Prospect Profile: L.J. Mazzilli, 2B

With their fourth pick in the 2013 MLB Draft, the New York Mets selected L.J. Mazzilli, son of former Mets player Lee Mazzilli.

Mazzilli started the season playing with the Brooklyn Cyclones, joining second year shortstop Gavin Cecchini in the middle-infield.

Mazzilli is an offensive-minded second baseman who is a well-rounded player, although no tools will jump off the page at you. He has good speed and decent gap-to-gap power. He is the type of player who can provide a spark with his bat, so look for Mazzilli to hit at the top of the order, probably settling into the No. 2 hole.

Mazzilli has a nice, short, and compact swing which generates solid bat speed through the zone. There are some questions regarding his defense, which could ultimately determine if he becomes an everyday player, or a utility type. His range is excellent and is arm is solid for second base, so with his excellent baseball IQ, he should be able to work out any defensive inadequacies.

Due to his pedigree, his ability, and his work ethic, there is a better chance of Mazzilli making it to Flushing someday than there is of him washing out.

2013 Stats

Year	Age	Tm	Lg	Lev	G	AB	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	SB	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
2013	22	Brooklyn	NYPL	A-	70	273	24	76	12	4	34	3	22	53	.278	.329	.381	.710
1 Season					70	273	24	76	12	4	34	3	22	53	.278	.329	.381	.710

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/31/2013.

Interest In Ike Davis Remains Lukewarm

Just hours after Sandy Alderson told reporters that their are less teams interested in Davis than earlier in the winter, and that the Mets could bring him to spring training in two months, it appears there is still a market for the first baseman.  The problem remains it isn't a very strong one.

#prates have interest in ike davis & mitch moreland via trade
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 17, 2013

Sandy Alderson has waited out the market at first base. However, Ike Davis still isn't all that appealing. He went on record at the Winter Meetings in Orlando that wouldn't 'give away' a first baseman, but ultimately may have to settle for what he can get. Even now, Davis isn't the clear choice for anyone left in the market.

I still find it hard to believe the Mets would bring Davis to spring training. Its a recipe for disaster and could prove to be a distraction for the players around him. The Mets don't need that type of press. My guess is he gets moved somewhere, but I don't the return will be anywhere near what was expected when the offseason ended.

Fan Graphs: Mets Top Prospect List Released

This morning the guys over at Fan Graphs released their 2014 Top Ten Prospects:  New York Mets.  The list was as follows:

1) Noah Syndergaard (SP)
2) Travis d'Arnaud (C)
3) Dominic Smith (1B)
4) Amed Rosario (SS)
5) Rafael Montero (SP)
6) Kevin Plawecki (C)
7) Jake DeGrom (SP)
8) Steve Marz (SP)
9) Gavin Cecchini (SS)
10) Wilmer Flores (3B)

Honorable Mention:
11) Dilson Herrera (2B)
12) Michael Fulmer (SP)
13) Domingo Tapia (RP)
14) Brandon Nimmo (OF)
15) Vic Black (RP)

I always feel its important to remind people that these lists are based on projections of future development and not how "good" or "bad" a player is right now.

The first two on the list are no-brainers, each coming by way of the RA Dickey trade, as it stands to reason that both Syndergaard and d'Arnaud will have a significant impact on the 2014 campaign for the Mets.  Three others mentioned in the article who could play a part for the big league club this season are Rafael Montero and Jake DeGrom who figures to battle for the fifth spot in the rotation, and also Vic Black who could be the closer out of camp if Bobby Parnell isn't ready to go.

Was far as the youngsters go, this is Dominic Smith's first time on any prospect list, having been drafted last June, he excelled in his short tour of duty in the minors. Amed Rosario is likely the name most Mets fans don't know.  He's young and still years away from Citi Field, but stands to be the Mets best infield prospect since Jose Reyes.

The most alarming thing I see on the list is that Brandon Nimmo checks in all the way down at 14.  The Mets used their first round pick to draft Nimmo, who hadn't even played high school ball and had already suffered a pretty significant knee injury.  It was a risky pick at the time, and one that may not work out if he continues to struggle.  That said, its still very early for he and most of the other names you see above. 

