Not to distract from my rage but this is a good read.
The Mets’ commitments for ’14, according to Cot’s, are a mere $13.55 million. Bay’s deferral will add to that; he will be paid a combined $15 million in 14-15. Arbitration-eligible players such as first baseman Ike Davis and shortstop Ruben Tejada are not included in the total. And remember, Wright and Dickey are not currently under contract in ’14.
Still: $13.55 million. The number is so low, the flexibility so enticing, the Mets can practically start over. In fact, they can start right now, extending Wright and Dickey, back-loading free-agent contracts, playing their get-out-of-jail-free card a year early.
Alderson has never been a fan of back-loaded deals, and they never seem to work out. Johan Santana’s deal looks BRUTAL right now. Ask the Yankees how they feel about paying A-Rod in 2013 for stats he put up in 2006. As much as I want to see the Mets keep Wright and Dickey, I hope they don’t do so at the risk of ruining any chances to really start fresh in 2014.