Mets May Not Be Able To Move Ike Davis At All

The Mets ultimately fell short of their goal of moving Ike Davis before the end of the winter meetings this week.  They did however have productive discussions with several teams in an effort to do so.  Unfortunately, talks don't always lead to actions and in the latest string of news, the teams who figured to be major suitors for Davis may look elsewhere.

With regards to the Milwaukee Brewers, FOX's Ken Rosenthal said the tweeting the following this morning:

Sources: #Mets, #Brewers still talking on Ike Davis, but Brewers still won’t part with RHP Tyler Thornburg.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 13, 2013

More recently, he reported this in regards to the Tampa Bay Rays:

Sources: #Rays interested in free agent Juan Uribe. Would play mostly at first, some at second and also back up Longoria at third.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 13, 2013

Pickens be gettin' slim... Here's the problem. It was originally thought that whoever lost out on the James Loney sweepstakes would settle for Ike Davis via trade. Should the Rays sign Uribe, the Brewers could end up the lone bidder for Loney. The only other team in play for Davis, the Pittsburgh Pirates, is reportedly focused on trading for Mitch Moreland.

If those dominos fall in that order, the Mets may have overplayed their hand with Davis.  Being unable to unload Davis may have twice the consequences. The roughly $3 million the Mets would save was to be used to bolster the bullpen. The pitching prospect the Mets seek, provided theoretical depth should the Mets trade pitching for a shortstop. 

They team's from office may still be basking in the afterglow of a successful Winter Meetings, but they have a very problematic situation brewing in Davis. If he ultimately cannot be moved, the team could stand to bring an understandably unhappy Davis to spring training which would have all the makings of a media nightmare. 

Bartolo Colon Signing Isn't A Bust

Colon finished 6th in AL Cy Young voting in 2013.

As of today, the Mets have agreed to a 2 year, $20 million dollar deal with RHP starting pitcher Bartolo Colon (18-6 2.65), pending a physical.

Mets fans might be confused as to why a rebuilding team might make a "let's win now" move such as this. Why bring on a 40 year-old to lead such a young rotation with other, perhaps more durable options on the table?

Of the notable FA starters New York may have inked this offseason, the following remained unsigned as of December 11th: Bronson Arroyo, AJ Burnett, Chris Capuano, Matt Garza, Aaron Harang, Ubaldo Jimenez, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Mike Pelfrey, Ervin Santana, and Johan Santana.

Of those, Arroyo, Jimenez, and Ervin Santana were the only realistic options for Sandy Alderson to go after. However, Jimenez and Santana are entering their age 30 and 31 seasons, respectively, so neither would have accepted any offer less than 4-5 years at this stage in their careers.

Alderson is unwilling to give a multiyear contract to any starter this year leaving him with only, outside of Bartolo Colon, former Red Bronson Arroyo.

Over the past two seasons, Arroyo has gone 26-22, posting a 3.76 ERA in 404 innings. Colon, though four years older, has 28-15 record to a finer 2.99 ERA, though in 342.2 innings pitched.

Alleged PED's or no, Colon is clearly the better pitcher of late, and his age has only minimally affected his innings.

Money-wise, Arroyo is allegedly seeking a deal worth 3 years for $36 million, making him slightly more expensive, and the third year is what most likely killed any talks between his representation and the Mets front office.

Both guys are solid teammates and carry positive clubhouse influence, and either will have successfully ate the injured Matt Harvey's missing innings in 2014.

Colon is a proven veteran who will undoubtedly assist in the development of the Mets' young arms, especially with the experience of more collected hardware than Bronson Arroyo has to brag about.

Sandy Alderson got a solid long-timer for a cheap price, on top of Colon's stellar season last year, I'm not sure what else Mets fans could have wanted.

Personally, I'm thrilled.

(Tweet me @brykrunyon51)

Mets Sign Bartolo Colon

Correction: Mets and Colon still talking. But are discussing 2 year deal. NOT FINAL YET. Correcting previous tweet.
— Sweeny Murti (@YankeesWFAN) December 11, 2013

I don't know why, by Sweeny Murti sure has had his ear to the ground for all things New York Mets this week. He just reported that the Mets are close to signing Bartolo Colon to a two year deal.

