UPDATE --> Timetable: Mets 2014 Payroll Expectations

As the offseason has trudged forward we have heard rumor after rumor of the Mets being priced out on a variety of players.  With $55 million dollars coming off the books, how could that even be possible?  Nonetheless, here is a look at how payroll expectations have changed over the pays five months:

6/11/13: Joel Sherman reports in the NY Post that Sandy Alderson believes the 2014 payroll will land between $90 and $100 million dollars, meaning the Alderson will have between $35 and $45 million dollars to spend.

9/30/13: ESPN's Adam Rubin reports that Alderson has roughly $35 million dollars to spend this winter, and that fans should expect the team's payroll to drop slightly from its $95 million dollar level from 2013.

11/19/13: ESPN reports that Sandy Alderson believes the 2014 payroll will be no lower than it was in 2013, using a figure of $87 million.

11/21/13: John Harper of the NY Daily News reports that Sandy Alderson has just $25 to $30 million dollars to spend this winter, which would result in an estimated payroll between  $80 and $85 million in 2014.

12/8/13: Sandy Alderson tells the team's press corp that he believes the 2014 payroll will be no lower than it was in 2013, using a figure of $85 million ($2 million less than he reported on 11/19/13).

The team's projections for next season continue to trend downward despite the recent signing of medium ticket free agent, Curtis Granderson.  Meanwhile, Fox Sports reported Ken Rosenthal reported that the Mets do not have a strict offseason budget.  So is this more smoke and mirrors from the Sandy Alderson front office, or have things changed yet again.  We'll have a better idea by the end of this week in Orlando.

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 Are So Bad They Could Mess Up A Three-Way...Trade

The Mets are starting to inquire with other teams about the possibility of a three-way trade in an effort to acquire an impact player this winter, according to Andy Martino of the NY Daily News.  Martino believes this latest plan of action has been spurred on by the notion that the acquisition of Chris Young was deemed underwhelming by many within the organization.

In my opinion this is a bit of a hail mary pass by the team's front office.  A seeming in ability to spend money combined with an unwillingness to trade away their better pitching prospects leads to the inclusion of a third, or even four team in trade talks.  Such moves are rare, but not unheard of.

This rumors could pick up when all the general managers find their way to Orlando for the Winter Meetings early next month.  Alderson has done very well in maximizing trade value, so he has that going for him.  With that said, I wouldn't get my hopes up.  Its beginning to look like a very anticlimactic offseason.

Parnell On The Mend

#Mets closer Bobby Parnell (neck surgery) had good progress checkup last week. Still weeks away from clearance 4 bball activities.
— Kristie Ackert (@AckertNYDN) November 11, 2013

Mets closer Bobby Parnell received some good news from team doctors last week, but remains at least a month away from resuming baseball activities. You'll recall that Parnell last appeared in a game on July 30th when he notched his 22nd save of the season. He soon landed on the disabled list with neck stiffness and eventually had surgery to address a herniated disk, which ended is season.

To date the expectation is that Parnell will be ready to start spring training, although it was reported that he has lost significant weight since his surgery. Such a weight loss could have have an effect on his stamina to start the season.  For now however, take this as a step in the right direction as Parnell has without question become the team's closer going forward.

Hawkins Close To Returning?

Photo Courtesy of @Lets86It

LaTroy Hawkin's pursuit of playing on an eleventh team in his major league career may be cut short, as Kristie Ackert of the NYDN is reporting that he is likely to be retained by the New York Mets.  Ackert cites the fact that Sandy Alderson is in direct discussions with Hawkin's people as the reason for this assertion, stating that while no numbers have been exchanged, Alderson's involvement indicates a deal is close.

Hawkins, who will turn 41 this December, made just $1MM in 2013 and is likely in line for a raise of some sort.  He made 72 appearances for the Mets on route to posting an ERA of just 2.93.  He also stepped into the closer role following Bobby Parnell's injury, on his way to earning 13 saves with only one blown opportunity.

 ------------------------------------------------------------------

Hawkins had a terrific season with the Mets last year.  The only cause for concern has to be his age, however he pitched well into the 90s last season with what seemed little effort.  Provided this deal is struck at a number that doesn't obstruct the rest of the Mets' offseason plans I am all for it.  His experience is invaluable, as he may be able to tutor youngsters such as Jack Leathersich when he makes his way to Queens later next season.  It is also good to have another closer option if necessary.  Hopefully the two sides can get things worked out sooner than later and Alderson can move on to the bigger fish he has to fry.