13
2012
Sandy Alderson Is The Great Pretender
An article by 
I’m so fed up with this lingering R.A. Dickey situation. Make a decision one way or the other and move on already.
Sandy Alderson says a lot of things, most of which end up ringing hollow or untrue. You just never know what to believe with him, and he never answers any questions directly. He speaks with an eloquent vagueness that is mesmerizing to the masses.
That said, I sincerely hope he was dead serious about resolving this Dickey situation in the next few days. I hope that this was one of the very rare occasions where Sandy was being forthright and honest with us.
The entire organization has been in paralysis mode and has been held hostage by the decision to drag out this Dickey conundrum for the last 2 1/2 months. It’s brought all other aspects of the Mets off-season to a screeching halt and at a virtual standstill.
Despite glaring needs up and down the roster, the Mets have yet to make one single offer to any free agent. Their offseason strategy has been dysfunctional, disjointed and obviously unproductive.
There was never any sense of urgency in addressing the team’s needs this off-season. None. Instead we are witnessing a lackadaisical approach based on an unorthodox strategy of waiting for things to happen rather than making things happen. It’s a fundamentally flawed process that is propelled by being reactive rather than proactive.
There is also a severe lack of accountability with this front office. This is why there is no urgency to improve anything. There are no consequences for failure.
After two off-seasons with no financial wherewithal, Sandy Alderson finally has the money to spend (about $25 million), and yet he is reluctant to do so. Why? He doesn’t understand the market he has to navigate in. He doesn’t have a firm grasp of how to value assets like other front offices can. It puts the team at a distinct competitive disadvantage.
Any negotiations the Mets have had with other teams, including several during the Winter Meetings, all came to an abrupt end mostly because the other teams were confronted with unrealistic demands. This further adds to the current climate of complacency and an overall lack of a cohesive strategy. Teams are finding this front office difficult to deal with because there is a huge gap between how the Mets value things as compared to the other 29 MLB teams.
Some of you can tell yourselves that this is all part of the plan, or that there’s plenty of time left. However the reality of the situation is not quite as simplistic as that.
Most teams in our own division are in the process of wrapping up their off-seasons. They all went into their off-seasons with a predetermined strategy and team-specific goals. By and large they all executed those plans expeditiously and expediently. On the flip-side, the Mets have yet to make one significant improvement, or one significant addition, or one significant upgrade.
After four straight losing seasons, there seems to be no urgency or desire in turning things around. In fact, based on comments made by Sandy Alderson at the Holiday Party, there will be no improvement in 2013. Things will remain exactly as they were at the end of the 2012 season – give or take a few minor tweaks.
If that doesn’t bother you, then you deserve this front office and the lack of leadership that goes with it.
If, however, you do have a problem with this atmosphere of complacency and mediocrity, then it may be time to start demanding more measurable results from this front office or demanding some new leadership altogether.
The time for action and results is now at hand.
You might enjoy this little exchange I just had with Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. It certainly conveys the way things really are…
About the Author: Joe DeCaro
I'm a lifelong Mets fan who loves writing and talking about the Amazins' 24/7. From the Miracle in 1969 to the magic of 1986, and even the near misses in '73 and '00, I've experienced it all - the highs and the lows. I started Mets Merized Online in 2005 to feed my addiction. Follow me on Twitter @metsmerized.
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C’mon Joe D, with a title like that how could you not add this music video?
http://youtu.be/Pzkszgjkj6Q
And here I was thinking the Foo Fighters song, The Pretender… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBjQ9tuuTJQ
You might have given me an idea for an article, too… Ha.
Admittedly, I don’t think I can trust this organization about anything right now. The direction, their plan…anything. Nothing is clear.
That said, I can see the idea behind waiting for the Dickey situation. If nobody gets desperate, then we sign him. However, with the extension he’s asking for, I’m in that minority that believes we should give him the extension regardless because it’s so team friendly that it would keep his trade value the same at the worst, if not making him more appealing.
Awesome video.
Wow.
Alderson is driving down a stretch of deserted highway. There’s a sign up the road. Last Chance for Gas 100 miles. You better do something quick buddy.
Anger management classes. Look into them.