Sources: #Mets, Colon in agreement on two-year, $20M deal, pending physical.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 11, 2013

That has now been confirmed by Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. Two years, $20 million dollars for the veteran who will turn 41 years old next season. He is coming off a phenomenal year with the Oakland A's in which he posted a 18-6 record with a 2.65 ERA.

This is an overpay, and if I had to guess will be poorly received by most Mets fans. The Mets were out to get an innings eater, and they've gotten one in Colon who has pitched 152 innings or more in each of the past three season. I'm interested to see how this effects the rest of the offseason. I'm almost prepared to throw any budget estimate out the window, as this dries up any remaining cash the Mets reported had this winter. I can't see how Alderson spends his remaining funds on a move like this, regardless of the upside it has.

The Mets Still Have Time To Improve Upon Offseason

As we push into the latter half of the third day of the MLB Winter Meetings, the Mets are yet to do anything with improves the 2014 roster.  Hopes of unloading Ike Davis reportedly appear to hinge on decisions of others.  The team's demands for Daniel Murphy, the only other position players likely to be traded this week, have cooled his market.  And finally, the Mets appear to only be in on one year, very low risk starting pitcher to round out the rotation.

Things aren't looking good.  And yes.. I get your frustration.  Several years of waiting have lead up to this winter and as other players come off the board, you fear that the Mets will fall short.  However, there is still time.  Take a hypothetical walk with me for a minute.

Now that Cory Hart has decided on the Mariners, it opens up the possibility for a deal that sends Ike Davis to the Brewers for Tyler Thornburg.  It accomplishes two things.  It removed a little more than three million in payroll and slots Thornburg into the competition for the fifth spot in the rotation.  Where do the Mets go from here?  Some times its the move after the first move that is the end game, and in this case there are two options.

Thornburg's acquisition may make other pitchers, in this case we'll say Rafael Montero, expendable.  The Arizona Diamondbacks, who are seeking starting pitching, have a backlog of quality shortstops.  Is it possible that the Mets could unload a player like Montero in exchange for the shortstop piece they entered the offseason so desperate to find?  The other more obvious route would be that the payroll freed up by trading Ike Davis can assist the Mets in acquiring the likes of Stephen Drew.

What I'm getting at is, although you have to look closely, the writing remains on the wall that the Mets can still accomplish their goals this season.  They have money remaining, and may have more than originally thought once moves are made.  I'm not saying this will necessarily happen, but its certainly possible.  This offseason has been slow, but its not as if Sandy Alderson's methodical approach should be new to anyone.

The Mets still have plenty of work to do if they intend to field a much improved roster next year.  Its not going to be easy, but its still possible.

Mets Winter Meeting Day Two Recap

Two days in the books down in Orlando and the Mets are yet to do anything to improve their roster for 2014.  Here were the major rumors, news and notes from yesterday:

- Curtis Granderson was introduced at 12:30, wearing the number three.  In the coverage that followed, Grandson told the media that the Mets were the only team to offer him a four year deal (HERE).  He also went on to say "true New Yorkers are Mets Fans (HERE), which was received by the rival parties about as well as you'd expect.

- There was a report that the Mets were pushing hard to sign Bronson Arroyo (HERE), but that news was quickly written off by sources closer to the team (HERE).

- A day after meeting with Bartolo Colon, the Mets were tied to interest in a plethora of veterans who would likely be seeking a one year deal, to include Johan Santana (HERE).

- A week after non-tendering him after what many would call a surprising season, the Mets resigned Jeremy Hefner to a minor league deal (HERE).  He will rehab and prepare for 2015.

- The Mets with several teams regarding Ike Davis, to include the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Milwaukee Brewers and the Tampa Bay Rays.  It appears the Mets are looking to acquire pitching in return for Davis' services (HERE).

