This year was supposed to bring the return of one of the best spectacles for the game of baseball, the World Baseball Classic. Unfortunately the classic has been postponed indefinitely, due to the ongoing global pandemic. Still, hope is that normalcy will one day return and the WBC will resume.

How many have seen or attended a Magallanes vs. Caracas game in the league known as VWL? Those who have will tell you that is an unforgettable experience and makes an old Mets-Nationals or Mets-Phillies game look comatose. 

The environment around the WBC tournament is often similar to those games playing in Latin America Winter leagues. The only problem with the WBC is the unfortunate timing of the tournament taking place in the middle of spring training. MLB managers never want to lose some of their key players in the midst of trying to prepare for the upcoming season.

But the WBC, like it or not, is baseball and always to me showed what nation could have supremacy as being the true world champions of the game. People begin to line up early in the morning for tickets and every game is standing room only. The music and pageantry are beyond explanation if you have not been fortunate to attend a WBC game, especially outside the United States.

I have been witness to a few WBC games in Puerto Rico and the baseball is great. The fans are rabid and the rivalries are fierce. There is that special familiarity with all the teams and players and those beyond their own country. Many of the Latin stars are recognized before they become household names in Major League Baseball. 

And over the years, I have asked more than one player how it felt to be a part of the WBC?

They relate the pride and determination to win for their country and how much this is their World Series of baseball.

But the WBC is on hiatus. Major League Baseball has not announced a future plan or dates for the next go around, though it is expected with all the monetary significance at stake, that the WBC will resume when the global pandemic is near or close to a conclusion.

And if and when the WBC resumes, there is that ongoing discussion as to when the tournament should be played. Players over the years have a financial interest in the tournament as does MLB with a global audience and marketing exposure that contributes to the popularity. 

A longtime NL evaluator said his greatest day at a baseball game was watching then White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen parade around Estadio Universitario before a Caracas Leones vs. LaGuaira Tiburones game with the 2005 White Sox World Series trophy. 

He said, “The national pride was incredible. Louis Aparicio, the first Venezuelan member of the Hall of Fame was in attendance. It was an extremely emotional night at the yard. Baseball is King in Venezuela.”

“I have attended many WBC games and have seen this same nationalistic fervor align with a passion for baseball. Those WBC games are classic wars between BL super stars representing their home countries. In many ways it reminds me and is similar to World Cup Soccer. I know that when the USA won the Olympic Gold beating Cuba in the 1996 Olympics in Australia. Manager Tommy Lasorda told me that the Gold Medal was the highlight of his baseball career.”

So there are those in baseball with influence that are advocates of the WBC.  A few years back, as Mets players departed for the WBC in March, I was not a proponent of the classic because the schedule was not appropriate. I was asked about suggestions for a column and will rehash a bit.

I want to see the WBC resume. I see the benefits and the disadvantages, but in the end the WBC  is a good marketing tool for the game that has obviously gained international popularity over the years.

The classic could be played every four years during the All-Star break and extended as a two week tournament. Players would be in mid-season form and game shape. The classic would then get world-wide attention from all the baseball countries and encourage greater participation from countries like China, Italy, South Africa, Australia, and more.

I believed then, as I do now, it makes incredible sense to play the WBC during the two week period. It is a perfect time. It is in the middle of the regular baseball season and there is no competition from the other major sports and it eliminates any concerns and issues with the WBC as scheduled. 

The interest of the WBC at the right time could rival the playoffs and the World Series and can increase national and international interest in the sport. The WBC will continue to be a huge revenue maker.

Of course the concept of changes to the WBC would need approval in the next collective bargaining agreement and right now baseball has important issues to address with players and owners headed to a clash after the 2021 season. 

But for now, and with the WBC on hold, there is plenty of time to do it right.

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Last week, I wrote about Trevor Bauer and the game he played with the Mets. Then, disappointment set in for some Mets fans. Recall, also, I wrote Sandy Alderson and the Mets were not finished in fulfilling their off-season needs. 

The chapter is closed on Trevor Bauer. I said last week also that this was a good thing for the Mets. You see, I call Sandy Alderson a “Master” without any bit of sarcasm and Wednesday was another example. 

Indeed, “The Master” was at work again. I said Alderson does not sit still and a three-way deal got the Mets Khalil Lee, a 22-year old prospect from the Royals. Khalil adds to the depth chart as Alderson continues his goal to replenish the Mets minor league system.

