Well Well Well...

Now that football season is past us we can put on our collective optimism caps for the upcoming baseball season. Well at least most can. I on the other hand can't seem to find mine.

This and last year were supposed to be the seasons where the Mets were going to turn things around. And while they have improved somewhat I still can't get excited and that sucks. Sandy had holes to fill in the OF, SS, and the bench. He did add Michael Cuddyer in the OF which hopes to be an improvement over Chris Young and whoever else trotted out there last year. Mayberry was signed to help out on the bench and could be interesting. We still have an unknown at SS with rumors swirling about as usual on who they may or may not trade for which in my mind appears to be smoke and mirrors from the front office as other GM's (Rizzo) say they have had no such conversations. But hey, let's make the incumbent player in Wilmer head into spring training with mental doubts about what the front office thinks of him.

They made changes to the field (again), signed someone's best friend. Hired a coach that had success with a current player so not sure how that plays out with the other players. Yes, Grandy thinks highly of him but has anyone else asked any current and former Yankee players their thoughts? Didn't seem to be much outcry when he was fired.

Yes, we have young quality pitching. The farm system is being restocked well but when does this translate into big league wins? I want to be optimistic. I try to be optimistic but this organization is driving me up the wall. Big market team small market payroll yet everyone including MLB itself seems to be on board with this "plan". Other teams appear to be rebuilding at a quicker rate. Mets twitter is crazy and even my favorite bloggers aren't making sense at times. It's tough to follow.

Mets' Brass Expects 90 Wins In 2014

John Harper of the New York Daily News reported this morning that team general manager, Sandy Alderson, told staffers this week that "the Mets can, and should win 90 games this year."  That statement was then echoed by team owner, Fred Wilpon, who stated: "We better win 90."

What?

We've often had discussions about how out of touch with reality the team's front office is when it comes to things like trade discussions and contract talks, but this is the first time they've overshot the landing on any one particular issue this badly.  Ninety wins is by far the largest total we've seen today, and is actually a full 16 game better than Vegas predicts.  For what its worth, Vegas is usually pretty close.

When asked for comment about the report, Alderson told Harper:

“All I’ll say is we have higher expectations than we’ve had in the past, because I think it

 has to be a mind-set. Part of creating a winning environment is setting ambitious goals

 and working toward them. But it has to be systematic and it can’t be totally unrealistic. 

I don’t think it is in this case.”

This is quite a departure from seasons past when the team handed out "Underdog" shirts and discussed getting the most out of its roster.  Ninety wins would put the Mets in the thick of the wild card discussion and would bring meaningful baseball to Citi Field for the first time in five years.  Goals are great, but realistic ones are better.  It will be interesting to see how firmly Alderson holds to this statement, because it could take the luster off whatever progress is made in 2014 if the team comes up short.

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So uh, yea.  I've had quite a few discussions with what I consider to be knowledgeable fans who do consider the team to be better than years past.  However, even the most optimistic of the group sees a .500 record as the ceiling for this particular collection of Mets.  Alderson always has a motive.  I suspect this statement wasn't made so the team would make headlines.  He wants the team to know that more is expected of them this season and that he believes they can be playoff contenders.  I just think he's one of only a few who think that.  This Mets team has more potential than in years past.  The players have more talent, but questions still remain.  I personally only see the Mets as likely to put up an additional four or five since this season.  Reallocating the money that came off the books hasn't resulted in a vastly changed landscape.  These are basically the same Mets we saw last year, so its fair to say 90 wins seems like a bit of a reach.

Mets Signing Drew Makes Even More Sense Now

You probably read earlier reports from the Mets world and at Effing Mets that Ruben Tejada has yet again underwhelmed the Mets Brass. This coming off the heels of him spending two months this winter at a fitness camp in Michigan. This makes two years in a row that he hasn't impressed the organization when he desperately should have. There are also reports indicating that the Mets might re-engage the Mariners to acquire Nick Franklin and the names floated in a deal are that of Rafael Montero and Jacob deGrom.