Since all we got is pretending these days, let’s have some fun. A reporter out west who apparently broke the Pujols deal is tweeting that the Angels are in serious negotiations with Josh Hamilton. I hope they sign him. I also hope they trade us Trumbo and Bourjos for Dickey. Outfield problem solved. Losing a Cy Young pitcher, I’ll pretend that doesn’t matter.
I too hope Hammer goes to somebody like Oak or Sea.
Hank, how’s the OOTP team?
OOTP has me knowing how much smarter I am than Sandy. I’ve won three championships from 2012-2020 with the Padres.
Check out: @joeontheradio
Apparently he’s pretty reliable. If the Angels sign Hamilton, the Rangers will have to give up Andrus or Profar to get Upton, but since i’m good at pretending, I’ll say they’ll do it for Dickey. TX, my main man DiPoto says he hats Conger’s regression so he’s all ours. I told you guys I’m better than Sandy.
ha that is awesome. have you joined any leagues yet?
No. Finishing Finals Week right now. But I’d like to. Not sure I get the full grasp of all that though. I need you to e-mail me some basics.
Does Joe have your email? If not shoot him a message and he’ll pass you to me
He should because I’ve sent him stuff before. And the site asks for your e-mail before you log-in to leave comments.
can you shoot him a msg now so he knows to pass you to me?
Sure.
Get them to throw in Conger too.
there is no deadline here. fools rush in……
LOL you are going to killed for this. Gonna go grab some popcorn, BRB.
Hey jdon that was a general comment and not intended for you. Dont know why it posted as a reply.
Why is it so imperative they make a decision right now?
Because the same old story doesn’t get as many page views. We need new stuff to generate fake outrage/exuberance over.
Why is it so imperative they make a decision right now?”
Because the last 2 offseason we kept saying the same sh** and by the time ST had arrived we had done nothing during the offseason but pick up POS’s players nobody else wanted or overpaid for garbage… That is why. we as fans of the team (Not the GM or a player) wanna see what this FO will do to improve the team that has lost 84-88 games in back to back seasons and have gradually become worst and worst…
The off season isn’t over yet though.
If we go into next season with the platoons/scrubs for the OF and no additional RH bat, I can see the complaints and disappointment then.
I don’t have a problem with the FO letting this Dickey situation play out for a bit longer. Some team might cave and give in with players/prospects we’re asking for.
And by a bit longer….I don’t mean March.
As soon as i saw this guy picking up piles of ____ from the FA pool, i knew something wasn’t right and i forsaw what we’ve put trough 2 years ago.. Of course, before this time we have to endure all kinds of insults, had to endure riduculous post about the guy being a genius, having a good day and even how the bullpen wasn’t as bad as we all saw it was.. The man has lied through his teeth and is one of the most arrogant people i’ve ever seen manning a front office in baseball. His i know more than you attitude has dug a deeper hole in the mets org and things are not looking better any time soon.. Get ready for another season of garbage in queens for the 2013 campaign, because from the look of things, 90+ losses could be in place, only difference is that we have our 30 year old 3rd baseman locked up for 8 more years including 5 seasons of $20 million per while avg 280-300 15-20 75-90 per season with avg defense… Good luck mets fans, we’re gonna need it..
Here come the sl-urp-ers! Full frontal assault!!! lol
Most teams in our own division are in the process of wrapping up their off-seasons. They all went into their off-seasons with a predetermined strategy and team-specific goals. By and large they all executed those plans expeditiously and expediently. On the flip-side, the Mets have yet to make one significant improvement, or one significant addition, or one significant upgrade.
THIS!!!
Look MM. I just saved the Mets offseason, we got Trumbo, Bourjos, and Conger coming. Or we could take just Profar or Andrus.
I’ll take the first set, Hank. lol
ANGELS JUST SIGNED HAMILTON (well they’re close).
Part One complete.
Hank, that’s all good and dandy… Problem is either you nor any of us who have come up with great trade ideas are running the FO. This guys are not here to win, just to collect a check from the wilpons to have the cheapest roster possible out there, make a mockery of mets fans and that’s it…
Hi Joe,
I won’t add anything to what you have already said because I have been addressing the issue of Sandy Alderson a lot the past two days with plenty of heated but (except for one) polite arguments.