Whats important is that the Mets do have guys in their system now who will eventually make an impact at the big league level.  That alone is an improvement over years past, and will prove important to Sandy Alderson's pursuit of sustainable success on a budget.

Zack Wheeler Meets The Press

Zack Wheeler was a busy man yesterday in New York City.  With Matt Harvey down for the year, it looks like the Mets are pushing Wheeler to the media this winter.  Probably not a bad plan, considering Wheeler will be an increasingly important part of the team's rotation going forward.  This season, he will likely serve as last remaining member of the youth movement until Noah Syndergaard makes an appearance.

Wheeler started his day with teammate, Daniel Murphy, at a Dunkin Donuts where they did a meet and greet with several fans.  The Mets used their Twitter account to announce the location, with several fans taking the opportunity to take pictures with the flame thrower.  Wheeler then completed a question and answer session that appeared on MLB.com, that allowed fans to ask him questions via socially media.

Wheeler rounded out his day with a stop on 98.7 ESPN Radio in New York.  Wheeler discussed the team's new additions and his belief that the team should have a better chance to win now as a result.  More importantly, Wheeler discussed his plans to arrive early to spring training.  For what should be Wheelers first full season at the Major League level, a full spring of conditioning should be paramount.  Glad to see he'll be taking it seriously.

Mets Rebuild Is Just Beginning

I'm going to let you in on a dirty little secret most Mets fans aren't prepared to accept.  The Mets won't contend in 2014, and to some extent they were never supposed to.  There was an underwritten notion that the Mets had methodically broken down their payroll and developed young talent for some grand resurgence in 2014.  The resurgence is coming, but it still has some time to take shape.

Don't get me wrong, the Mets will be a better team in 2014.  They have most definitely outspent the expectations of writers and fans alike this winter.  They've improved the outfield, if only slightly, and brought it a suitable short-term replacement for Matt Harvey.  By all means, a solid winter.  However, its only the start of something bigger.

Sandy Alderson's plan is one of affordable, sustained excellence.  Here is how he makes that happen:

Winter 2013 - A successful offseason is capped of by the acquisition of a promising young shortstop.  Completing a trade for such a player not only upgrades the position, but spares payroll in the future.  As a result, Alderson will have addressed each of the teams major needs his winter.

Summer 2014 - The Mets will have an opportunity to evaluate the likes of Lucas Duda and Juan Lagares.  Do either have a spot in the future with the Mets?  We'll know by season's end.  You can also look for players like Travis d'Arnaud and Zack Wheeler to transition into full-time major leaguers.  They may not dominate, but progress is paramount and the future takes shape in flushing.

Winter 2014 - The offseason will actually be more important to the future of the franchise than last.  Alderson replaces Chris Young with player who hits for both average and some power (think Aoki).  He'll also upgrade at first base, as the holes in Duda's game proved too costly over the course of a 162 game season.

Summer 2015 - This is the first season that the Mets present a real playoff threat.  A rotation of Harvey-Syndergaard-Wheeler-Niese-Gee leads a now truly renovated roster.  Fans will now have plenty to get excited about as payroll creeps above $100 million.  The Mets will play meaningful September baseball for the first time in a long time.

Winter 2015 - Alderson now knows what he has and has to keep the momentum going forward.  He'll have to replace Colon, but the real goal of the offseason is to find that one big missing piece.  What do the Mets need most?  What puts them over the edge?  This offseason is made on finding that player.

Summer 2016 - On paper the Mets are ready to contend for a World Series.  Fans will be rewarded for their patience as Citi Field fills on a nightly basis from start to finish.  The Mets rotation remains its driving force, but now the offense can keep pace.  2016 starts a window of opportunity for the Mets, and it will have been nearly a decade in the making.

You're probably thinking I'm nuts right now.  I know these predictions require that most things go right for the Mets, a team that isn't known for its luck.  However, if you're able to look past a roster which still has some glaring holes, you'll find that the foundation has already been laid.  You're tired of losing, but the Mets are finally moving forward.  There is still some work to be done, but for the first time in years there is some light at the end of the tunnel.