In due time, Khali will cut down his strikeout ratio at the plate. He can run and command the outfield with his speed and depth. In time, Lee could work his way to be the everyday centerfielder.

We never got to know pitching prospect Josh Winckowski. He will be remembered as one piece that was acquired from Toronto for Steven Matz, and part of the three-way trade that sent him to the Red Sox.

So this is a part of the Sandy Alderson plan. Yes, Trevor Bauer would have been that great addition to the rotation. George Springer would have made this off-season complete for the new regime netting a much needed center fielder for at least four years.

But the off-season is not over and neither is the task of filling the pieces. Repeating what I stated here last week, there is a method to the madness of Sandy Alderson by adding depth and rebuilding the minor league system. It has nothing to do with cautiously spending Steve Cohen’s money in not acquiring Springer or Bauer.

Those were decisions of Trevor Bauer and George Springer to play elsewhere. Sandy Alderson and the Mets made their pitch. Of course Mets fans are not satisfied, and indeed after all of those years of futility to land that player or two that would make a significant impact. you are expected to be disappointed.

Already,the Mets have used their resources and there is not a concern about going over a salary threshold because Sandy Alderson and the Mets are in a good place, with every expectation this is a team assembling next week in Port St. Lucie that will contend and play deep into October. 

But winning 96 games and taking the NL East by a wide margin, as projected by the PECOTA standings, is hard to envision because the division is, by far, the toughest to win in baseball. But the Mets as constructed will be as good as the Braves, Nationals, and Phillies. 

Are the Mets an elite team in the NL with the Dodgers, Padres, and Braves? At this point they can hang with these teams but not good enough to reach the World Series, then again look at 2015 and the unexpected Mets run that fell short to the Royals in late October with pitching and the Sandy Alderson roster additions.

So Sandy Alderson is not done, though the off-season has been a success in establishing the Mets as a serious contender despite falling short of acquiring Springer and Bauer.

I am not reviewing the Bob Murphy “Happy Recap” regarding the acquisitions of James McCann, Francisco Lindor, Carlos Carrasco, and bringing back Marcus Stroman. Nor am I analyzing again the added depth of Trevor May and Aaron Loup to the bullpen, all good additions. 

The  trade for left hander Joey Lucchesi from the Padres could be a sleeper as a fifth starter in the rotation. There is power off the bench and depth in the outfield with additions of Albert Almora Jr, and Jose Martinez.  

No, Sandy Alderson “The Master” was not done and quickly Jonathan Villar was added to the mix. The  1-year $3.55 million contract will be official pending a physical and add more depth to the infield.

Which leads me again to the magnitude of these additions to the roster that have added depth and provides the Mets with their strongest bench roster of players they’ve had in years.

It’s a win now and all- in attitude in the trusted hands of Sandy Alderson. And that three-team deal Wednesday could be the stepping stone to doing more. 

Late Thursday, I learned from sources the Mets have continued interest in the Cubs’ Kris Bryant. The Mets are also looking to shed some salary as reported and either the contracts of Jeurys Familia or Dellin Betances could be part of a trade with J.D. Davis.

This is why I call Sandy Alderson  “The Master.” He is in control and the trade for Matz and a short tenure for Josh Winckowski are a part of the continued off-season moves that are putting the Mets in good position.

And a pitching rotation without Trevor Bauer is no loss with Noah Syndergaard back from Tommy John surgery at some point in July. The Mets still have a solid core of starters that are as capable as anyone the Braves, Nationals, and Phillies will have on the mound.

But it is this “master” plan of Sandy Alderson. It’s looking good and certainly by all means the work will continue until Opening Day and beyond.

Rich Mancuso: Twitter@Ring786  Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso

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So the Mets come up short with Trevor Bauer. They failed to sign George Springer. Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco came from Cleveland and catcher James McCann was signed.

The Mets got better defensively with Lindor and McCann. And without Bauer, the starting rotation is solid with Jacob deGrom, Marcus Stroman, Carrasco, David Peterson and Joey Lucchesi, who could be a sleeper. 

And if Noah Syndergaard comes back to form, the rotation can do without Trevor Bauer, as much as Mets fans feel they are once again the losers when it comes to signing the top free agent pitcher on the market. 

But this has more to do with the Mets and not as much about Bauer. Steve Cohen and Sandy Alderson made their pitch and were close. This was not a Mets decision and rather a Bauer power play that led him to sign a three-year, $102 million contract with the Dodgers. 