Based on this latest information there is ZERO reason that the Mets shouldn't sign Stephen Drew. And more importantly meet his asking price or darn near close. This is two freaking years in a row that Tejada can't get his act together. Does Sandy and the gang just think some kind of magic is going to happen and we will have the second coming of Jose Reyes? Fat chance and pun intended. Seems like the guy (Tejada) could care less at this point. Signing Drew to a 2-3 year contract allows the Mets to have a solid presence as SS while allowing other minor league prospects to develop and not be rushed. Montero and deGrom can be kept and put to good use or part of a package for someone better than Franklin on down the road.

Get off the pot already Sandy!

Photo Courtesy: gotitletown.blogspot.com

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Why Mets Fans Shouldn't Be Upset About The Nelson Cruz Deal

Yesterday's news that Nelson Cruz signed with the Baltimore Orioles for just one year and only $8 million dollars was met with significant vitrol from a variety of Mets fans who choose to remain ignorant to the reality of the situation.  Chris Young signed with the Mets back on November 26th.  At that time, Nelson Cruz was rumored to be looking for a minimum of a five-year deal.  In early December it was rumored that he turned down a 5-year/$75 million dollar offer from the Seattle Mariners.  Fast forward two plus months, with teams reporting the camp that free agents have to make tough decisions.

If Mets fans think the team could have landed Nelson Cruz for the deal he signed yesterday back before the New Year, I've got a bridge to sell them. The two situations are complete different and any attempt to compare the two is nonsensical.

In reaction to the news of the Cruz deal, Mets GM Sandy Alderson told David Lennon of NewsDay the following:

"It's not just a different time frame, it's a different type of player. I'm not here to 

critique Nelson Cruz, but he's a very different player. He brings power to the table, 

no question about that. Doesn't bring the defense. Doesn't really have our approach, 

necessarily. This is not a 'gee whiz, if we-just waited' moment for us. We're happy

 with Chris Young.''

Fans will view this as a ringing endorsement for Chris Young, but they must both realize and understand that Alderson simply cannot take to the podium and say "we wish we would have signed Cruz."  That's not how you manage personnel.  Alderson was tasked with rebuilding the team's outfield this winter.  Striking early with Chris Young may have been an overpay, but it was also an attempt to get out ahead of the free agent market when things seemed to be spiraling out of control.  Two months later when teams are out of money and free agents are out of appealing options, and yesterday's deal is the result.

Finally, for those who feel the Mets should have signed Cruz despite the fact that they already have a full outfield. If you were a free agent outfielder settling for a one-year deal which you hope to use to elevate your stock for next winter, would you choose to take most of your at-bats in Camden Yards or Citi Field? That answer is easy.

Will Nelson Cruz hit more home runs than Young in 2014?  Will he hit for a higher average?  Would he have solidified the meat of the Mets' lineup better than Chris Young?  Probably.  However, none of that changes the fact that these things don't happen in a vacuum.  Expecting the team's front office to see the future without fail is unrealistic.  Chris Young is a Met.  Nelson Cruz isn't.  Fans need to realize that its very unlikely that was ever going to happen, regardless of when you think Alderson should have sealed the deal.

Mets Offseason Grade

Now that the boys have made their way to spring training, we can for the first time truly try to assess what was and what wasn't accomplished this winter.  The Mets exited 2013 in a state of disrepair.  The club's lone redeeming qualities were that their franchise player was under contract, that the young starting pitching prospects have started to arrive and more than $50 million was set to come off the payroll.

The primary tasks at hand, in no particular order, would be to renovate an almost nonexistent outfield, replace ailing ace Matt Harvey, upgrade the shortstop position, and finally to determine the fate of Ike Davis.  Some other areas of concern would be a backup catcher and the normal addressing of the team's questionable bullpen.

Fast forward about five months and Sandy Alderson made what you could consider three major acquisitions.  The first was a one year-$7.25 million dollar deal to Chris Young.  The second, a four year-$60 million dollar deal to Curtis Granderson.  And finally, the two year-$20 million dollar deal to Bartolo Colon.  Of that group, Young's deal was met with the most scrutiny as questions remain as to whether or not he can rebound as an every day player.  There were also some lower cost veteran acquisitions who would complete for both spots in the rotation (Lannan & Matsuzaka) and the bullpen (Valverde & Farnsworth).