Someone Tell Sandy to Leave the Sunblock Home

   I'm really looking forward to the next few days. After the Granderson signing, I'm hoping this front office gains some momentum. The free agent market is thinning out but there's anticipation the Mets are going to be active in the trade market. Right now Sandy leaves cold NYC and heads to sunny Orlando with two mediocre (I'm being kind because of the holiday season) first basemen, a very tradable second baseman and a stockpile of young pitching.

  
   Frankly, I don't care which first baseman gets traded. It's not a secret that I despise Lucas Duda. I don't care what the saber nerds say.  I hate him. I hate that a guy with his power watches fastballs down the middle. I hate that he used not liking playing the outfield as an excuse for being a shitty hitter. I hate that girls think he's cute, so it's good enough for them that he sucks. Despite my disdain, I am willing to go into next year with him as the starting first baseman, as long as we have a better team around him. I think Ike Davis has more upside and is more valuable. This likely means getting something better in return, when coupled with some other pieces.

  
   I'm sick of hearing Matt Joyce's name. I don't want them trading a starting first baseman for a guy to be used in a platoon. They have 3 capable starting outfielders, despite each one of their faults. The Mets need a shortstop. I'd rather have Chris Young playing every day then going into another season with Ruben Tejada.

  
   I'd be willing to part with Murphy and Davis in a package to bring back an above average SS. I love Murph. I was a Murphy fan before it was cool and people came up with dumb hash tags about him. I don't think Murph is part of the problem. But I like winning baseball games better, and I'm willing to throw player loyalty out the window for this to happen.  Don't forget, the Mets need some pitching and bullpen too.  So keeping one average player around, fan favorite or not, isn't going to make or break a team with multiple holes.  Whatever it take's to improve this team, I'm all for it. 

  
   Either way, this isn't about Davis, Duda, Murphy or Tejada.  This is about Sandy continuing to make things happen.  This is about Sandy finishing his plan.  He said that moves were going to be made to field a competitive team for 2014.  This is his big chance to prove people wrong.  Everyone has been real critical of Sandy.  He knows it.  I'm sure the Wilpon's know it.  It's time for Sandy to finish what he started.  Its gonna be 85 and sunny down there.  I hope Sandy spends his time in the hotel and not on the beach.

Granderson Is Only A Good Move, If Its Not The Last Move

Today's acquisition of Curtis Granderson is good news for the Mets and their fans on several fronts.  First and foremost, it should make the Mets a better baseball team.  Granderson will slot into right field and serve as what should be both an offensive and defensive upgrade from Marlon Bryd.  Almost as important, the signing of a quality free agent from the open market could indicate that the Mets are indeed back in business.

Granderson as a player is not without holes in his game.  There will undoubtedly come time when fans will grow tired of his strikeouts.  His overall batting average may also draw some criticism, and rightfully so.  However, he has the potential to launch upwards of 30 home runs at Citi Field and if he ends up being the clean-up hitter will provide much needed protection to David Wright in the lineup.  Furthermore, he may be part of the best defensive outfield in the National League are natural center fielders.  In the expansive confines of Citi Field, that is very important.

Those are all good things, but here's the rub.  The Mets have to keep moving forward.  If signing Granderson causes the Mets to be financially unable to make improvements in other areas, the deal is meaningless.  The Mets need a starting shortstop and another starting pitcher at minimum.  Will today's events prevent that from taking place?

I don't mean to insinuate that the Mets shouldn't have made the move today.  I'm simply saying that if they don't bring in the other pieces necessary to improve the team, whats the point?  Curtis Granderson is a damn good baseball player and although he may be on the downside of his prime years, he dramatically improves the lineup the Mets planned to field next summer.  He's a quality piece, but he's only one piece of the much larger puzzle I hope the Mets are still able to work out this winter. 

Remember, a baseball team is as good as the sum of its parts.  Curtis Granderson is only one part.  He is not the answer and will not make the Mets resemble anything close to a playoff contender by himself.  Those other parts are still on the market, via free agency or trade, and the Mets need to find them, and acquire them, or this deal is nothing more than a tease.