But I want everyone to know that I am not affiliated nor have endorsed this following organization even if one does have his or her suspicions.
http://nomorewilpon.weebly.com/index.html
SANDY ALDERSON THE F’ING LIAR:
Sandy Alderson speaking to WFAN on August 22nd, 2012:
We need an infusion of players, productive players…[I don't think we'll] be complacent over the course of the offseason about bringing back the same team because we think it’s an inch away from success. I think we will take a step back and take a broader look at things…after having watched this team for a couple of years. Maybe it’s time to make some moves.”
…Sandy Alderson speaking to the media on December 11th, 2012:
“I would expect the roster will look similar to the way it did at the end of last year — with some exceptions.”
Ohhh my.. How things change don’t they???
^^^^^^ THIS
( drops mic )
( exits left )
You’v e been around a long time – why aren’t you used to this yet or is your memory shot?
October 5th, 2009
“In parting, Minaya wants Mets fans to know he and his staff are working hard, and Ownership is committed to putting the best product possible on the field. – How did that work out?
Wilpon said, “I want to thank all of the fans who showed up to support us,” adding:
“I have faith in Omar and Jerry, otherwise they wouldn’t be back, and they have Ownership’s support.”
Minaya said there are core players that would be very hard for him to trade, and though there are certain guys who are special, as a whole, he must look at all ways to improve the ballclub. – How did that work out?
Minaya still believes Oliver Perez can pitch like he did in 2007 and 2008, noting that pitching is ‘hot and cold,’ citing examples like Justin Verlander. OMG – did he compare Oliver Perez to Justin Verlander????
Wilpon said he will give Minaya the resources he needs, ‘whatever that is,’ to put a Championship team on the field. The team has not discussed ‘slicing payroll,’ he explained, adding:
“Whether it ends up being more or less I can’t tell you until Omar makes suggestions… We’re going to be aggressive; we have to be, whether it’s in trades or free agents… For all we know, Omar might save money, Mike.”
http://metsblog.com/news/note-jeff-wilpon-and-omar-minaya-on-wfan-at-5-pm/
LMAO
Francesa asked Minaya to address accusations that he is only interested in bring Latino ballplayers to the Mets, to which he said:
“Look, when you’re the first Hispanic GM those accusations were going to be made. It’s part of it. It’s not true, it’s not fact, it’s not something I think about. I believe in talent. I will go after the best talent, no matter who that player is and where he is from.”
thank god we never have to worry about the LOS METS takeover anymore !
wheww…we dodged a bullet by getting rid of Omar there
are you serious with this?? The guy who was ran out of town, made fun of unmercifuly is what you’re using to compare to sandy? The guy who’s had the biggest pass in NY history? It’s everyone’s fault but his? Come on. I get some people need to defend SA at all cost, but at some point we all need to come to grip to reality. jeez!
How is this DEFENDING Alderson? I said you should be USED to it……….that is NOT defending Alderson, but saying it’s more of the same
Did you see the part where your boy Omar compared Oliver Perez to Justin Verlander…………….come on, now that is funny stuff….
Funny how you use “giving a pass” phrase when you constantly bring up the game with the Wright strike out and conveniently leave out how Reyes left a runner on third in the bottom of the 8th to end the inning in the very same game……………I’m shocked………..that is not really like you…….hahahahah
Ok, what’s more excusable:
A leadoff hitter Leaving a runner stranded on 3rd with 2 outs?
A so called “run producer” Leaving a runner stranded on 3rd (striking out nonetheless) with NO OUTS????
So you’re making excuses for Reyes now……………..classic
Kay, who are you to present a sensible perspective on all this!!!
Now, Kay, it’s Dec. 13, and I want that WS ring. I’ll give the FO till tomorrow afternoon, 3:00PM.
Getting deeper on the DefCon chart, my friends…
Sorry, I’ve come back to the dark side – lolol
Even worse, October 4th on WFAN
Mike Francessa: Considering the look of your outfield and catching situation, can the Met fan expect to see wholesale changes in those areas or will they have to except subtle change?
Sandy Alderson: In the outfield and behind the plate?
Mike Francessa: Yea.