Think, a year ago the Mets and Bauer would have not been in discussion. Neither were Springer or McCann, and any thought of acquiring Lindor in a trade was more fantasy than reality.

So don’t fault the new regime for failing to land the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner. And do not blame Steve Cohen and Sandy Alderson for not landing Bauer and assembling a devastating one-two punch with Jacob deGrom. With Bauer, perhaps the Mets would have the best starting rotation in baseball.

It’s time to move on and the Mets will, with or without adding to their equation of winning more than a division title. 

The blame is on Bauer for playing games with the Mets. He played with the mentality of Mets fans and had every intent of staying close to home and took an almost similar offer with the Dodgers that Cohen and Alderson thought was reasonable.

So with spring training two weeks away, you have to be content. The Mets are improved and a legitimate team to contend if and when baseball resumes on April 1. And by all means not signing Trevor Bauer does not indicate the Mets are finished in their goals to fill more gaps.

“He is good but not great,” an insider said of Bauer. “60-game season Cy Young winner who pitched in 11 games last year, 73 innings, 6-⅓ innings per game, two complete games.” 

Those complete games, remember, were seven innings each caused by doubleheaders in the shortened 2020 season.

In the end, Bauer was not worth all the baggage he could potentially bring to the clubhouse, and the Mets don’t need more of that bad baggage with a tenuous offseason of news revolving around Jared Porter and former manager Mickey Callaway.

“Guys like Max Scherzer are worth $65 million per year,” said the insider. “Dodgers never get criticized for out-spending the rest of baseball like the Yankees did for years.”

Oh, those Yankees. They never lose out on what they want, including the huge Gerrit Cole contract. But this was never about outdoing the Yankees and Steve Cohen said that in his initial press conference with the media. 

Regardless of the outcome of not getting Bauer, and with the complexity of contracts and revenue sharing, there can’t be comparisons drawn about this new regime and the Wilpons.

Revenue sharing and spending did not stop the Mets from pursuing Trevor Bauer, instead the newest pitcher of the Dodgers played his game. The Trevor Bauer game went back and forth with the Mets. He gained more viewers on his YouTube channel as Mets fans became a part of his charade. 

Instead, not paying Bauer gives the Mets more leverage with priorities to sign Michael Conforto and Lindor to long-term contracts and that has always been in their plan. It will be a priority to get Conforto and Lindor to sign long term.

And the financial flexibility today is better now to fill in those gaps for what the Mets needs in search of another outfielder or front line starter that does not have the name of Bauer.

I am not saying the Mets are definite in landing Jake Odorizzi or James Paxton for the starting rotation, or 41-year-old Rich Hill who is throwing well down in Florida. 

The Mets could land Jackie Bradley Jr. for the outfield, though nothing says the two sides are close to a contract.  

I will say, as much as you want more, as disappointed and annoyed you are about the Trevor Bauer outcome, the Mets have had a winning offseason. They are a better team today than they were when the season ended in September.

Trevor Bauer played the Mets. That is all you have to remember.

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Steven Matz is not a major loss for the Mets. As a NL insider informed me, “He was below average and has a tendency to crush under pressure.”

That same insider said the Mets upgraded their pitching in the trade with Toronto that got them three right-handers in Sean Reid-Foley, Yennsy Diaz, and Josh Winckowski.

The insider with knowledge of the three pitchers said Winckowski, 22, is capable of being a backend starter in the rotation. He has compiled a 3.35 ERA in four minor league seasons. 

The report on Diaz, the Blue Jays’ 26th ranked prospect, “He throws the sharp slider and a year away from being Major League ready.”

So as the Mets continue to pursue Trevor Bauer, as has been reported, the Matz trade of course was also important. The Mets have seen a return on pitching prospects and the game revolves around a deep rotation and bullpen depth.

More important, the $5.2 million salary of Matz is off the table. As I always say, there is a method to the Madness of the “Master” Sandy Alderson.  The offseason moves, as insiders inform me, signifies the Mets this year are all in it to win and go deep in October.

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The sleeper of the offseason, if you don’t look at the Francisco Lindor trade as the shocker, is acquiring left-hander Joey Lucchesi from the Padres.

Said the insider with knowledge about Lucchesi, “He’s 27 years old. He can start and come out of the bullpen. He can easily be slotted as the Mets fifth starter.”

Add Bauer to the equation, and the Mets you would assume are the team to beat in the NL East. However, there are the Braves, Nationals, and Phillies that also upgraded their pitching staffs.

