An MMO Fan Shot by Jeffrey L.
Swipe right if you’re expecting an article on a buy-in for Manny Machado or Bryce Harper. Moving on.
Why not buy into something completely different? If you’re reading this you’re most definitely a Mets fan, thus, by default, you’re a strong-willed loyalist overflowing with patience – 1986, need more be written? – but you likely also contain a healthy dose of pessimism.
But BUY IN on Brodie Van Wagenen (BVW). There are three good reasons to buy into him as the new leader and GM of the New York Mets. With no GM track record, how about delving into his history and character?
1. Risk Taker
BVW is intelligent, courageous and a risk taker. He left a comfy post at CAA to take on the ever-challenging, over-scrutinized, New York Mets GM position. Either BVW is crazy or he’s ready for the ultimate career challenge, perhaps both.
2. Develop The Winning Culture
BVW is a winner. Winners take risks. Winners often fail, but ultimately succeed in the end. Van Wagenen’s success speaks for itself – Stanford graduate and top agent who co-headed CAA’s baseball division. In his “agenting days,” BVW orchestrated significant signings that benefited his extensive client list including the jokes on Yoen-US (though nearly the entire fan base was behind the signing, and for good reason, just didn’t break our way).
Then, of course, there was the record-breaking $240 million contract for Cano back in 2013. Regardless, with BVW sitting on the CAA side of the table, it was a win for the Agency and his client. Let’s take solace in the fact that the New York Mets and their die-hard fan base now reside nervously on his side of the table. Personally, I like the view.
3. Interesting Strategy
Finally, he’s strategic. Though his inexperience sparks fear in much of the press, commentators and fan base, rest assured, BVW is a leader who understands the true benefits of compensating for one’s weaknesses. The primary reason the Mets have failed miserably over the past two years has been their onslaught of injuries.
Though his recent roster moves have their own calculated levels of risk (age and prior injuries), BVW is strategic as proven by his depth-focused deals which have often been regarded as crowding the field. The Mets have two closers, a half-dozen plus infielders (for now) and a potentially crowded outfield should Cespedes one day manage to find his way back to left field. Haters beware.
A risk taker and brash winner, ready or not, BVW has his eyes set on the prize. He might fail, but why not take a leap of faith and consider BVW may very well succeed. Guaranteed, this former power agent is not finished dealing. And despite the extra vowel challenging us with the pronunciation of his last name, Wagenen is a winner rising to the challenge of New York Mets general manager. ‘You gotta believe’ is in the DNA of every Mets fan… so why not try a little BVW optimism on for size.
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This Fan Shot was contributed by MMO community member and die-hard Mets fan Jeffrey L. He currently resides in Los Angeles and is a television producer/writer for the series ‘Tech Toys’ on Netflix. Have something you want to say about the Mets? Send your article to [email protected] or use this Contact Form. Or ask us about becoming a regular contributor.