Sandy Alderson: Much more likely there will be significant change in those areas verses subtle changes. Simply because you have to look at the record and see what kind of production we have gotten from those positions.
Mike Francessa: Zero.
Sandy Alderson: Recognize that there is not a lot of capacity for progress there. We know what we got and it is not championship caliber. [Sandy then goes on and said it will likely come from trades opposed to FA].
Do you call getting rid of Torres and Bay significant changes, I sure in hell don’t.
I’m confused did a switch just flip in your brain? That’s something that me or Alex would post and you would generally argue with us about.
No that’s not true, that’s just the BS with you guys here. I have never been a pro-Sandy guy just not a anti-Sandy guy. I was just tired of trying to explain myself because I would always just get labeled as a Sandy apologist by Alex or Bayonne who automatically label people a saber-goon if anyone ever had one positive thing to say about him. I have been both critical and supportive of him in certain areas. and I damn well will take him to task on his latest “no change a coming” quote. I’m pissed. I’ve been beating him up with articles at RDM last couple days.
and was trying to be nice to Alex by giving him a more recent example than August.
Joe,
With all due respect, we all need to take a deep breath and wait until the 2013 team has been constructed. While the lack of activityis frustrating to us all, and Alderson’s politickspeak is tough to take, why is he held responsible for the lack of closure on the Dickey situation? He can not control the timetable that dictates when Dickey’s value is at a premium. That is dictated by the actions of others. For him to set artificial deadlines or just re-sign Dickey out our frustration with the market would be irresponsible. The window to maximized Dickey’s trade value is just about here, if it is not here right now, so I suspect we will soon find out the keep/trade conclusion. Regarding the delay in addressing other needs, that too is frustrating, I’m not sure that the Mets lost out on anyone that they had any possibility to sign or reasonably trade for as a result of the delayed Dickey situation. Now, if it is Jan. 31 and they are still in the same situation, then Alderson should be lambasted for sure. I suspect he may be a little too wise to let that happen.
If by january 31st….the mets still have not made any signings other than the typical garbage…
will u concede on sandy ?
Yes. O consider myself Sandy-neutral, but I agree with all the detractors and objective fans out there that he absolutely needs to improve the team in 2013. I know he can’t magically create a playoff team with the $20 mil he has to spend, but he need to move the team in the right direction, meaning more than 74 wins without sacrificing 2014+, or the Wilpon’s can find themselves a much cheaper alternative to tread water or make the team worse.
Not until 2014. Organizations do not properly make turnarounds from the state of completely pathetic to perennial contenders in less than that time. Whining about the lack of FA signings and garbage pickups all you want.
The organization has 6 pieces to trade and the only talent anywhere close is one pitcher at AAA and a hitter about to head there. The rest of the roster is going to be more of the quintanillas since there are few players who can move past AA. And that has been the case for the last few years. When Fred Lewis is your AAA MVP, that tells you about the state of your farm system.
With the exception of a few years, the Mets have sucked for the past 20 years. Wilpon spent money with nothing to show for it but one WS appearance (and a 2 playoff visits). That is a pathetic track record. This is not something that a Cody Ross will fix.
Hi Taskmaster,
One question I do have is how could a team be totally pathetic if in the last two seasons it was fighting for a playoff position past the all-star break. Could it be not that the team was pathetic as it was that the actions and non-actions to help strengthen it were instead?
R.A. is no longer saying the team believes in itself as he did two years ago. He’s now talking in terms of the future. I think we all agree Dickey speaks openly and honestly with people so if he didn’t think highly of the team in 2011 he would not have said what he did back then.
I will concede on Sandy on Jan. 31, 2014.
TJ – I 100% agree. It’s December 13th. There will be plenty of time to complain about the lack of offseason moves after the offseason ends.
“Few days ago was told team jumped back into Dickey derby that surprised #Mets. Could it be #Angels as moved on Hamilton (Trumbo/Bourjos)?” – Joel Sherman
There’s always conversations happening. Why are we in such a rush to see things happen? So if the Mets trade Dickey and sign Cody Ross, is everybody who said the Mets were doing nothing going to come back and apologize? Of course not.
Let it play out.