The insider added that the Mets are far from done and if they lose out to Bauer, they are seeking another starter and have an interest in signing an outfielder. The Mets are scheduled to attend a Jake Arrieta throwing session on Friday as reported by Andy Martino of SNY. 

When contacted by Mets MMO, a NL scout said Arrieta, 4-4 with a 5.08 ERA in nine starts last season, will give a team innings and the Mets could take the chance with a one-year contract.

But he said, the talks to acquire Trevor Bauer are ongoing and other insiders when asked were almost certain that the Mets and Bauer could reach an agreement by Friday or the weekend. 

“There are a number of possibilities for the Mets,” said the insider. “Not signing Springer was a good move. They have the money to spend on Bauer. Springer is a better fit for the Blue Jays. “

I was able to learn that Jackie Bradley Jr. and the Mets are also in contact, though a deal to add Bradley as the newest Mets outfielder is not close.

Basically, this has been a Mets offseason of surprise and suspense. Regardless, as I have stated, the Mets have improved but adding Bauer to the rotation and possibly Bradley to their outfield would almost close the deal and be considered a success.

The Mets are scheduled to report to spring training in less than four weeks but many are uncertain about a date that has not been set. Part of the issues are the continued uncertainty of MLB medical protocols and the ongoing pandemic. 

When contacted, J.D. Davis informed me there is a lot of optimism about the offseason moves. Davis said Michael Conforto, the team liaison with players and owners, is uncertain about a spring training starting date.

The post Insider Breaks Down Matz Trade and Mets Offseason appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The last few weeks have been a bit frustrating for Mets fans and of course there are reasons to vent. George Springer is up in Toronto and Brad Hand is with the rival Nationals. So go ahead and say this is not what you expected from the billionaire pockets of Steve Cohen.

You as a Mets fan have every right to be frustrated. “Oh, no, is this another case of the Wilpons?!”

Yet this is a completely different situation. So be frustrated, but don’t panic. 

Give Steve Cohen a break.

Regardless of the recent free agent misses, the Mets are a better team as of now than they were at season’s end. All you have to do is analyze the significance of signing James McCann and trading for Francisco Lindor to see that.

The Mets are a better defensive team and there is plenty of time to do more with spring training still a month away.

Carlos Carrasco is a viable starter and good addition to the rotation. Trevor May was signed and will be an important cog for the bullpen. Left-hander Joey Lucchesi was acquired from the Padres in a three-team trade to fill an uncertainty in the back-end of their rotation.   

But you want more, and believe me when I say, there is more to come.

Throwing out the unfortunate and unexpected Jared Porter GM situation, this offseason has been a success. The Mets are a team that will contend for the postseason, even if they need a little more to make that certain. 

With the Braves, Nationals, Phillies, as well as the young and competitive Marlins, the NL East is stronger. Tuesday, the Phillies re-signed J.T. Realmuto and they are far from completing their mission for 2021.

Trevor Bauer has been in the news over the past few days, with many wondering how much he will command in free agency and where will he ultimately land?

The Mets could take a chance with Bauer and expect the same Cy Young Award season. But, this is still a budget conscious situation and the goal is for the Mets to sign Michael Conforto and possibly Noah Syndergaard to long- term contracts.

They also need to retain Francisco Lindor on a long-term contract as well, which could cost them in excess of $300 million.

So with extensions potentially taking precedent, the Mets could pivot to signing Jackie Bradley, the 30-year outfielder Gold Glove winner with the Red Sox, and maybe even swing a trade with the Cubs for third baseman Kris Bryant.

I can report, as others have, that Bryant talk to the Mets has intensified over the past few days, though particulars involved in a trade are not known. Although, JD Davis is a player teams often bring into these discussions.

“I pay no attention to rumors and trade talk,” Davis said to me a few weeks ago when asked about his name always coming up in the discussion. “That is, the business of baseball. I can’t control that.” 

Then again, days before his departure, Porter gave praise to Davis when the trade for Lindor was announced. And Sandy Alderson has made it known the Mets have needs to fill. 

So the Mets came up short with Springer and Hand. But don’t fault Cohen or Alderson. They tried,  It just wasn’t a fit for Hand who expressed his desire to be a closer. Meanwhile the Blue Jays won the sweepstakes for Springer, with a better offer of 6-years, $150 million as they continue to upgrade in their attempts to overtake the Yankees and Rays in the AL East.

Since the Steve Cohen’s purchase of the Mets, I have stated here more than once that you can’t expect the pot of gold all at once. But as a Mets fan, you have been accustomed to disappointment too often.

