February 13
Sandy Alderson told reporters today in St. Lucie, that it is unlikely that he acquires another major free agent this offseason.
It’s now one of those cases where you have to do the math.
A Drew signing seems very unlikely at this point and it’s not as if the Mets were ever really that close.
February 12
Sandy Alderson said Tuesday afternoon that the New York Mets have the money to sign shortstop Stephen Drew “under the right circumstances.’’
An opt-out after one year is not one of those circumstances. Neither is Drew’s reported asking price of $15 million a year for a career .264 hitter. I don’t care how good a glove he flashes.
In addition to his contractual demands, there are other reasons why Alderson shouldn’t feed the speculation.
Just say, “No, we don’t have an interest in Drew.’’ He can always change his mind if something happens to Ruben Tejada.
Alderson said he’s happy with Tejada’s off-season commitment to getting in shape by attending a fitness camp in Michigan.
Two years ago Tejada had a good season in the first year without Jose Reyes. Now, Tejada might never equal Reyes’ offensive potential, but his .289 average and .333 on-base percentage in 2012, certainly is good enough to believe there’s a chance for more.
The Mets soured on Tejada because of his attitude and performance last year, which ended with him fracturing his leg. Alderson said upgrading shortstop was an off-season priority, but the prices for Drew and Jhonny Peralta excessive.
Although Alderson said Drew was affordable, it doesn’t make him a wise purchase, especially for a team on the build. Teams not expected to win don’t invest that kind of money on an average hitting shortstop. They do if he’s the missing piece, but the Mets need more than a few pieces.
The Mets are pointing to 2015, and Drew would be gone by then if they give him the opt-out.
If 2014 is simply a transition year, the Mets are better off giving Tejada this season and finding out what they have in him – after all, he’s 24 and Drew is 30.
The Mets can build around Tejada. As their roster is currently comprised, they can’t build around Drew.
Save the money for something else, perhaps for a missing piece at the trade deadline if this season exceeds all expectations.
Thoughts from Joe D.
John, why don’t you tell us how you really feel about Drew? Actually, you’re preaching to choir and I’ve never saw the fascination with such a mediocre player who spends way too much time on the disabled list.
As I’ve been hammering since the offseason began, give Tejada another chance and if it don’t work out, you have a better group of free agent shortstops on the market next offseason.
I’m tired of hearing that the reason we should go hard after Drew is because he’s an upgrade over Tejada. Guess what? Even Tejada is an upgrade over last season’s Tejada. And the kid’s been busting his butt since the season ended. I’ll take my chances and hope that the 2012 version shows up in 2014. Remember when Met fans were all giddy and coming to the park holding signs that read, “Jose who?”
The kind of money we’re hearing about for a player who is not a difference maker boggles the mind. And the scary part is the overwhelming chance he goes belly up right after we sign him to a multi-year deal. Why don’t you think he got a multi-year deal the previous offseason?
Additionally, where do you bat him? Are you going to stick his career .329 on-base in the leadoff spot? No thanks. This guy is like the square peg that will only complicate matters. We already have a great number two hitter in Murphy, and he’ll end up batting 6th or 7th.
Drew has earned $30 million in his eight year career, and now on the wrong side of 30 we have some fans who want to give him that much for a two year deal? It’s almost laughable.
This is simple. Save the money. Play Tejada. Reevaluate at the end of the season when you have better options available.
