Recap Of Mets Conference Call

Here’s a recap of tonight’s conference call with Sandy Alderson who fielded questions from beat writers and reporters.

6:40 PM – Alderson begins apologizing to writers, thanking Dickey. “The final chapter has not been written, but it has been an extraordinary career.” (Rubin)

6:41 PM – Alderson says it was an “extraordinary privilege” to have Dickey in the Mets organization. (Carig)

6:42 PM – Terry Collins says it’s up in the air if d’Arnaud will start year in majors because he missed so much time last year in Triple-A. (Puma)

6: 43 PM – Alderson said difficult call if presented with R.A. at Mets’ number or this package. But said genuine interest to retain Dickey. (Rubin)

6:45 PM – Sandy Alderson: “We feel that players acquired in this deal, Buck and d’Arnaud in particular will made contributions in 2013.”

6:46 PM – Alderson: “We do expect to do some other things. We do expect to acquire some other players. We’re certainly not punting on 2013.” (Sounds vaguely familiar. <scratches head>)

6:47 PM – Alderson said by Tuesday or Wednesday of last week, final structure of players in deal was put in place.

6:48 PM – Alderson: “The decision to trade R.A. was not made until we understood what the final deal would be with Toronto.”

6:49 PM – Alderson: “Travis (d’Arnaud) and John (Buck) know each other from Travis’ first major league camp. Travis is close to the major leagues.”

6:51 PM – D’Arnaud did not have surgery for ligament tear in knee. Not standard protocol. Wasn’t complete tear. Was examined by Mets doctors. (Mets doctors? Whew, that’s a relief.)

6:52 PM – Alderson: “We feel d’Arnaud can be a difference maker.” (Does he feel with his right or left hand?)

6:53 PM – Alderson: “Noah is a very high ceiling power pitcher. He’s further away, obviously, having just pitched in low-A last year.” ETA not soon.

6:54 PM – Alderson: “This move has nothing to do with the team’s finances. This was a baseball decision.”

6:56 PM – Alderson: “It also became clear in a hot market for pitching, that Dickey’s value in a trade was also skyrocketing.”

6:58 PM – Alderson: “Were we not able to get the quality in return, I expected that R.A. would have remained a Met.”

(What happened to Terry Collins?)

6:59 PM – Alderson: “We’re not going to replace him with a No. 1 starter in return, but we’re going to have to find someone to give us some of those wins.” (No kidding, Sandman)

7:00 PM – Alderson: “I recognize this is an entertainment business and it was great to have R.A. here. But longterm this was right thing to do.” (Canadians will be entertained, that’s for sure.)

7:01 PM – Alderson: “I’m hoping in coming years our overall popularity will be a function of success rather than individuals.”

7:03 PM – On catching, Alderson said he would find additional catching, for depth if nothing else. (Rubin)

7:05 PM – Alderson: “I have been talking with free-agent outfielders and with teams about trades. There’s a long time between now and the beginning of February.” (Yes, 44 days)

7:05 PM – Alderson: “We will acquire a starting pitcher and we can offer a spot in the rotation.” (Plenty of fish in the sea. I think.)

(My fingers are getting tired)

7:06 PM – Mets have lots of work to do. Shopping list includes: outfielders, starting pitcher, catcher, relievers.

Mass has ended, go in peace…

Nothing earth shattering here…

1. They sold high on Dickey.

2. They got prospects and believe someday one will be a difference maker.

3. Only Buck will likely be on opening day roster, leaving more holes now than before.

4. Team is now going after a starting pitcher, backup catcher for Buck, two outfielders, a long reliever.

5. They feel there’s plenty of quality players still available and they will sign those players.

6. Again and again, they will not punt in 2013.

Ummm…. Okay….