Like what you read?  Follow me on Twitter at @RobPatterson83.

The Mets Are A Shortstop Away

Photo Courtesy of @Lets86It

Before you prepare to jump down my throat, I'm not about to tell you that the Mets are a shortstop away from being a World Series contenders.  They are however a shortstop away from a few different things.

First and foremost, with the additions the front office has made to date the lone remaining hole on the roster is at shortstop. While that's not to say improvements can't be made upon the players elsewhere on the roster, there seems to be a plan in place for every position but shortstop.  Is it possible that the Mets could enter the 2014 season without so much as one obvious glaring void in the lineup?

Next, its refreshing to say that should the Mets upgrade the shortstop position, they'll have accomplished all of the major goals they set forth for this winter.  In a free agent market that most agree went through the roof, Sandy Alderson was able to address both outfield corners and obtain a quality starting pitcher.  Addressing the team's needs at shortstop would effectively complete the roster renovation fans had been craving.

In the long term the Mets still have work to do.  In addition to Matt Harvey getting healthy, the team awaits the likes of Noah Syndergaard and Rafael Montero.  There are still questions to be answered with it comes to Juan Lagares and Lucas Duda.  The Mets aren't prepared to contend in 2014, but they will be a whole lot closer than last year if Alderson can finalized the offseason in dramatic fashion.

Its a process.  It didn't take a year or two to create the mess that is the New York Mets, and it'll likely take more than a year or two to rectify it.  However for the first time in a long time, the progress is apparent.  The Mets appear able to spend in the free agent market and have a farm system that is producing major league caliber players.  For the first time in a long time, things are looking up in Queens.  Sandy Alderson is one shortstop away from taking that next step.

Like what you've read?  Follow me on Twitter at @RobPatterson83.

Ike Davis Is On His Way Out, Eventually

Wednesday was an eventful day when it comes to the first base market.  A field of players that once featured upwards of four available players saw the likes of Corey Hart and Logan Morrison land in Seattle.  As a result, the market for Ike Davis was almost certainly bolstered.

Davis however remains a fallback plan for his two largest suitors, the Brewers and the Rays.  ESPN NY's Adam Rubin explained the situation tonight with the following:

Am told James Loney still asking for three years, but is unlikely to get beyond 2. Once he decides, Ike goes next.
— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinESPN) December 12, 2013

Sounds like Ike Davis will remain a Met beyond winter meetings, but should get dealt this month.
— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinESPN) December 12, 2013

Say what you want about the Mets not getting things done at a speed that suits your liking, but this is the perfect example of letting the market play out.  At some point, either the Tampa Bay Rays or the Milwaukee Brewers are going to need Ike Davis.  At that time, first the first time all winter Sandy Alderson will have the leverage to maximize Davis' value.

The Mets are rumored to want a pitching prospect in exchange for Davis.  Alderson yesterday as saying he would not give a shortstop away, would like an impact prospect in addition to dumping more than $3 million in salary next season.  That money could bode very important for the Mets as they round out their 2014 roster.  Ike Davis will be traded.  It will happen...eventually.

Mets Winter Meetings Day Three Recap

With fans talking one another off the proverbial ledge, the Mets finally struck oil on the third day of the winter meetings.  Here were the biggest stories of the day:

- The Mets signed 40 year old Bartolo Colon to a 2 year/$20 million dollar deal (HERE).  Coming off of an 18-6 year with the Athletics in which he posted a 2.65 ERA, he will serve as the innings eater the Mets set out to find this winter.

- The market for Ike Davis was given a midday boost when the Marlins signed Corey Hart (HERE), and then almost immediately traded for Logan Morrison.  As a result, the Brewers, Rays and Pirates remain in the market for a first baseman (HERE).

- The Mets met with Scott Boras, the agent for Stephen Drew (HERE), who is reportedly seeking a two year deal worth between $25 and $30 million dollars (HERE).

- Daniel Murphy is now unlikely to be traded (HERE).