Areas that weren't addressed included both the shortstop and Ike Davis situations, despite what amount to very long draw out almost soap operaish attempts to complete each. In reality, each may still work themselves out between now and opening day, but today they remain unaddressed and a hindrance to the 2014 season.  Finally Alderson chose not to upgrade the backup catcher, leaving Anthony Recker as the lone option to the oft-injured Travis d'Arnaud.  A major problem?  Not currently, but if d'Arnaud does fall to injury the Mets could have a crisis on their hands.

If you're trying to grade a winter such as this, it really come down to whether or not the Mets are poised to field a better team.  On the surface, I think the 2014 Mets have a lot more upside.  I think players like Granderson and Young have the potential to outperform their predecessors.  I also think the Mets rotation can be plenty formidable.  However, the team still lacks answers at both shortstop and first base.  They're still far from a playoff contender and by most projections are only slated to win a few more games than last year.  That's really where I come up with a grade of C+ because the team does stand to be better, but with fifty million dollars to spend, not as much better as we'd all like.

Should Alderson find a way to upgrade the shortstop position and finally resolve the Ike Davis dilemma, all the while improving upon the current roster, I'm not against bumping my grade.  However until then, this was only a slightly above average offseason.  New faces in new places, but ultimately I expect similar results.

Mets' Alderson Talks Finances Again

Here we go again. The Post and various other media outlets are reporting that the banks that have issued the Mets loans are keeping them on a payroll restriction. A claim that Sandy Alderson denies. He is quoted as saying the current payroll is just north of $85 million which if memory serves me correctly is similar to last year. That said they unloaded some big nasty contracts for two (who I won't name) who never saw the field. We have added Chris Young, Curtis Granderson, and Bartolo Colon to major league contracts along with Kyle Farnsworth and Jose Valdverde on minor league contracts with zero guarantee of making the team out of camp.

The latter of the two coming off the heels of "missing" out on Grant Balfour and Fernando Rodney to rumored similar deals. And then there is the ongoing saga of the Stephen Drew situation be it money, years, opt out clauses, etc. I then meander over to see what Adam Rubin is saying to find this:

“I said it was unlikely that we would sign another major free agent,” Sandy Alderson said. “I think that’s still the case.” #mets
— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinESPN) February 13, 2014

Unlikely? I think it is more like guaranteed and while the fan in me wishes that weren't the case if it is true then fine. I don't like it and it won't make me cheer on this effing team any less but whatever. I just want this season to start so we can talk about who is doing well, who isn't, and what we as fans are getting for our $85 million payroll.

Photo Courtesey of: NYPost

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Duda and the Mets Outfield

I was watching Terry Collins interview from yesterday on SNY.tv and when the subject came up about Duda the first topic was on 1B. Terry Collins was asked about battling for the position. Terry said confidence was a big thing for Lucas and he wanted him to have that going out of spring training. Terry was very positive that there is a place on this team for the Dudes and that he has the skills to play at the major league level.

And then came the question that had me almost vomit in my mouth. "Is there the thought that outfield isn't out of the question for Lucas?" O.M.G and the only thing equally worse was Terry's reply. "It can't be, when we go into spring training we have to look at every possible scenario and match up" and then Collins went on to say there could be some platoon opportunities.

I can see why Alderson retained this guy. He has molded him into the same speaking habits that Sandy has. Leave nothing out of the question, anything is possible, we have to look at everything. Even Mr Met and Jay Horwitz could be a factor in this upcoming season. Yes, in theory anything is possible and you can't leave anything out of the question. But for the sake of Mets fans let's just leave one thing out. Lucas Duda in LF.

