If you haven’t had an opportunity to read Ken Davidoff’s outstanding piece in the New York Post today, you should click the provided link and read it immediately. As Davidoff explained in the introduction, with their approval, he met with Sandy Alderson and Terry Collins in February separately to discuss a myriad of topics regarding where the Mets have been and where they expected the Mets to go.
All three parties agreed this piece would run after the conclusion of the season. Here is a summary of the topics discussed in February and the ensuing answers:
The Mets Status as Contenders
Alderson believed the Mets were not just in a good position to compete this year, but for a longer stretch of time. However, Alderson was mindful that with some poor moves, the Mets could find themselves right back in the rebuilding stages.
Collin was optimistic the talent was there to turn things around, but he admitted the rebuilding process was taxing on everyone. He welcomed the expectations while fearing a Yoenis Cespedes, David Wright, or another injury could derail the entire season.
Cespedes’ Car Collection
Alderson took no issue with it liking it to Jose Canseco‘s crazy car during his time for the Oakland Athletics. Alderson dryly joked how the Polaris Slingshot may be in violation of Cespedes’ contract.
Collins likened the cars to Cespedes’ golfing in that players need an outside interest to help them relax.
The Attention Matt Harvey Gets
Alderson took no issues noting he had players, like Jose Canseco, who were far worse than Matt Harvey. In fact, Alderson noted that by trying to change Harvey, you may change what it is about him that makes him so effective on the mound. As the team had no issues with his effectiveness and competitiveness, there were no issues as far as the team was concerned.
Ultimately, Collins felt treatment of Harvey has been somewhat unfair noting it is his responsibility to weigh the Mets present and Harvey’s future. Collins also noted it was in his best interests to protect Harvey as he is not easy to replace.
The Starting Rotation
Alderson noted that one of the reasons none of the pitchers were traded away is because you simply cannot know which one is going to be the healthy one and which one is going to break down. Alderson also noted the collection of the arms gave the Mets an aura, an intimidation factor, and an identity. Lastly, each night, the Mets gave their fans someone to be excited to go out and see.
There was no Collins response to this question.
The Nationals, Dodgers, and Cubs Offseason
Alderson was impressed with what the Cubs did in the offseason. (Note: the Cubs beat the Mets out in the Ben Zobrist sweepstakes). Alderson also felt that despite the Dodgers missing out on players like Zack Greinke, the team recovered well building a good team. Lastly, he felt the Nationals would benefit from some better health, Dusty Baker, Daniel Murphy, and a better team attitude.
Collins was impressed the Cubs went out and got the players they needed to try to make themselves a team that could beat the Mets in the postseason. Collins believed the Nationals were going to be tough because they added Baker who Collins believed was not only a tremendous manager, but also a huge upgrade over Matt Williams. Collins thought the Nationals were going to be much tougher this season as a result.
Building the Right Postseason Team
Alderson stated that every team has some flaw that could be exposed in a short series noting how the Mets defense was exposed in the 2015 World Series. Alderson noted it’s tough to put together a perfect team. He also noted that while it’s expensive, players may not pan out as you want, and therefore, the flaw may still exist. Ultimately, Alderson noted the teams that typically win series are the ones that played well like the Mets did in the NLDS and the NLCS.
Collins did not answer the question.
Communication with Players
Alderson did not answer the question.
Collins said he has learned that while he believes it is best for the manager to get along with the players without getting too close to them, that doesn’t fit his personality. He has learned from that, and he has had a different approach with the Mets.
Travis d’Arnaud’s Durability
Ultimately, Alderson believes the catching position is a high-risk position, and ironically, some of the injuries Travis d’Arnaud suffered were a result of the plate blocking rules designed to protect catchers. Given the fact that d’Arnaud’s injuries were more contact driven, Alderson was hopeful, but not convinced, there would be no more issues.
Collins did not answer the question.
Overall, based upon the column, it should come as no surprise that both Alderson and Collins had their finger right on the pulse of not just this Mets team, but also their contenders. While the Mets actually faced many of the issues they feared would rear their ugly heads, the Mets persevered and made the postseason.
The Mets have an interesting offseason ahead of them as they try to maintain their status as contenders and not fall back into the rebuilding stages Alderson was so fearful of returning.