Mets And Granderson Settle In For A Game Of Chicken

As is always the case, there is no such thing as immediate gratification for Mets fans.  What started out as a hot pursuit to fill the team's remaining hole in the outfield, has slowed to a proverbial crawl.  On the bright side, the longer it takes for this to play out, the more we're learning about the situation.  Here are a few bits of information that came to light yesterday afternoon:

Heard Granderson's been seeking a 4 year deal at $16 million per year. So, it appears that Mets may be facing a $64 million question.
— Marc Carig (@MarcCarig) December 5, 2013

Met believe they have a "decent" chance of landing Granderson. But they have held firm at three years, and Granderson wants four.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) December 5, 2013

It seems there will be no quick resolution for this one. In fact, I'm curious to know what the ongoing negotiations have been over the past 24 to 48 hours.  This morning over on MetsBlog, Matt Cerrone writes that the Mets are holding firm with an offer of three years and roughly $45 million dollars.

However, before we haul off and call the Mets out for the cheapskates they've been in recent years, the Post's Mike Puma went on to mention later in the night that the Mets may be bidding against themselves if they were to go to a fourth year.  What he's getting at is that there are no other teams hot on Granderson right now.  At least not hot to the point of offering the fourth year he covets so badly.

Little Jerry

If we've learned anything during his tenure, its that Sandy Alderson will do everything in his power (to include walking away from the deal) to avoid overpaying.  Although we've heard from several sources that the Mets are willing to overpay if necessary, I wouldn't advocate they do so for the sake of closing the deal.  Would you want to pay a 36 year old Curtis Granderson close to $15 million dollars when he's in the twilight of his career?  I know I wouldn't..and I think its safe to say Sandy Alderson would like to avoid doing so as well.

For those of you who fear that the Mets could lose Granderson by playing the game this way, you fears are warranted.  My largest fear in this process is that the money which could potentially be allocated to Granderson is theoretically held in check right now, thus preventing the team from exploring other avenues.  I'd hate for them to come up short elsewhere because these negotiations have stalled.  As I've said several times, I understand why Granderson is stalling.  I also understand, at least to this point, why the Mets won't budge.  Until another team enters the game, this little staring contest is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Mets Should Only Trade Murphy For Offensive Gain

Photo Courtesy Of @Lets86It

Say what you want about Daniel Murphy, the kid can hit.  Despite clubbing a surprising thirteen home runs in 2013, he doesn't traditionally hit for power.  What he does do, is stroke the quite well.  Averaging just shy of forty doubles per 162 games played, Murphy boasts a career .290 average and has become quite the table setter over the past two years.  As a result, he is projected to make $5.8 million dollars according to MLB Trade Rumors.

That salary, combined with the fact that he is one of a select few major league ready trade chips the Mets have could see him on his way out of town.  The question remains in exchange for what?

If the Mets manage to obtain the services of Curtis Granderson or any other formidable outfielder, it would theoretically free Eric Young Jr. to move from left field, to second base (his natural position).  Some speculate such a possibility makes Daniel Murphy expendable.  While I'm not 100% sure I agree because Young can't compare offensively, I recognize that the Mets would instantly save upwards of $5 million dollars if Murphy is sent packing.  That said, the Mets should only do so if it ensures his offense is made up elsewhere.

There are two options to that extent.  The Mets could directly trade or package Murphy for an offensive upgrade at either short stop or second base.  Conversely, the savings from moving Murphy could be applied to signing a free agent middle infielder, such at Stephen Drew if his market fails to come around.  Regardless, I'm uncertain if either either option makes the Mets a better baseball team overall.

Daniel Murphy has slowly but surely become one of the core members of the team.  If he isn't in the lineup next season, I'm not sure the ten or so home runs they may gain will justify the loss of his overall contribution.  It may take a vast improvement at short stop, combined with the signing of someone such as Omar Infante to man second to justify his departure and I'm just not sure the Mets have the pockets to make that happen.