So, you have a reason to be frustrated. But look at the progress and realize the Mets are so much better than they were when the last pitch was thrown in late September.

  As I say, to be continued.

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Here’s an update on Dwight Gooden. He is focused, healthy, and making plans for his annual trip to Port St. Lucie next month. The Mets always welcome him, though he has not met Steve Cohen and is anxious to meet the new owner.

Tuesday afternoon, at a local restaurant in Hempstead, Doc and I talked baseball. He would not offer comment on the recent developments that led to the firing of GM Jared Porter. He said the Mets were in the right direction and thanked Mets fans for being in his corner the past year.

No need to go into specifics. Doc looks at those setbacks as moving forward. His goal is to direct others on the right path and that was specifically stated. His legal issues are over and Gooden is working on numerous endorsement opportunities.

In particular, Gooden will never shy away from helping a young and aspiring ballplayer. When the opportunity presents he is receptive with talking and providing tips to little league groups, high school, and college ballplayers.

And to see and hear tips from one of the all-time great hurlers is a Hall of Fame moment.

Months ago, I had the opportunity to meet 19-year old left handed pitcher Sebastian Vargas. The freshman, at Lackawanna College in Scranton Pennsylvania, met me with Sam Garnes, the former Giants and Jets safety. 

Of course, the journey to pitch in the big leagues is a goal.  Doc Gooden can relate to that. He, too, at one time had a goal and others were there for him that led to a 16-year pitching career with the Mets, Yankees, and four other teams.

So hearing advice from a four-time All-Star, three-time World Series champion, NL Rookie of The Year, wins/strikeout/ ERA leader, along with a no-hitter is a lifetime opportunity.

Sebastian listened. It was not about the autograph. It was not about taking a photo with a NY pitching legend and gloating about that on social media. No, this was all about pitching and achieving the goals. 

“Follow your goals, understand the volume of your true passion,” Gooden said. “What are you doing for yourself to get better? Stay humble. It’s hard work to play baseball. It’s a privilege. So many kids don’t make the big leagues. Look at that as a privilege.”

It was the advice that Doc Gooden received from his dad and others growing up in Tampa. When the opportunity is there, the “Good Doctor” has no hesitations to give back. He is not forced to do this.

Sebastian listened and Doc Gooden was throwing his best pitch There was someone always there for him. He relayed three principles for the success.

“Number one, have fun. Two, follow your dream. Always be with positive people that have the same dreams you have. And be positive in life. When you get those messages pass them on to somebody else. My dad always said when you get those messages pass them on to someone else.”

Finally, as Gooden said, there is that ethic of continuing to work hard and have fun without cheating on yourself.  

And then the baseball conversation commenced. The game has changed from the Doc Gooden era to now. And so has the strategy of pitching, as analytics are playing more of a role. 

“Fastball difference my day, it wasn’t so much about analytics,” he said. “You go with your best stuff. When a hitter hits you, then you make your adjustment. Then you go about attacking.”

The attack was finishing his career with 2,293 career strikeouts. Doc Gooden was always good at adjusting and that also made him special.

“My time was always attack,” he explained. “I like to see guys go back to attacking and making adjustments. Scouting reports also helped.”

And Sebastian listened. He will take that advice on his journey back to Scranton Friday morning for another semester of academics and the hopes for a safe and complete college baseball season.

The “Good Doctor” did the talking. This is Doc Gooden now and at peace with himself as he helps those aspiring ballplayers.

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Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Thomas Hall, a writer with MMO, recently offered an opinion. “Gio Gonzalez Would Fit Perfectly With The Mets.” I agree. The Mets hierarchy should focus on acquiring a veteran pitcher that can fit. 

They should consider and offer a contract to Gio Gonzalez.

Okay, I am not being partial here with the same opinion. Let me explain. As many know, Gio and I established a good relationship over the years. Gonzalez, of Latino descent, enabled me to get up close with my affiliation writing for latinosports.com a web site that focuses on the Latino ballplayer.

So Gio Gonzalez gets his starts in New York with the Oakland A’s, Washington Nationals, and Milwaukee Brewers against the Yankees and Mets.  I am up there in the press box and Gonzalez would always get the win.

In fact, during that span I have been the “Lucky Charm.” Gio on the mound and me in the press box, the record over the years is 9-2 with a 2.50 ERA.

