Andy Martino of the Daily News calls the Mets offseason strategy “complicated”.
Why? Because they are at least as interested in pursuing trades as they are in signing free agents, and that takes time. For the past two offseasons, the Mets’ initial business has been obvious: In 2011, they had to deal with Jose Reyes, and last year, they had to sign David Wright and decide whether to extend or trade R.A. Dickey.
This year, the first steps are more nebulous, and dependent on rival teams. Will the Mets be able to reel in the big boys they have long coveted, like Giancarlo Stanton or Carlos Gonzalez? Probably not, but don’t think players like that aren’t still on their minds.
I have to agree with him.
Also to add to what he says I’d throw in that Sandy is under pressure from the owners and fans to get this team winning again. With attendance and viewership significantly down and a fanbase that becomes more and more apathetic the Mets’ GM is under the gun to reel in a big fish and buy the franchise a tiny bit of credibility, but as I’ve said repeatedly – that will cost big bucks or big prospects.
Martino also pokes fun at the Mets by recounting an exchange he had with a Met official last September.
When you’re talking casually with some Mets officials, it’s funny how Stanton’s name still comes up, like after the big fella homered twice in a game at Citi Field in September, and a Mets person half-joked, “he looks pretty good in this ballpark, doesn’t he?” It is unlikely that Stanton will ever become a Met, but they can dream.
Ha ha ha… That’s hilarious… Not… Thanks, Andy…