Optimism Remains Granderson To The Mets Gets Done

You've been keeping an eye on it for two days, but it appear we're going to have to wait at least a little bit longer.  The Mets have been engaged in internal discussions and outward negotiations with outfielder, Curtis Granderson, since the two sides met in-person on Sunday.  (Also: Granderson had the salmon.)  Many thought a deal could take place yesterday, but Mets fans were forced to go to bed without a resolution.

If you are an early riser, you were greeted with this from CBS Sports columnist, Jon Heyman:

theres optimism for grandy deal with mets. no evidence chisox heavily involved. sea? cano, cruz, choo bigger targets
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 5, 2013

The lingering fear had been that another team could swoop in and up the bidding on Granderson, who is seeking a guaranteed four year and $15-$17 million per season.  The Chicago White Sox and Seattle Mariners were two teams of worry, but Heyman puts those to rest for now.  The lone lingering threat would be the Boston Red Sox, who will need to feel the void left by the departing Jacoby Ellsbury by one means or another.

Also this morning, MetsBlog's Matt Cerrone has reported on the terms of a potential deal between the two sides.  He reports that the Mets are working towards four-year deal worth $55 million ($13.75 AAV), but would hope to backload the contract a bit.  Presumably this would allow the team to address other needs this winter while remaining on budget.

More to come for certain on this topic today as the Mets continue their work towards the largest free agent acquisition in Sandy Alderson's tenure as general manager in Flushing.

Mets On Outside Looking In During Tuesday's Market Run

Close your eyes and count to ten, because although you're rightfully frustrated the fact that the Mets didn't make a move yesterday isn't the end of the world.  We are all waiting... Hanging on every rumor, every tweet and every news report.  When will Sandy strike?

Yesterday wasn't the day.  Although it was for many others.  Here is a look at yesterday's MLB Transaction List:

1) NY Yankees sign Brian McCann
2) Twins sign Ricky Nolasco
3) A's traded Seth Smith to the Padres for Luck Gregerson
4) Diamondbacks traded Heath Bell and cash to the Rays for Justin Choate and a PTBNL
5) Diamondbacks traded David Holmberg to the Rays
6) Reds traded Ryan Hanigan to the Rays
7) Baltimore traded Jim Johnson to the A's for Jemile Weeks and a PTBNL
8) Rangers trade Craig Gentry and Josh Lindblom to the A's for Michael Choice and Chris Bostick
9) Rockies trade Dexter Fowler and a PTBNL to the Astros for Brandon Barnes and Jordan Lyles

Try as you might, the Mets are no where to be found in there.  This list doesn't include the likes of Jarrod Saltalamacchio who is inches away from signing a three-year deal with the Miami Marlins.  Nor does it mention Carlos Beltran who is a pen stroke away from rejoining the Kansas City Royals.  Oh, and Joe Nathan is a passed physical away from being the Tiger's closer for the next two seasons.

More than a dozen moves, none involving the Mets, and all on the heals of Doug Fister to the Nationals for basically scraps.  Trying times for even the most patient Mets fan.

Who knows.. Maybe the Sandy Alderson has the wheels in motion.  Its been reported that the team could make an offer to Curtis Granderson by weeks end, but does that hold everything up?  I certainly hope not.  Hopefully things work out but as the days tick by, despite the fact that the Winter Meetings haven' arrived, the pickings are starting to get slim.

Granderson Talks Intensify

Per ESPN's Adam Rubin, talks between the New York Mets and Curtis Granderson intensified Tuesday night.  This following a face-to-face meeting between the two sides on Sunday which was Granderson called more of a Q&A than anything else.

Granderson would likely fill in in left field for the Mets.  He possessed forty home run potential with the Yankees, but would likely be more of a thirty home run guy playing most of his games at Citi Field, where its believed his power would translate nicely.  If he is brought in the Mets would have three "natural center fielders" in their opening day outfield, to include Chris Young and Juan Largares.

Per Rubin, the Met hope to land the slugger on a three year deal, but may be forced to include a guaranteed fourth. This sounds about right, amidst rumors that 37 year old Carlos Beltran has a three year offer on the table.