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 Push To Sign Arroyo, Will Slow Play Drew

A couple of quick hot stove updates for you.  In the hours since formally announcing the signing of Curtis Granderson, the Mets have apparently made a push to sign Bronson Arroyo, but are not without company on that mission.

Latest Arroyo steam: Mets and Reds making strong pushes. No new #MNTwins steam. No offer made by Twins, I hear. Not sure on other two.
— Darren Wolfson (@DarrenWolfson) December 10, 2013

This goes directly against Alderson's comment's yesterday that the team would like to avoid anything more than a one year deal on a starting pitcher. It was rumored early on that Arroyo wanted a three year deal. Unless his market has completely crashed (there is no reason to think it has), he will almost certainly command at least two guaranteed years. He would instantly sure up the back end of the Mets rotation and would potentially make Rafael Montero available for trade.

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In other news, Dave Lennon of Newsday has reported that the Mets do have interested in free agent shortstop Stephen Drew, but only at the appropriate price.   He also states that the Mets are very hesitant to go past two years on Drew, whose possible landing spots include the Red Sox, Twins and in fact, the Mets per an update from MetsBlog's Matt Cerrone.

A market for Drew has yet to develop, but he is the lone big back remaining on the free agent market when it comes to shortstop.  Don't expect much from the Mets to this end, especially if they are successful with Arroyo.

Suitors For Ike Davis Are Dropping Fast

Don't look now, but at least two of the four teams reported to be interested in Ike Davis have dropped out of the race.  Bad news for the Mets who indicated heading into the Winter Meetings that there priority would be to trade Davis.

The first to fall was the Arizona Diamondbacks who have a backlog of shortstops, a position the Mets are desperate to fill.  ESPN's Adam Rubin reported the following this morning:

According to media friend, Mets and Diamondbacks met and did not find common ground.
— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinESPN) December 10, 2013

Next up was the Milwaukee Brewers, whom the Mets have been linked to multiple times this offseason. In this instance it was fellow blog Metsmerized who determined:

Talks with Brewers for Ike Davis are now dead. Team Exec told us they are now focusing their attention on Corey Hart. More later...
— Mets Merized Online (@MetsMerized) December 10, 2013

The only other team confirmed to have shown an interest in Ike Davis is the Tampa Bay Rays.  They too have been linked to the Mets several times this offseason and would appear to be a logical fit for Davis.  Nothing has been said this week about the two, but one this is certain, if the Mets hope to move Davis and resolve their uncertainty at first base, their options appear limited.

Curtis Granderson Will Be Announced Today

At 12:30 this afternoon, the Mets will take to the big stage in Orlando to announce their biggest addition in at least four years, Curtis Granderson.  Granderson signed a 4 year/$60 million dollar contract last Friday.  Yesterday, per Andy Martino, Granderson was subjected to a seven hour physical which included MRIs on both of Granderson's previously injured wrists.

You'll recall the Mets had a similar pres conference last year when they announced David Wright's contract extension.  Wright agreed to that extension after hearing the organization's plan for the future.  Granderson figures to be the first major piece of that puzzle going forward.

You can watch the press conference live on SNY where Granderson will speak with Kevin Burkhardt.

Source Reveals Surprise Reason for Justin Turner's Non-Tender

If you had had your fill of baseball news and rumors by dinner time last night, you missed what I happen to considered the biggest news of the day.  Its comes by way of ESPN NY's Adam Rubin who reported the following about Justin Turner via a source within the Mets organization:

Turner's propensity for not running hard irked the front office, which had finally seen enough.

I want to make sure I have this right... The Mets, an organization who let a clubhouse cancer like Jordany Valdespin linger around for what felt like forever, cut a utility infielder and all-around feel good guy for lack of hustle?!? I simply don't buy it.

Turner is not without his critics amongst Mets fans, but I suspect much of that is due to over exposure and an addiction to pieing people.  With the skills of a quality bench player, he has served as Terry Collins' go to guy over the past few years.  Does it make any sense that Collins, a manager that has criticized a player's work ethic (See: Ruben Tejada) in the past, would repetitively turn to Turner over the course of multiple seasons if he had issues with hustling?

