. This would be a potential contract of 6 years / 168 mil
Peter: Or it can be a 3 year 38 mil contract, what if Reyes gets inj
Sandy: Injured ! Exactly our thoughts…we need to cover ourselves…
Peter: Thanks Sandy We’ll get back to you…
Adam Rubin reports Sandy Alderson has made a very generous offer to Jose Reyes, Reyes holds out for more
Right before Reyes decided he would go with the Marlins offer.
As late as 12/4/11 to be precise.
” what the Mets were willing to offer.”
So if that number was 2 years / 20 mil
technically, its still an offer…nothing disengenous about that right?
But it wasn’t 2/40 million. According to Alderson and other reports it was roughly 90 million.
Alderson never once gave a dollar amount
so those reports are about as accurate as the ones that said Alderson would move quickly on a decision to sign Dickey / Wright as soon as the WS was over
That dollar amount WAS mentioned in reports around that time. Or something similar (it may have been 85 million or so or 95 million or so, can’t remember the exact amount). ‘
And Alderson did move quickly to sign Wright/Dickey. It just hasn’t resulted in a signed contract yet.
Figures, NOW that he doesn’t have to rush to sign either one of them nor should he, he’s speeding the process.. Amazing…
“What else is he going to say? “No, I think they’ll both leave.’’ LoL
The next time Jeff talks it should be only to congratulate the Mets GM & Mgr on winning the W.S.. Wilpons have done well up to yesterday of keeping a low profile on baseball matters and I think after hearing what he said that it’s probably better for all that they keep doing that.
Well the guys who have jumping for Joy at Sandy’s Arrival and his philosophy have managed to achieve what I thought was impossible…..
Mets fans who agree with Jeff Wilpon and thinks he said something smart!
Congratulations to all the WInners of that contest
You should all be very very proud…..LOL
Still on reyes huh?? Alderson’s supporters don’t give up i see.. My goodness, the man NEVER even talked dollars, once the marlins offered the contract reyes’ agent told alderson what the amount was and alderson said in his well spoken manner have a jolly day.. Then gave us frank francisco, rauch and ramirez and torres the next day.. yeah..
Seriously i can’t wait for these moneyballers and they’re lose 10 years but win one phylosphy get out of fuc***** town already..
We have swtich the baseball conversation we used to have to he walks a lot, patient, wait for your pitch, and we’ll give another offseason to sandy to see what he does.. AMazing and pathetic at the same time…
Metro12 I am reading your commentary but what you don’t know is what Reyes agent himself said. According to Reyes agent Peter Greenberg this is some of what he said regarding the Reyes negotiations.
He said,
As the two talked numerous times over the next 36 hours, Greenberg told Alderson that the parameters of what the Mets were talking “were not competitive” with the Marlins’ offer.
We were still waiting on them,” Greenberg said. Apparently, Alderson knew the financially troubled club could not come close to matching the Marlins’ offer.
“There were teams that had to wait on some decisions before they went to Plan B. Jose wasn’t Plan A for anybody else,” Greenberg said.
http://aol.sportingnews.com/mlb/story/2011-12-07/marlins-long-pursuit-of-jose-reyes-ends-with-six-year-deal
In other words there was interest but Reyes was not priority #1 on anyone else’s wish list.
Believe me, i am not defending Jeff Wilpon! But why not float it on the wire that we’d prefer draft picks than trading them? It presents both players their worst image: No chance for a LT Deal with the Mets and No chance to negotiate an LT deal with the new team they would’ve been traded to. And RA would be facing the market 1 year older…perhaps with some old joint tweaks showing. And maybe DW gets hurt next year and puts up spotty #s.
Also, y is it that we on this Site, both regularly over-rate our players AND under-rate them? C’mon…sure we could get excellent to v good packages back for both players! RA had a great Season; DW a very good one. Both players would be Plus-Adds to a new team.
C’mon…
And almost nobody thinks that way. And I think this is the only reason why Wilpon opened up his mouth, to put (a bit of) pressure on both Wright and Dickey to sign the deal the Mets offered.
I think both dont sign and will be traded. Wright will hit FA next year. Dickey will get his extention from another team.
If the Mets are really offering Wright a 5 year 100 Million deal he should jump on it. According to this article he wants a 7 year 125 Million deal. That comes out to 17.5 Million a year. If its about the money the Mets deal is better. In 5 years Wright will be 35 , if he is still producing at 35 he could easily get a 2 year deal for 12.5 Million which is the difference in this contract. He is better off taking the 5 year deal and negotiating again in 5 years. He would probably get at least a 3 year deal for at least 15 Million a year at that age. If he forces the Mets to take the 7 year deal he will be 37 at the end of the contract and the odds anyone will pay big for a 37 year old 3rd baseman are slim so he will probably loose money in the long run. I think 5 years at 100 Million is fair and he should jump on it. For those that bring up the Zimmerman contract , he was over paid so I don’t see it happening again. If Wright demands an A-Rod contract he might be surprised to find out that no one other then the Mets will offer him a 5 year 100 Million contract. All the teams with the money are set at 3rd base for the next couple of years.
Wright should take it for $100M, 5 year. Dickey has produced 2 very good yeasr and one great year in the last 3 years for the Mets. Dickey should go for 3 year, $30M deal or a 2 yr, $12.5M deal
Eldsbury from Boston playing center field or left field, salty behind the plate from Boston.
If there is a coach that can teach Duda to catch fly balls like someone showed Murphy how to field balls at 2nd, they look pretty dam good for 2013. Santana I’m sorry to say needs a reinvention of himself. Maybe a side arm take your head off fast pitch one bounce off the plate whatever. Parnell looks like a 7th,8th Inning guy and bag the closes and get someome that doen’t get loaded up every 9th inning. 2012 1st half looked promising, but they ran out of gas in the runs department.
Build around Davis and get some single , double guys in there before davis. How many solo shots is Davis have?? Mets have to play billy ball when behind a run or 2. I bet the Mets lead th lead with stranded bases loaded for 2012