The Mets Police

STATEMENT FROM THE NEW YORK METS

FLUSHING, N.Y., September 1, 2011 – The New York Mets’ Owners announced today that their period of exclusive negotiations with David Einhorn regarding a minority, non-operating interest in the Mets has expired and Ownership has decided not to extend the exclusive negotiating period any further. After months of negotiation, the parties were unable to reach agreement, and Mets Ownership has decided to explore other options.

Ownership has provided additional capital to cover all 2011 losses and is moving forward with the necessary resources to continue to operate the franchise. Ownership will explore other strategic transactions and is under no financial pressure to do a deal on any particular schedule.

“We are very confident in the team’s plans – both off and on the field,” said Mets Chairman and CEO Fred Wilpon. “We will engage with other individuals, some who have been previously vetted by Major League Baseball, along with other interested parties, regarding a potential minority investment into the franchise. My partners and I thank David for his interest in considering this opportunity and wish him well in the future.”

 

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Meanwhile, David Einhorn’s statement says:

“I am disappointed to announce that I will not be purchasing an ownership interest in the New York Mets baseball team at this time. It is clear that it will not be possible for me to consummate the transaction on the terms that the Sterling-Mets organization and I originally agreed to several months ago. The extensive nature of changes that were proposed to me at the last minute has made a successful transaction impossible.

“I want to thank the entire Mets organization and Major League Baseball for their efforts. This experience will always be a happy memory for me because of the Mets’ fans. A good number of you have reached out to offer me encouragement. I will always be touched by the warmth that you showed me.”

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And this tweet is interesting

@BrianCostaWSJ: Mets will change strategy, look to sell off smaller pieces of team for $20 million each

Moments before the start of Tuesday’s game, Mike Pelfrey walked out to the mound at Citi Field and began his most ubiquitous habit. Like a kid enjoying an ice cream cone, the Mets pitcher stuck out his tongue and licked the fingers on his right hand. By the time his night was over, after six-plus innings of work, he had done this 89 times.

via Six Innings and 89 Hand Licks Later – WSJ.com.

Einhorn is pushing Major League Baseball baseball to pre-approve him as an owner of the baseball franchise, even though it will be five years before he has a shot at majority ownership, The Post has learned.

via David Einhorn seeks route to full New York Mets ownership – NYPOST.com.

In response to a question about spending at a level comparable to the Yankees, Alderson said: “We can’t spend at will the same way they can spend. And we’re not going to attempt to try to do that, at least not over the next several years. Our revenues, basically we’ve got to get people back in the ballpark to generate the kind of revenues that would be needed to have an even larger payroll. But the fact is, even at $100 million or $110 million, we’re still in the upper echelon of payrolls. That ought to allow us plenty of latitude.”

via Mets Blog – ESPN New York.

You might want to buy yourself a Reyes jersey while you can.  As Rubin’s article reminds you – Santana, Bay and Wright tie up $55 million next year. Say Jose takes $15m, that leaves you $40m for 21 guys.