Things have progressed quickly, as the Mets look to fill another hole in their outfield prior to the MLB Winter Meetings next week.  Doing so will allow Sandy Alderson to know what trade he theoretically has to make while in Orlando.

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@Mets & Granderson see eye-to-eye on a 3-yr deal, but he's still looking to find a team willing to give to go to four.
— Matthew Cerrone (@matthewcerrone) December 4, 2013

The above tweet from Matt Cerrone seems to indicate things are indeed progressing. Granderson on only a three year deal would be quite a steal, in my opinion. It would limit the risk over the long term and allow the Mets to reinvest in a younger player when that time comes. Its still far from a done deal, as there are rumblings that the Red Sox could enter the market for Granderson, at which point a fourth year would be inevitable.

Can Mets Strike In A Cooling Free Agent Market?

This winter's hot stove has seen moves early and often, with bloated contracts being handed out far and wide.  However in the past few days, there seems to have been a bit of a cool down.  No, not in the sense that no one is signing, but in the sense that the crazy contracts appear harder to find to include two potential Mets targets.

The day's news has been dominated by Curtis Granderson and the notion that the Mets could possibly sign him.  It started with news from NYDN writer Andy Martino, who stated that Granderson is seeking at least a three year deal, but could likely get more.  Mike Francesa said this afternoon that the Mets are willing to give Granderson three, but he wants more.  Its not surprising, and as I wrote this morning, a four year deal seems likely and at a respectable price the Mets shouldn't hesitate.  However, what price is respectible.  Multiple writers who I consider to be in the know have made mention to a four year deal at between $55 and $65 million.  Thats a far cry from the numbers approaching $80 million we heard once Marlon Byrd cashed in in Philadelphia last month.

Another interesting development is that there is little buzz around Stephen Drew.  It was once thought that Jhonny Peralta would wait for Drew to sign in order to set the market price for free agent short stops.  Now, with Peralta getting settled in with his 4 year/$53 million dollar deal in St. Louis, there seem to be some who question whether Drew can muster as much.  In fact, MetsBlog's Matt Cerrone cites an MLB market expert who predicts Drew will only get a deal of 3 years/$40 million dollars.  That's a far cry from Peralta, who was considered second fiddle to Drew when the winter started.

Things can certainly ramp back up again (assuming there is truth to Carlos Beltran's 3yr/$48M offer), but if they don't Sandy Alderson's decision to wait out the rush could eventually pay off.  Its crazy to speculate, but could the Mets be in the running for both?  Certainly things will have the fall into the place, but as things get more affordable heading into next week's winter meetings, may the Mets strike more than once in the coming weeks?  It wouldn't be the first time Alderson has surprised us.. for better or worse.

Mets Hot Stove Flow Chart

Click To Enlarge

The above image was secretly captured by source within the Mets organization from the computer of team general manager, Sandy Alderson. Okay.. Not really. However, it is a damn accurate portrayal of how this front office has done business to date.

Four Years For Curtis Granderson?

Also, Granderson has been seeking a four-year deal.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) December 3, 2013

With Fox's Ken Rosenthal breaking the news that the Sandy Alderson met with free agent outfielder Curtis Granderson on Sunday, the Mets fan base was immediately sent into a tizzy yesterday afternoon.  An offseason left for dead, was it possible that the Mets would suddenly land what many would consider to be the biggest power hitter on the free agent market?

Probably not, as Krister Ackert soon reported that no deal was imminent, but that's really not the issue at hand.  As shown above, Mike Puma reported last night that Curtis Granderson still seeks at four year deal.  So what do you think?  Would you issue a four year contract to player who will be thirty-three when he reports to spring training next year?

It all comes down to the price tag for me.  I wouldn't hesitate to give Granderson a four year deal, provided its within reason.  With the exception of 2013, during which he suffered two separate fractures upon being hit by pitches, Granderson has appeared in 136 games or more in every season since 2006.  His health has been sound.  He provides both some speed, and most importantly the potential to hit 30+ home runs. Remember.. as we've written here before, his power should translate well to Citi Field.