What's equally alarming is that the organization has taken to bashing its former players.  You'll recall they criticized RA Dickey soon after his departure last winter.  Its bad business and don't think for a moment that other players won't take notice.  The Mets have enough against them when it comes to recruitment of players, particularly a lack of money and general organization direction, they should know better than to have something like make headlines.

Mets Continue To Lower Expectations

I'm confused...  In a matter of a few days the Mets have gone from delivering the biggest acquisition of the Sandy Alderson era, to once again returning to a dialogue which does little more than lower expectations.  It just doesn't add up.

Coming into the winter the Mets were seemingly poised to renovate the roster.  Thus far they've handed out a very questionable one year, $7.25 million dollar contract to Chris Young and another much more justifiable four year, 60 million dollar contract to Curtis Granderson.  They even took the time to back load Granderson's contract to maintain most payroll flexibility headed into 2014.

Since then they've lowered their target payroll, told their fans they're out of the free agent market and that they are prepared to open the season having not upgraded their number one priority this winter, short stop.  I understand that things happen.  Perhaps there was no way to make a significant upgrade at short, but take that money and distribute it elsewhere.  Alderson himself said today that the team can manage with Tejada starting at short stop if the team around him has improved, but all the dialogue suggests that short of a trade or two, this offseason shopping spree is just about complete.

Fans are frustrated, and justifiably so.  I don't expect Sandy Alderson to lay his playbook on the table.  There are 29 other general managers in Orlando looking to get the best deal's possible.  I understand that some of what Alderson says is lip service, but my god, let fans be excited for a few days before your rip them down to reality.

Things are going to happen this week.  I'm certain of that. What transpires may ultimately determine whether this winter was worth it, but I like many, am starting to have my doubts.

Daniel Murphy On The Move?

The following tweet from Andy Martino should tell you all you need to know about the Mets approach to the MLB Winter Meetings this week:

At least one rival team has been already been told #Mets willing to move Daniel Murphy this week.
— Andy Martino (@MartinoNYDN) December 9, 2013

It was only a few days ago that Newsday's Marc Carig reported that the Mets we're actively looking to trade Murphy, but it doesn't surprise me that he would be moved in the right deal.

The Mets don't have a lot of money, but they do have some trade chips.  Murphy is one of those chips and represents one of only two or three who are major league capable at this point.  If the Mets are going to add to their 2014 roster via trade, he may be required to acquire someone of note.

I like Murphy.  He's second best hitter on the team and has developed into a decent second baseman.  However, if the team can flip him for a quality shortstop its a move I would have to make.  As I've written before it has to be an offensive oriented move because the team cannot sacrifice its offense next season to fill a hole at the back end of its rotation.

Expect his name early and often in the rumor mill, because he will be a hot topic all week long in Orlando.

Mets Met With Bartolo Colon's Agent Today

Mets had meeting today with agent for Bartolo Colon (18-6, 2.65 in 30 starts, 190 IP for Oak in 2013).
— Sweeny Murti (@YankeesWFAN) December 9, 2013

Some Mets news from an unlikely source, Sweety Murti is the Yankees beat writer for WFAN and he's reporting that the Mets brass had a meeting with Bartolo Colon's agent.

This is undoubtedly going to be met with overreaction from Mets fans.  As illustrated above, Colon had an excellent season in 2013.  With that said, he has thrown 152 or more innings in each of the last three seasons, after not doing so from 2006 to 2009.  If acquired, he would be the fourth starter for the Mets, who are in search of an innings eater to hold down the fort until the likes of Rafael Montero and Noah Syndergaard join the rotation.

Colon made $3 million dollars in 2013 and I have to assume would be in for some type of raise next year.  Its a viable option, if you willing to risk the fact that he's 41 years old with just shy of 2,600 innings on his arm.  I would assume Alderson would only be interested on a one year deal.  This is the type of low risk, high reward move that Alderson has become known for.