Photo Courtesy of: risingapple.com

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Sandy Alderson Finally Describes "The Plan"

It Has Happened!!  For years now Mets fans have been left to wallow in self-pity as their team struggled to stabilize itself.  Sandy Alderson was brought in to fix things, but as the old adage goes: the more thing changed, the more they stayed the same.  Fans were left to ask.. What is the plan?  Is there a plan?  Well, during a Q&A with Penn University's student newspaper of all media outlets, Alderson finally discussed the plan he's been following since taking the helm:

"The last three years, the strategy I have tried to articulate is threefold: acquire talent and develop talent, create more payroll flexibility...and third, try to win as many games as you can without compromising one and two."

Much of this has been implied over the years.  Get younger, get cheaper.  Make sure players remain under team control.  Don't sacrifice the future for the present.  He has probably said all of this in bits and pieces over the years if you make a point to read between the lines, but this is the first time I can remember him laying it all out directly.

Alderson also believes that the organization has turned a corner with this plan, making references to the team finally spending money, taking the opportunity to point out that the Mets have spent the fifth most this winter.  He also referenced the young prospects, many of them believed to be difference makers, who are set to start contributing this season.

So if this has been the plan all along, despite whether you think its a good plan, I would have to guess that he's been fairly successful at sticking to it.  The Mets are younger, they are cheaper and for the most part they are under team control.  There have been some additions made, and the Mets may be ready to take a step forward, but I'm already prepared to ask what the next step in the plan is.  Will more money be spent next winter?  Are their trades to come?  Alderson's plan has gotten us this far, but the Mets are still far from being a force in the National League.  So what now?

Mets Offseason May Be Over

In addition to claiming themselves out of the Stephen Drew race, Sandy Alderson also told Anthony DiComo of MLB.com that the team is unlikely to issue another guaranteed deal this winter.  This likely signifies the end of an offseason with two keep positions still remaining on the team's shopping list: an upgrade at shortstop and a veteran relief pitcher.

Following an offer to Grant Balfour who ultimately signed with the Tampa Bay Rays, the Mets were attached to rumors for Fernando Rodney, however that option remains unlikely.  Instead Alderson told DiComo:

"We've got a lot of good young arms that we like -- they just don't have much experience. 

Acquiring someone with some experience would give us some comfort going into Spring 

Training, but we don't want to preclude some of our younger pitchers from getting a 

solid opportunity either. So if there's somebody there that we like, we'll pursue them. 

Otherwise, one of the ways we've approached starting pitching, for example, is to bring 

in a couple of guys on Minor League contracts and have them compete with some of our 

own internal candidates. We may do the same thing with the bullpen."

If he's true to his word, this would put the end to what was supposed to be an offseason of promise.  The Mets will have spent just over $87 million dollars this winter, but will have failed to address two of their biggest needs and are poised to enter the season with an opening day payroll of just $82.35 million.  None of this will sit well with fans, who were looking for much more heading into 2014.  The Mets appear to be only slightly better (depending who you ask) and will lean heavily on their upcoming youth next season.

Alderson Jokes, Mets Fans Freak

“We each signed Japanese pitchers this week..They're paying $155 million and 

we’re paying our guy month to month.”

Above was what writers are calling the joke of the night. It was provided by Mets' GM, Sandy Alderson, referring to the Mets acquisition of Daisuke Matsuzaka which followed the much bigger signing of Masahiro Tanaka across town in the Bronx.  This was not Alderson's first jab at fans during his tenure. It's not even his first jab this offseason. It is however probably the first jab that was poorly timed.

While most Mets fans would agree that although Alderson still has some work to do this winter if this offseason is to be deemed a success, he has made progress. For the first time since taking over, he has added new talent, quality talent, to the roster. It's fair to say his approval rating has never been higher.  So, why the jokes now?

This isn't to say that Alderson doesn't still have his critics. Long drawn out negotiations, months long in some instances, will wear thin the patience of even the most devout fans. However, having spent the better part of $100 million this winter, payroll isn't as big a topic as it once was. Bringing attention to it wasn't really necessary.

Even still, this story is more of a non-story. Despite temporarily providing some ammunition for his strongest critics, most fans have already turned their sights towards spring training. This story shouldn't have legs as it is, but if Alderson manages to finally land the services of Stephen Drew or some other semi-significant addition, few if anyone will remember last night's remark for any length of time.