Okay, let’s get to the point. Thomas Hall made his case. He wasn’t partial. Far as I know, the writer has been an astute follower of Gonzalez and respects  his ability to give a team innings. Gonzalez is also a great addition to the clubhouse.

James McCann, the newest Mets catcher will tell you last season in the White Sox clubhouse, Gonzalez was a leader. I also have heard similar opinions from those who have been on the roster of the A’s, Nationals and Brewers.  

And the Mets could use the veteran 35-year old left-hander. Gonzalez and I had a chat Thursday after his long tossing sessions near his home in Miami, Florida. 

Last season with the White Sox, the left hander sustained a nagging muscle strain to his shoulder.  The White Sox did not pick up his option of a one-year deal. Gonzalez won 21 games with the Nationals in 2012 and came up second in NL Cy Young Award balloting.

He continues to throw and is feeling fine and  informed me that long tossing is leading to strength and the preparation to hopefully sign on with another team.  It’s been almost four sessions of throwing every other day and constant conditioning.

So his health is not an issue. It’s not the age. Gonzalez can still throw with an average fastball and a good changeup. Understand, though, It’s baseball economics for the Mets and 29 other MLB teams in putting the best 26-man roster that can lead them to October. 

In the end, though, this is baseball and a business. Teams are still in that holding pattern and there has not been a ton of free agent signings with new teams.

Reportedly, owners are citing the loss of significant revenue from a curtailed 2020 season due to no revenue stream from fans and concessions. 

With Gio Gonzalez still searching for a team, the task is not easy and teams should be seeking a veteran arm and leader in the clubhouse. 

He said to me, “I would love to finish my career in New York. I feel great. Citi Field for some reason is my comfort zone.”

Last  year there was speculation that the Mets were looking at giving Gonzalez an opportunity before he signed on with the White Sox. 

That was then. This is now. Gonzalez, and many have noticed that Steve Cohen and the new regime are a buzz of baseball. The acquisitions of McCann, Trevor May, and the trade for Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco have put opposing teams on notice.

And by all means the Mets are not done with their strategy to fill some gaps. George Springer is still in the discussion as is reliever Brad Hand.

Add Gio Gonzalez to the mix.  Why?

Well, the rotation and bullpen can use a veteran. Gonzalez knows New York. He knows McCann. I won’t go into specifics with the percentages of ERA and WHIP of last season. 

That was not the real Gio Gonzalez we saw in 2020. An injury, short season, back and forth from the rotation to the pen disrupted his rhythm. 

So here is my pitch why the Mets need to pursue Gio Gonalez. And before you begin the criticism, I can compare another situation with a former Mets pitcher.

Remember, Carlos Torres was considered a journeyman. 

I can recall as every Mets fan will. A few years back the Mets and manager Terry Collins took a chance with the right-hander. He bounced around a bit and got the call from Triple-A Las Vegas. Except for a late 2015 struggle, Torres came out of the pen as a long reliever and had that role of a spot starter.

Collins said that Torres was that valuable guy you needed on a pitching staff. 

Gio can also be that important tool and continue his success on the mound at Citi Field. He can provide that veteran leadership and help a younger core of hurlers  including a struggling Steven Matz.

So here are the Mets and they need to take the chance. Sign Gio Gonzalez to a minor league deal and take it from there at a minimum cost. 

Nothing to lose here. A lot to gain if it works out. 

The post Gio Gonzalez Would Love to Finish Career With Mets appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Some offseason advice to Mets fans: Don’t be concerned now about a long-term contact extension for Francisco Lindor. Let this contract situation play out and not be a distraction.

Lindor does not want to make a potential long-term deal into a distraction. Neither should Mets fans make the contract extension a distraction.

During his introductory press conference on Monday, Lindor was asked about signing a contract extension with the Mets. From a Zoom interview his smile showed the enthusiasm of signing a long-term deal.

He responded, “I have never said, ‘I can’t wait to get to free agency, Because for me that was always so far ahead.” 

And it is far ahead. Neither you or I should be concerned but that lingering history of the Mets and signing a player to a long-term deal is always a concern. Still fresh is Zack Wheeler parting ways with the Mets, signing a five-year $118 million contract with the Phillies, thus putting a dent in the Mets’ starting rotation.

So you are excused for being concerned. But there is a difference. This is a new regime. Steve Cohen, Sandy Alderson, Jared Porter would not have traded two shortstops, Amed Rosario and Andres Gimenez along with two prospects if there were concerns about securing Lindor to a long-term deal.