TJ – As my good friend (not really but he retweeted my post) Rich coutinho said
“A lesson in patience in offseason if LAA indeed gets JH it brings a trading partrner for RA for talented OF”
LOL
Cody Ross is who we sign in an offseason that had BJ Upton, Josh Hamilton, Michael Bourn available
Yes, Trading Dickey for another 3B who we will move to the OF, then signing the 1 guy who has no where else to go will probably elicit some negative feedback
It’s done Hamilton to LAA
LAA now has too many OF’s and not enough SP
It fits.
I broke the news to the MMO afternoon crew, my second greatest accomplishment here. #1, telling everyone that Sandy is Kranepooling us by locking up Wright. Although, if we get Trumbo and Bourjos for Dickey…that takes my top spot. Look, the Mets are giving me hope again…this’ll prolly be snuffed out in a few hours.
Hey Hank, I still laugh my as off whenever you say we’ve been Kranepooled. LMAO
Haha. I was so sad that night. Who says nothing good comes from frustration??
Yes, Dickey for Trout
but he speaks english so well
LMAO
He’s an ivy leaguer.. Therefore he must know more than you….
Joe D.
The thing is, The same complaint was made about the last front office. Omar couldnt do more than one thing at a time. Now its a different FO but the same pattern. what does that tell you?
It tells me that the one constant is not the GM, the scouts, or the manager, it is the ownership.
it is like the shadow government in Washington. You only think you elect a new president, etc. every few years, but the real rulers that live in the shadows continue on, pulling all the strings.
Yes, Jeffy is really the GM and decision maker. The one constant to this mess.
Hi if,
Agree with you about who really rules America but just can’t picture an iron-fisted corporate executive (meant to be a compliment BTW) like Sandy Alderson being subservient and taking any type of crap from a kid like Jeff who just happens to be there because his father owns the team. It just doesn’t seem possible that Sandy wouldn’t tell him to take his job and shove it.
Sandy constantly contradicting himself kinda looks like the wilpons are running the show.
Im sure the wilpons were cringing as Sandy said the mets wouldnt make any changes..or spend money…as they are trying to sell corporate suites and ticket packages for 2013.
Hi Just,
I always saw Sandy Alderson’s contradictions as being simple lawyer double-talk.
“Sandy constantly contradicting himself kinda looks like the wilpons are running the show”
Was it the WIlpons that made him reverse himself on Harvey being Not ready then ready and promoted?
Was it the Wilpons who made Sandy change his mind about Mejia being a starter, a reliever and a starter again?
This guy has COMMITMENT ISSUES!
This is why he tried to trade both Wright and Dickey instead of COMMIT to either…
And why he can’t commit an extra 5Mil per year to Dickey now!
Sandy operates as if he is in the middle of a landmine and any step is going to get him killed…
And as a result he never takes a step he just stands in place while the world goes around him.
So nice to blame the WIlpons for everything but he exhibits this behavior on things that the Wilpons wouldn’t care about in a million years!
Maybe you can get back to writing good articles and stop bitching over nothing? This site’s getting boring.
I was persuaded by Joel Sherman’s column yesterday. Mets fans who want the Dickey situation to be resolved ASAP are overlooking the fact that the Mets are risking little or nothing by waiting. They have the leverage. Dickey is under contract and he wants to stay in New York. The potential upside of waiting is to leave open the possiblity of getting what the Mets want for Dickey. The Beltran-for-Wheeler deal is evidence that it is possible, if teams are desperate enough, to get what you really want. Texas may up their offer now that they have lost Hamilton. It doesn’t mean that the Mets will end up getting what they want and I don’t want them to wait forever, but the fallout from Greinke Shields Hamilton etc. has not yet settled and it is not yet time to blink.
Apart from maybe a catcher or two like David Ross, the Mets have forfeited nothing of value to them by not yet signing a FA. Ryan Ludwick and the like means nothing to me, but the posssiblity of getting a blue-chip high-level prospect or two for Dickey means a lot.
Sure, they are “low-balling” Dickey, but I’m sure that he and his agent are well aware that once the Mets determine they should extend Dickey rather than trade him, the Mets will come much closer to his asking price. In other words, they know that the purpose of their current position on his extension is not to save $$, but to give them more time to pursue the trade possibility.