Is Sandy Alderson's Job Safe?

The folks over a ScoutingBaseball.com compiled a list of all the general managers in baseball and then tried to determine what level of job security each has.  The possible rankings from best to worst were as follows:

1) Ain't Getting Fired
2) Safe With Recent Success
3) Needs To Keep Winning
4) Safe, But Not Contending
5) Needs A Strong Year
6) On The Hot Seat

So, where do you suppose the Mets' own general manager, Sandy Alderson, landed on that list?  I was surprised to find Alderson ranked as low as "Needs A Strong Year."  His ranking also included the following explanation:

Among the most respected minds in baseball hasn’t quite cracked the nut of the Mets rebuild yet, but has some talent on the way. Like Terry Ryan, Alderson won’t be forced out but there is some need for results.

I understand why he's ranked this low, and in any normal baseball city under any normal situation it would be completely warranted. However in Queens under the current ownership group, I believe you could safely file him under "Ain't Getting Fired" without hesitation. As I've said before, Sandy Alderson wasn't imported to the Mets by Major League Baseball to win baseball games.  He was brought here to keep the franchise afloat and in the hands of Bud Selig's good friend, Fred Wilpon.

While acknowledging that Alderson won't be forced out of town, the list fails to mention that 2014 is the last guaranteed year on Alderson's current deal.  I don't envision any circumstance, to include one where the Mets win just 70 games this season, where the team's brass won't try to exercise its team option for 2015.  To be the real question is whether or not Alderson resigns..not whether he's ever fired. 

When considering his possible resignation, only then I believe results come into the play.  Having become the proverbial punching bag amongst many in the fan base, Alderson may have already had enough.  Why would he chose to ride this roller coaster a second longer than he has to if the results aren't there.  However if they are, he may be more than willing to ride it out in an attempt to prove his path of frugality can yield a winner. 

Sandy Alderson won't be fired.  Not now.  Not in the foreseeable future.  His job is safe..for as long as he wants it.

Wright Says All The Right Things

Yesterday, David Wright spoke with ESPN New York about this winter, the upcoming season and gave a general sense of where he thinks the Mets are at this point:

"I'm sure Sandy is still trying to make the team better. In what capacity I'm not sure, but I do think when we take the field Opening Day this year we will substantially be better than when we took the field last year. I'm not sure how many wins that correlates into. Only going out there and playing the game will tell. But there's no question in my mind that I love the moves we've made."

Wright has certainly attended the Sandy Alderson school of saying a lot, but not actually saying anything of value.  Fans may pick apart Wright's assessment of the current roster.  Although I believe the Mets have a higher potential in 2014 than they did in 2013, its not often a team reaches their potential.  As its constructed right now, I don't foresee the team being substantially better where it counts: the win column.  But its not Wright's job as team captain and "face of the franchise" it pick apart what the Mets have or haven't done, although he did elaborate on the latter:

"As far as I'm concerned, and I'm sure a lot of fans think the same way, you want to go out there and sign everybody, because it's not our money, but when you have a budget, when you have a general manager that is as meticulous as Sandy is as far as evaluating players -- setting a price tag on a player and saying, 'Hey, this is our ceiling' -- then you can't go with what you think is overspending. That's how you don't gain that payroll flexibility.  And I'm not saying there's a right way or a wrong way. I'm just saying that I think that's Sandy's thought process. Once you set that ceiling, you have to let him walk, or where do you draw the line on other players? I experienced that negotiating with Sandy."

AKA... "I was hoping for a bigger winter, but I still believe in the plan long-term."  I for one think that the Mets are in a better place than they've been in recent years.  I do believe that Alderson has laid the framework for payroll flexibility moving forward, but there is still work to be done.  The franchise can't take the next step forward without addition spending, whether that's this winter or beyond.  They simply do not have the in-house options to form a playoff roster.