And that was a proper and concise statement from Lindor. A long-term deal will be done but not by tomorrow, in the next week or month. Instead be content and appreciate how the Mets acquired the best shortstop in baseball.

Because the Mets made this deal with every intention of granting a long-term contract. Insiders have informed me that the emphasis of signing Lindor has been discussed. 

A long-term deal for Lindor is realistic. And, yes, the intent is there to sign him and in time become the franchise player right there with Jacob deGrom. 

I have been around this a long time. I saw the previous regimes. I recall the trade for Mike Piazza and the talk of contract extension before he arrived at Shea Stadium. I recall the dark time when the late Tom Seaver, the franchise pitcher, was dealt away at a time when baseball economics were nowhere compared to where it is today.

So there is every reason to get this deal done, more so if you are that avid fan of the Mets. 

Recently, it was Jacob deGrom and the distraction of a long-term deal for the two-time NL Cy Young winner. And that was under the Wilpon regime. But this is different.

So I don’t blame Mets fans to be concerned, in particular those who lived to be patient with the bad anxiety of the Wilpons. Though, I do expect and anticipate Francisco Lindor being signed to a long-term contract. 

But the talk will continue and will linger. Lindor has not commenced negotiations about a long-term deal. The Indians delayed a deal for Lindor as they could not provide the All-Star the same type of contract that Mookie Betts or Manny Machado warranted. 

“It just has to make sense for both sides,” Lindor said. “We’ll see what happens. I’m excited. Just like every fan out there, I’m extremely excited for this new chapter.”

What matters now is Lindor is ready to be a part of bringing a championship to Citi Field for his new chapter. What matters is the Mets are the buzz of baseball and Lindor coming here caught everyone off-guard.

I talked to a few Mets fans the past few days. They are enthused, as I am sure you are. They see this new and different approach. They want Cohen and Alderson to do more, and that is expected after so many years of frustration and bypassing that opportunity to acquire one or two players that could make a difference.

When you consider the acquisitions of James McCann and now Lindor, there is that opinion of accomplishment. But every Mets fan wants more under the realization that Steve Cohen has the resources.

But the reality is salary thresholds, and despite all of the money this new regime brings there is still the difficult reality of baseball economics and loss of significant revenue in the last year caused by no fans and concessions. 

With the Francisco Lindor equation the Mets have to work around signing Michael Confroto to an extension and possibly Noah Syndergaard as well. 

And some of the strategy and potential signing of George Springer has to now revolve around the extension for Lindor. That also revolves around the Mets expending major contracts to any of the other lower-tier free agents that are on their radar.

So be patient my friends. David Wright and $138 million was huge and a commitment. Lindor is here and the long-term contract will surpass that amount.

The Mets did not just make this trade for 2021. Francisco Lindor is here for the long run.

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This wasn’t the signing of Trevor Bauer. The Mets did not sign George Springer. They did better Thursday acquiring a premier shortstop  and a quality starting pitcher in a six-player trade with the Cleveland Indians.

So a blockbuster trade that caught us all off guard, with the acquisitions of Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco, made the Mets a team to reckon with in 2021.

Sandy Alderson and GM Jared Porter will continue to make improvements. The Mets have tried to make these improvements the past few years but they failed. The difference? Steve Cohen and that flexibility to spend.

And spending the Mets will do. They did not get Lindor for a one-year deal. Mookie Betts in a walk-off year trade from the Red Sox to the Dodgers got a long term and lucrative contract, and the Mets are likely to follow the same path.

Lindor, the 27-year old and four-time All Star could have a long tenure ahead as the Mets shortstop rest assured, as Alderson stated Thursday. The Mets will attempt to sign Lindor to an extension.

The logistics say the Mets will sign Lindor to a long-term deal. They have the resources and don’t seem concerned about going over their salary threshold. 

The principles of this trade were sending Rosario and Gimenez to the Indians. The two prospects to Cleveland were not in that bracket of that Alderson and Porter deemed ones they would protect – Sandy mentioned the top five or six prospects during his presser on Thursday as ones they would prefer to hold.

The timing was right regarding a trade that Alderson said was on the agenda. The Indians wanted Rosario and viewed Gimenez as a key player in this trade.

Gimenez with his breakout 2020 rookie season, and according to an insider, was highly touted by other teams. The Mets, as an insider informed me, were looking at Lindor and the Indians would not bite had Gimenez not been part of this deal.

The Mets got creative and the work is not done. Does this trade rule out any chance of the Mets and talk of Trevor Bauer? 