R.A. Dickey is a human being, a high quality human being and should be treated like one.
It not right that he should be stringed along into next season just because his current contract makes that possible.
With the goodwill slipping every day, there’s comes a point where damage done cannot be repaired if Alderson remains GM.
The Mets have screwed up a feel-good situation big time.
Sorry but this is a game for adults…not children. If a player gets his panties in a ruffle over the pace of something, tough. That is the way it is. It seems like the only ones who are allowed to drive a hard bargain are the agents.
“I think we will take a step back and take a broader look at things”
Maybe he should take a step forward for once because since he has got here,he has taken so many steps back to look at what is going on every player must appear the size of ANTS to him by now and any further steps back will require a geosyncronous orbit and help from NASA to get there!
This is hi sreal problem while he spends time LOOKING at things the rest of the league DOES things…and by the time he has made up his mind what he decided on based on what he looked at is gone!
Time to take a step UP Sandy, Your back is already to the wall and there is no more room to step back to!
Metsie, if the Mets take one more step back, they will fall into the abyss.
He can take as many steps back as he wants to provided he cuts the chord and untethers himself from the team which he seemingly is dragging back with his every move and step backwards….
Since there is a movie coming out I will use that timely example here…
Sandy is General McClellan!
We need a Grant here!
McClellan was a great tactician and thinker but was so busy thinking he couldn’t get off his thinking pad and make the moves that needed to be made….hesitant to commit troops and go on the offensive he led and decided things in a timid and scared way.
He was more concerned with logistics and supply (I.E. Minors as reinforcements) than results and would quickly retreat at the first sign of trouble in battle or a plan not coming out as he predicted it would!
Grant didn’t care about supply and logistics, He didn’t run and give up when the plan he went in with seemed to fail he made adjustments and pushed on HARD until the enemy was defeated!
This analogy is the best example of BAD vs GOOD leadership I can come up with in this situation.
A more recent analogy would be the battle at Midway…
Nogumo was a great tactician provided things went according to plan…The second he realized those carriers were off the coast of Midway and within striking distance (totally unexpected for another day) he cost himseld the battle by vascilating and over thinking the switch from bombs to torpedoes at it cost him his fleet!
Thinking is fine provided at some point the thinking stops and action takes over and once it does you do whatever you can to make sure you win!
Not happening here it’s just plan A to Plan B to Plan C none of which ever get implemented because the battle has changed and your too busy thinking while the enemy is killing you!
And anyone who thinks Business is different than WAR and analogies don’t apply here to baseball obviously has no experience in Business whatsoever!
You must be older than me if the Battle of Midway is a recent analogy for you! I was born at he end of 1945.
More recent than the Civil War is it not?
Hi Metsie,
Better expand on what you meant by “And anyone who thinks Business is different than WAR…” There are many with MMO who believe WAR is an essential part of the business of baseball and could feel you are now jumping over to their side of the fence!
I don’t think SA could have ever played for the NY Football Giants. We know what they do when they’re backs are against the wall. Sandy? He just fades and fades and fades….
By the way, Joe D, that was just a superior analysis of Met paralysis, and you nailed Sandy right between the eyes. Lots of puffery, nothing substantive.
In Texas, they would say that Sandy is “all hat, no cattle.”
‘Nough said, partner…
Sandy Alderson has been a miserable failure. Not that he cares one iota.
You and everyone else on here would have strung up Cashen too. Please sign Steve Kemp he is better than the who we have now.
I feel bad for you when Sandy gets fired….
Your favorite team will not be around and you will have no one to root for!
This is the last GM Job Sandy is ever going to get so I suggest you start looking into football to get your sports Joy from now on!
Either that or take your head out of Sandy’s but and smell what FRESH CLEAN air actually smells like!
Best opinion piece I’ve ever read on this website. Very well expressed, very well written, very accurate, very well done, Joe Decaro!
Sandy Alderson has repeatedly proven himself to be bull sh_t artist, one who hides behind excuses, deliberate vagueness, lies, ineptitude, passivity, coldness, the need for control, someone not worthy of being a GM in the 21st century.
