A year and a half ago, I posted an article on my at the time blog, DannyBaseball in which I extolled on the virtues of patience. Unfortunately, it is a characteristic that so many Mets fans lack. At that time back in November 2009, Omar Minaya was trying to retool the Mets roster in preparation for the 2010 season. They had just completed their third disastrous season in a row, two of which ended with the blowing of a division title and the third in which they lost 92 games.
Although the Mets improved in 2010 no one was satisfied. Omar had been given his chance over six seasons. It was time for a change.
Exit the high payrolls, the risky free agents signings, trading minor leaguers for aging over valued stars. Enter Sandy Alderson, a G.M. whose ideology is based on building a team from within. Someone who will stick to his long term plan, not waver or succumb to the pressures of the New York media. Alderson says:
Improving your team isn’t just about throwing money at free agents. It’s also about scouting, it’s about player development. … We want to be a lot more systematic and provide a lot more continuity in our player development system. … To develop players, to allow themselves to develop at the Major League level, sometimes you’ve got to give them an opportunity. Certain places, some big market areas, that opportunity isn’t afforded to them. There has to be immediate performance. So what we need to do is to be able to introduce our own players as time goes on, but at the same time supplement that with free agency. I use the word supplement because I think that’s what you have to look at. It can’t be your primary source of talent. It has to be something that is complementary with what you’re doing with the farm system and player development.
Back in 2009, my choice for Omar’s replacement was Billy Beane. Needless to say, my wish was trumped when the Mets hired Sandy Alderson. I couldn’t have been happier. I trust that Sandy and his staff can be the gurus that can turn this team into a perennial winner.
I didn’t foresee the additional complications and distractions of the Wilpons financial problems. But the Wilpons may well have taken these into account. Or more likely, Bud Selig demanded Sandy’s hiring as collateral to the $25 million loan.
Mets fans really have no choice but to learn about patience. Financial constraints will likely be the new standard for the Mets for at least several years. The 2011 season will likely frustrate and disappoint us. But the future looks much brighter.
Patience: Not A Mets Fans Virtue Posted on DannyBaseball on 11/10/09