 “You can never have enough both starting pitchers and relievers,” Porter said. “So we’re going to continue to be creative.”

Carrasco, 33, the 2020 American League Comeback Player of the Year and recovered from a diagnosis of leukemia with a career 3.77 ERA and 88-73 record in 11 seasons, is part of the Mets continuing to be creative.

So as I have stated here the past few weeks, and in a short span, the Mets under Steve Cohen are a team in good hands. One, two, maybe three impact players can make a difference which says the Mets are a step closer to being one of those dominant teams with the Dodgers, Braves and Padres in the National league.

They got better behind the plate when James McCann signed a $40 million four-year contract. Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco are two more of the needs the Mets filled.

I know every Mets fan is waiting for George Springer. I ask, is it not better to be caught off guard and not rely on the sources and reports? We heard about Francisco Lindor. It was an afterthought last week. 

Alderson said ”I think Lindor’s the kind of player that makes one smile.” Mets fans smiled Thursday afternoon and there is likely more to come.

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On Monday, Steve Cohen reacted on his Twitter feed to the San Diego Padres acquiring starter Blake Snell from Tampa Bay. Then on Tuesday, the Padres surpassed the Mets as the busiest offseason team and acquired starter Yu Darvish from the Cubs.

Hey , Give the Padres credit. They had a top 5 farm system that gave them flexibility to trade for Snell. Newsflash, the Mets farm system needs to be replenished .

— Steven Cohen (@StevenACohen2) December 29, 2020

Cohen’s newsflash is no secret, as Sandy Alderson has discussed the need to bolster the Mets farm system ever since taking over as team president. This is why the Mets are looking at holding on to their prospects, as they look to create depth in their farm system.

The Mets eventually want to be in the same position as the Padres. In the meantime, they will probably spend with caution to meet their needs.

Even though the thought of Francisco Lindor or Nolan Arenado on the Opening Day roster is enticing, replenishing a depleted farm system is a priority for Alderson and his GM Jared Porter.

You need to give in order to get player’s like that and simply put, the Mets can’t afford to give away what they have on the farm. This is due to the previous GM, who had a philosophy of winning now at any cost. 

If successful, this philosophy could be sound, but the Mets did not make the playoffs in the two seasons in which they were trying to win now. And that has hurt the Mets. They would love to pull off a trade for Lindor. And with Robinson Cano money off the books, a void in the infield, who would not want the All-Star Lindor in the lineup?

For now though, the Mets situation shows they can’t wheel and deal with other teams as the Padres have shown the ability to in past few days. 

Newsflash, the Padres sacrificed and built from within. With the Mets, this is not a newsflash.  

So Steve Cohen has done his homework and looked at the accumulation of Padres prospects. A.J. Preller the Padres general manager had a model the past decade and sacrificed with losing seasons. He acquired and held on to young prospects and the Padres plan has come to fruition. 

Back in August, Preller pulled off six trades in two days ahead of the deadline. They had the resources to trade 16 players and many close to the major league level.

The past few days there were nine more prospects available to obtain Snell and Darvish. Dinelson Lamet and Chris Paddack add to their rotation. Mike Clevinger, also acquired in a trade for prospects from the Indians is expected back in 2022 after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Again that tweet had more of an impact on the vision for Steve Cohen. They hope to acquire more prospects in the long run, giving them more assets to pursue deals in the future.

So what is the point of this?

Simple, the Mets need a front-line starter as there is no guarantee that Trevor Bauer is going to be their next big splash in free agency. 

Tuesday, a source informed me that Tampa Bay reached out to the Mets about a possible trade for Snell. The Rays are unloading contracts in a rebuilding mode and that is attributed to a major loss of revenue from a short 2020 season.

The asking price for Snell? Prospects. Of course the Mets could not answer. They could not provide the almost ready major league talent that would fit for the Rays in their rebuilding plan. 

A good Mets offseason is the signing of McCann and if they can acquire George Springer. The perfect offseason is signing the trifecta of McCann, Springer, and Bauer. Either way, signing two of the three is a success. 

In between, and as slow as it has been, the Mets are not looking at giving away prospects or draft picks in a major trade. So all of the Francisco Lindor trade talk with Cleveland, as good as it sounds, should not be taken seriously. 

A trade of that magnitude would require parting with the prospects that Sandy Alderson has vowed to keep on board. 

The Mets need to rebuild their depleted minor league system. And Steve Cohen is certainly aware of that need. 

Rich Mancuso: Twitter@Ring786  Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso

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