So whats the right number?  There are some rumblings that it will take 4 years and $60 million dollars to land Granderson.  That's a deal I'd make in a heartbeat.  I think that number ends up being low.  I suspect if he does sign for just four years, its more along the lines of $70 to $75 million.  That only scares me because I don't think that's a realm the Mets would dare to enter.  That's really what this comes down to.

Mets Continue To Be Reactive In Free Agency

For all the talk we hear about the Mets looking forward and being proactive towards building a better, sustainable baseball team, they certainly are reactive when it comes to the free agent market.  Its never been much of a secret that the Mets would be operating on a fixed budget of sorts this winter, so why not set the market, rather than react to it.

Free agent prices sent skyward starting with San Francisco's extension of Hunter Pence to the tune of 5 year/$90 million dollars.  That deal set the market price on the higher end of the outfield market.  Marlon Bryd's deal, which could be as much at 3 years/$24 million dollars, set the market price on the lower end.  Each deal greatly impacted what the Mets could accomplish this winter.

The same can be said for the pitching market, which saw Latroy Hawkins exit for a mere $2.5 million guarantee from the Rockies.  More recently, it was Phil Hughes' 3 year/$24 million dollar deal in Minnesota that may eventually impact the Mets pursuit of Bronson Arroyo.  These guys aren't getting cheaper, and the Mets are getting increasingly likely to be left out in the cold.

The notion here isn't to argue whether or not free agents are worth the contracts they're getting.  In many cases they are not, but it remains apparent that team's always overpay for quality talent. That is especially true when teams are looking to rebuild a franchise on questionable financial grounds in a stadium that players are less than thrilled to play in.  The Mets have a variety of hurdles they must clear when they enter the market.

And yes, I realize its not as simple as saying the Mets need to act first.  Players wait out the market in an effort to see if their value will increase.  They may have desires of playing for a contender and see the Mets as their backup plan.  However, the Mets need to make things happen.  They cannot afford to "see whats left" later on in the winter, as Sandy Alderson has now alluded to.

The Mets may have had genuine interest in being active this winter, but by not getting out in front of the market they have allowed things to spiral out of control.  Misreading the market several years ago cost Sandy Alderson a chance to resign Jose Reyes.  This winter it may cost Alderson the offseason renovation the Mets have been promising their fans for years.

The Mets "Pursuit" Of Bronson Arroyo

As you  may have noticed, we here at Effing Mets took the holiday weekend off, but here is a quick recap of the Bronson Arroyo soap opera...

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11/30/13 - The Mets plan to meet with Bronson Arroyo.  ESPN NY reports that the Mets have reached out to Arroyo's agent in an effort to set up a meeting at the free agent pitcher's home.

11/30/13 - The Mets have no plans to meet with Bronson Arroyo.  Dave Lennon of Newsday reports that the Mets have no intention of meeting with Arroyo.

12/2/13 - The Mets might meet with Bronson Arroyo.  ESPN NY reports that the Mets aren't.. and I quote: "super high" on the veteran pitcher. 

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What does all that mean?  My guess is the Mets would love to acquire Arroyo's services, but can't fathom giving a 37 year old pitcher with nearly 2,300 innings on his arm a multi-year deal that would likely be in excess of $30 million dollars.

Arroyo is the definition of the starting pitcher the Mets entered the winter in search of.  He provides a guaranteed 200 innings every year, would provide a veteran presence to mold the team's young starters and oddly enough, still throws a pretty good game.  That said, the Mets remain more interested in their wallet than their baseball roster.

I expect Arroyo rumors until he eventually signs somewhere.  I don't expect that somewhere to be Queens.  Arroyo is admittedly a risk, because his arm won't last forever.  Phil Hughes weekend deal worth 3/$24MM likely increased Arroyo's value and likely priced the Mets out...again.