Alderson can be meticulous all his wants,  but the clock is ticking.  Of all the things Wright said, there were no mention of the playoffs or championships.  Alderson sold Wright on a plan last winter when he signed the third baseman to an 8-year extension.  Whether or not the Mets are currently on pace with that plan is something only Wright knows, but its clear to me from what has been said here that he's still subtly imploring the front office to do more.

Brewers Won't Budge On Ike Davis

For the first time in days there is some new information regarding a potential trade that would send Ike Davis to the Milwaukee Brewers.  The news however is both good and bad.  Tom Haudicourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel spoke with Brewer's GM Bob Melvin, who said the following:

"It's pretty quiet...We know all the names. It's a small group. Nothing changes from one day to the next. Ike Davis is the one player people talk about. Other than that, there's not much available."

You'll recall the Mets have requested Brewers pitcher Tyler Thornburg in exchange for Davis. The Brewers said no, but the Mets haven't backed down. Apparently neither have the Brewers because talks haven't progressed. Melvin even went as far as saying the team may have to "mix and match" its only players to fill the void at first base if a deal doesn't materialize.

This will be the second game of chicken Sandy Alderson has engaged in this winter.  The previous one saw the Mets cave and offer a fourth year to Curtis Granderson.  This outcome remains to be seen, but it looks clear that the Brewers are in on Davis.  We'll just have to see who blinks first.

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.

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.

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Filling the SS Gap: Jean Segura

Segura was selected to his first All-Star Game in 2013.

With the additions of Curtis Granderson and Bartolo Colon this past week, Sandy Alderson has fortified two of the major holes the Mets faced going into the offseason.

The most gaping one remaining is at shortstop. Ruben Tejada's mediocre production in 2013 in addition to his poor ability to stay healthy and lack of hustle have led the front office to shut the door on that experiment.

Finding the first suitable replacement for Jose Reyes at short has been a problem Alderson has faced since Reyes' departure in 2011. However, it's the Mets and Milwaukee Brewers who appear to be able to satisfy each other's needs in that department.

The Brewers acquired all-star shortstop Jean Segura from the Angels in 2012 in a deal that sent Zack Greinke to Anaheim. At 23, Segura tore it up in 2013, batting .294/.329/.752 in 146 games at short for the Brewers. Appealing, is he not?

Unfortunately for Milwaukee, the departure of Corey Hart and the uncertain future of Ryan Braun leaves a gaping hole at first base. Missing out on James Loney and Mark Trumbo could leave Ike Davis as a very real possibility for the Brewers to fill that need.

I would project a fair trade as Segura for Davis, Rafael Montero, and if need be, Wilmer Flores or Cesar Puello.

If you're the Mets, you're getting a proven shortstop for a first baseman in need of a change in scenery, one of many pitching prospects you already possess, and one mid-level prospect if you really have to. If you're the Brewers, you're filling first base with a high-ceiling player and getting needed starting pitching.

While general managers thus far haven't taken any of my previous advice, this trade is one that makes a deal of sense to both parties. Here's what the 2014 Mets would look like with Segura in the lineup:

Segura - SS
Young Jr - LF
Wright - 3B
Granderson - RF
Murphy - 2B
Duda - 1B
Lagares - CF
d'Arnaud - C
(Pitcher)

If Sandy Alderson can get this done, things may be looking up Queens much sooner than fans could have hoped.

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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.

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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.

Can Mets Sign Drew, Then Deal Ike?

Effing novel concept, huh? Sign Stephen Drew to a three year deal and then make every effort to deal Davis. It might have to be at a later time, but it immediately solves their problem at shortstop and makes sure they land a talented one, at that.

Sandy claims ownership has told him there is flexibility to make something like this happen. Problem is, according to ownership Sandy hasn't approached them about Drew. Does Sandy not like Stephen? Is this more typical disconnect between the front office and ownership? Something has to be up. And even so, if Ike doesn't get dealt what is an extra $3 million in salary to a team reportedly worth so much?

Come on Sandy, I did this type of thing to my parents all the time. It's the old "please buy this for me and I promise I will do what you ask at a later time."

Photo Courtesy of Boston.com

Photo Courtesy of NewYorkMetsReport.com

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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)