I'm not necessarily against this at the right numbers, but its definitely not without risk.  It would appear that the numbers Colon is looking for are higher than the Mets liking.  Andy Martino recently tweeted the following:

I am told Mets likely not serious players for Bartolo Colon. Too pricey.
— Andy Martino (@MartinoNYDN) December 9, 2013

So, there's that.

Mets Are Out Of The Major Free Agent Market

I hope you enjoyed the Curtis Granderson signing, because its likely all you'll get this winter in terms of major free agent signings.  Andy Martino of the New York Daily News reported the following last night from the winter meetings:

Also, Mets people are telling clubs that if they do anything else noteworthy this winter, will very likely be a via trade, not free agency.
— Andy Martino (@MartinoNYDN) December 8, 2013

I'm going to level with you..that sucks.  The Mets still have holes to fill at short stop, starting pitcher and in the bullpen.  Last night Alderson also alluded to the fact that the team may start the year with Ruben Tejada at short and believes that there bullpen issues will mainly be rectified by the development of their good young arms.

If you're reading between the lines, that may mean that the Mets hope to use their trade chips this week to acquire the services of a starting pitcher.  However, I don't see how the team can trade the likes of Davis and or Murphy for even a quality starter and come close to the $85 million dollar threshold Alderson spoke of last night.

Although this is disconcerting news, it doesn't surprise me that Mets won't dabble in the "major" free agent pool again.  No matter what way you slice it, the team cannot afford to add another $12-$15 million dollar player to the payroll and still comes close to addressing all of its areas of concern.  Of the available options who remain, only Stephen Drew fills a hole and he will fall within the range I mention above.

I understand that such a statement bothers you as a fan, and it should.  We want to see the team improve as fast as possible, but with the options that remain available and the budget being discussed, this course of action makes sense.

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.

Mets Projected Payroll Drops On The Eve Of The Winter Meetings

Sandy Alderson met with team reporters last night on the even of the winter meetings.  He said alot, to include the fact that the Mets will likely trade Ike Davis this week.  However, the one thing that probably chapped Mets fans the most was that he reiterated that he doesn't believe the 2015 payroll will be any less than 2013's $85 million dollars.  What..what?

You'll recalled just prior to Thanksgiving that ESPN NY reported that Alderson stated the 2014 payroll would be no less than 2013's $87 million dollars.  So why the change?  Well to be honest we don't know because no one in the room called him on it.  So what does that mean?

Over the weekend we dove into the Mets budget (HERE), or lack there of, and determined that the team would of had $12 million dollars remaining to spend this winter.  The following day it was reported by Newsday's Marc Carig that the Mets by his estimate had $13 million dollars remaining.  There is also an outlier report by the boys over at MetsBlog that the team has between $17-$20 million to spend.  The only way I can get to that number is if I include the salaries of the players, such as Ike Davis and Daniel Murphy that could be freed up if they are traded.

At the end of the day, by whatever projection your decide to use the target minimum payroll of the New York Mets for 2014 dropped two million dollars last night, and that's not good.

Granderson Contract Terms Revealed

Curtis Granderson breakdown expected to come in at $13M in '14 followed by $16M $16M and $15M $60M total. #mets
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 8, 2013

On the even of the MLB Winter Meetings, Jon Heyman revealed the exact terms of Curtis Granderson's 4 year, $60 million dollar contract. Per Heyman, Granderson's deal will pay him just $13 million in 2014, $16 million for both 2015 and 2016, and then $15 million in the final year of his deal.

 Presumably, the Mets have partially backloaded the contract in an effort to have a bit more payroll flexibility remaining this winter. This should mean the team has and estimated $15 million dollars remaining in is back pocket, if Marc Carig's report was accurate yesterday.  This is good news, as the Mets will still look to add a starting shortstop, a starting pitcher and still has work to do in the bullpen.

With payroll in mind, its also worth noting that Robert Brender of MetsBlog reported this afternoon that Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports does not believe that the Mets have a strict operating budget this winter.  Who knows whats going to happen this week, but I'm excited to see it.

Check back often, as we'll be doing our best this week to stay up to date with news and reactions as the winter meetings take off tomorrow from Orlando.