Right on time for the headline I was going to use come hell or high water, we have some Sandy news. The internet is abuzz this morning with Joel Sherman’s declaration that the Mets won’t trade Reyes and that they will make him a substantial offer after the season. I understand how that is exciting…but my eyes are zooming in on Adam Rubin’s take.
First Sherman:
if the Mets surmise that Reyes is worth, say, five years at $100 million, is it worth it to go to, say, six years at $120 million or more and see that additional money as: 1) $10 million of advertising directed at the fans and 2) $10 million in peace of mind that they do not have to try to find replacements to make up for what would be lost, especially since they already know Reyes can play in New York and loves playing here.
It’s fun to see someone else use my “merch” argument. It’s not just the price you pay for a player to play shortstop, it’s about the brand, the merchandise sales, the next generation.
I’d love to see the Mets have two players play 15 years together. That would be a long term build. My fear is Jose leaves and the Mets get two draft picks.
But about those two players playing together, this is where Rubin worries me:
The financial difficulties of retaining Reyes at $20 million a year are real, and may not be feasible without trading Wright. Consider next season Johan Santana (who may not pitch this year) makes $24 million, Jason Bay $16 million and Wright $15 million. And if Francisco Rodriguez finishes 55 games — he’s on pace to finish 60 — he gets $17.5 million. Then there’s R.A. Dickey at $4.25 million and Mike Pelfrey and Angel Pagan arbitration-eligible, which likely would take their salaries beyond $5 million apiece, if they’re Mets. That’s a heavy concentration of spending in a small group of players. It adds up to $86.75 million with K-Rod — without Reyes factored in.
If Fred/Sandy wants a $100 million payroll that doesn’t leave much cash for the rest of a team.
I’d hate to see Wright go.
…
42-42 Fun season. I stand by my contention that the 5-13 hole was too big to dig out of (math), but I am enjoying every game.
I was cleaning out my basement last night and I found a vintage Bat Day bat. When’s the last time they had Bat Day? I bet this thing is from 1982 or so. Blue with a Manufacturers Hanover logo, and it was used in the ballfields of Queens back when. I’ll throw up some pics of that and other goodies from my new office in a few weeks when I am traveling.
Stars & Stripes trade-in cap for me today. A full slate of content is scheduled (some new, some reruns) and will roll out below this post. See you on twitter for the in-game hang. I’m off tomorrow so it’s a rare west coast appearance for me.
What is this “rest of a team” to which you refer? Don’t you know Wright and Reyes more than make up for AAA pitching and 3rd or 4th place in perpetuity. Good heavens, man. Where have you been? 😉
It’s possible that they may be able to afford oth Reyes & Wright, but Pelfrey & Pagan are goners. We’ll also be looking at a AAAA player replacing Carlos Beltran. It will be a few years before the Mets have a chance to be really good again, but on the upside Bay & Santana will be off the books by the time the players the farm system (hopefully) produces are ready for the big leagues.
Guess what? Krod is gone. Some contender will take him to be a setup arm (with the Mets kicking in the 2012 buyout of 4.5M). Look at the Rays, you can put together a good bullpen on the cheap. Put that money into your irreplacable all-star SS and 3B who are worth the millions. Not fungible relief pitchers.
Rubin, as always, takes the most negative position possible. He’s a human wet blanket.