And the Wilpons are responsible for letting this person continue being this team’s GM. It time for all of us to demand he be relieved of his duties. Every Mets related blog and posters should demand it at the same time, the same day, followed by massive protest at Citi Field.
You know, after reading the so many comments that are even more brutal than mine, I’m almost starting to feel sorry for Sandy….., especially because so many of them come from those who first believed in him.
Hey, remember 1980 when Cashen was hired, and they went 67-95. Then in 1981 when they went 41-62. Then 1982 when they went 65-97. Then 1983 when they went 68-94. But then in ’84 when they won 90 games. And then ’85 when they won 98 games. And then ’86 when they were the best team in the world and won 108 games and the world championship. And then were contenders for several years after that? That’s eigtht straight years of relevance and contention.
That was cool.
I bet you guys really hate Cashen right?
Hey, remember when Omar was hired and instantly jacked up payroll and stacked up long term contracts and we had one great year, and then two monumental collapses, and then a nightmare.
You guys love him.
It’s mind-boggling.
It takes time to do it right. Get over your “I’m a new yorker so I deserve a high payroll” sense of entitlement and deal with it. You make yourselves look foolish. Or at least give him the same amount of time Cashen took to give us eight great years before you start your hating and whining. ugh..
Hey Remember Juan Samuel Too?
Remember one and done?
Remember the Worst team money can buy?
All that happened with Cashen too!
Hey remember when that team had the highest payroll?
Thanks for supporting my argument.
And hey, remember when that team was 1992 and Cashen wasn’t even the general manager?
And again, hey, remember 1984-1990?
But it’s ok, we had 2006.
Hi CB,
Again, one must judge somebody based on their own merits, not somebody else’s.
Also, one must be seen within the circumstances facing that individual as well and what their specific missions were.
Frank Cashen was brought here to build up a competitive franchise under new ownership. Finances were not at issue.
Sandy Alderson came on board at the urging of the commissioner to save the franchise fiscally for the old ownership. Finances were of issue – the team was on the verge of bankruptcy at least twice.
And no matter what the circumstances might be, the bottom line is that the players, coaches and minor league development are a reflection of the general manager and his assistants. So that is the reason for so much vetting into Alderson.
BTW – in 1993 the Pittsburgh Pirates were 75-87. If we don’t base what the Mets will or will not do on their own merits one can than use that for comparison purpsoses as well as our own 1980 team.
You mean 1992 when Cashen was the chief consultant to the WIlpons?
And yes I do remember 1984-1990 (I had season tickets from 79-93)
How many World Series did we win again?
But it’s ok we have the guy who got Oakland all those World Series titles…
Oh Wait….
how many world series did we win again?
LOL, uh, more than we have since? And 90+ wins all but one of those years, and two 100+ win seasons.
god you’re hilarious…
How many more?
ONE?
Thats it?
Took 8 years of suck to get there and at least two trades of kids for good (opposite of what Sandy does) to get that ONE win…
You love Cashen and think he is a genius then you must have loved the Juan Samuel trade that dismantled that great team then as well….
Not sure if you are aware or not. I wouldn’t be surprised if you weren’t, but..
1>0
Yep….It is but it’s not the great success you make it out to be…
5>1 and thats how many the Yankees have by avoiding your moneyball philosophy!
I can’t wait for next week because I guess that’s when the 1st game is. Give me a break why is it such a rush to resolve the Dickey situation, what is wrong with holding out for what you want.
Nothing’s wrong with holding out with what you want… Problem is that is all we seem to be doing and nothing else.. This offseason has revolved around the extension of DW and Dickey.. We’ve done nothing else to at least try to improve the team while everyone around us has gotten better while already being better than us.. That’s the problem us mets fans have with this FO for 3 straight years…
I actually like that Sandy is taking his time with the Dickey decision. In 2004 this organization made a terrible mistake by trading Kazmir without shopping him around first. Had they shopped him they would have found that he would have netted a much better return than Victor Zambrano.
By shopping Dickey, and waiting for the FA market to settle, the Mets should be able to get the best possible return. Spring training isn’t until February. No need to rush this. The only important thing is that if he is traded we get the best return possible.
And while Dickey may be upset, which is understandable. He also has no leverage.