Cyber Monday Mets Eagerly Await Non-Tender Deadline

As the holiday season ramps up, we check in with Sandy Alderson who I believe has been camped out at the edge of what can only be described as baseball hell since the beginning of the offseason.  What for you ask?  Well at midnight tonight, teams will have to have decided whether or not to have tendered contracts their arbitration eligible players. If teams choose not to, those players will be come free agents.

Alderson will undoubtedly want to be first in line when the market becomes flush with a plethora of cheap baseball players whom other teams couldn't be bothered to pay.  Yes Mets fans, be prepared for a brand new round of bottom feeding...

We've already heard some rumors, to include Chicago White Sox catcher, Tyler Flowers.  Flowers, who couldn't manage a .200 batting average in 84 games last season is the obvious choice to backup prospect sensation, Travis d'Arnaud, because the Mets can't be bothered to spend money on an actual backup catcher.  Should d'Arnaud fall victim to another injury, fans will be excited to see Flowers as an everyday calamity behind home plate.

As the offseason rolls on, so too does the litany of excuses and explanations as to why the market is overvalued.  As a result, expect the Mets to be heavily involved in bringing even more castoffs to Citi Field to round out their roster.

The Mets Lack Of Free Agent Spending

If you include the money spent on outfielder Chris Young last week, the New York Mets have now spent just $30,850,000 over the course of the last FOUR offseasons.  That is almost mind numbing when you think about the fact that five teams have already spent more than that this winter alone.

Some notable "small market" teams who've dwarfed the frugal Mets over the past four years...  Kansas City has invested $78.175MM.  Oakland (the Moneyball capital of the baseball world) has dropped $51.25MM.  Even Tampa Bay and Seattle, two teams who are yet to make a move this winter have spent $42.075MM and $33.1MM, respectively.

Its become borderline comical that the Mets, who reside in the largest market in baseball, cannot manager to find their checkbook.  This winter appears not different, with front office personnel tripping over one another to gripe to the media about free agent prices.

Here is a look at how things shape up this winter to date:

1) NY Yankees ($85MM)
2) St. Louis ($52MM)
3) Philadelphia ($42MM)
4) San Francisco ($36MM)
5) Kansas City ($32MM)
6) Cleveland ($12MM)
7) LA Dodgers ($10MM)
8) San Diego ($8MM)
9) NY Mets ($7.25MM)
10) Texas ($3.80MM)
11) Oakland ($3MM)
12) Colorado ($2.5MM)

Obviously things can change, with the Mets supposedly looking to add an impact bat in right field.  However, fans remain increasingly skeptical.  With reports that Alderson has roughly another $20MM you spend this winter things won't be changing that much.  At some point, someone has to ask the team's front office this: "If you won't spend money on players, how can you expect fans to spend money on tickets?"

Mets Offseason Is Slipping Away

It seems a bit alarmist to say before the MLB Winter Meetings have even started, but the New York Mets' offseason of change is beginning to look like a bit of a flop.  With yesterday's news that shortstop Jhonny Peralta has signed in St. Louis, its becoming increasingly more difficult to see how Sandy Alderson is going to accomplish his goals this season.

Peralta represented the most logical choice, at the position Sandy Alderson himself said was his number one priority this winter.  By way of a four year deal worth $53 million dollars Peralta is now off the board.  As a result, Stephen Drew remains the only significant free agent shortstop remaining.  He however is by all accounts well out of the Mets price range.

So what happens now?

I suppose conventional wisdom might say that the inability to retain the services of a formidable shortstop leaves more money for other places.  The problem remains the organizations apparent unwillingness to "overpay".  The Mets have been linked to both Curtis Granderson and Nelson Cruz, but can you see Sandy Alderson cut deal worth more than $60 million dollars for either?  I'm not so sure I do...

Too old?  Too expensive? Too long?  We've heard all the excuses and we're getting mighty sick of them.  While is certainly too early to call this offseason a bust, the writing is on the wall that it will fall far short of even the most modest fan's expectations.  The Mets promised a roster renovation this winter, but it appears we might be in for more of the same.