New York Mets

New York Mets general manager Sandy Alderson recently made the comment that he does have the ability to add significant payroll.

By Robby Sabo

It’s officially now time for New York Mets general manager Sandy Alderson to prove his worth. He has the ability, assets and finances to do so (as he so calmly revealed to the media on Thursday).

If you missed listening to Mike Francesa’s afternoon drive show on WFAN Thursday afternoon, allow yourself to be filled in.

Francesa decided to finally put the Mets GM on notice. Not since Alderson took the helm in late 2010 has the top New York City voice put the Mets boss on notice. Not in 2011, 2012, 2013 or even last season (due to the Matt Harvey injury) was Sandy in any type of instant situation to have his ball-club compete.

Everybody understood this organization was mired in a multi-year plan that would allow for sustained success (hopefully) in the future. Alderson has enjoyed one of the more cushier general manager jobs in New York City sports, until yesterday.

Due to the Mets dominant pitching staff and ability to actually compete in 2015, the man now finds himself in a pressure-cooker. One the likes he’s never seen before.

Here’s the Francesa segment from Thursday after Alderson’s press conference:


The top highlight from the presser, however, came in the form of Alderson proclaiming that he did, indeed, have the ability to add payroll prior to the trade deadline. Actually, he didn’t oppose a question that asked whether “significant” payroll could possibly be added.

This means either the Wilpon’s have green-lighted Sandy to make a move if he sees it fit, or Alderson is covering for Mets ownership and is taking the bullet.

While this would be one serious bullet to take, considering Alderson is a direct “inside” MLB man doing the job commissioner Bud Selig wanted him to do in New York, it completely flies in the face of realism.

Regardless, we must take him at his word that he could take a huge contract if he decided the price was right.

That proclamation has now officially started the clock on Alderson’s real tenure as Mets boss. Everything from this point forward becomes serious due to the higher compete level they’ve shown in 2015.

His misses on big league talent will now be overly criticized; his lack of promoting players will be questioned heavily (although he remedied that with the Michael Conforto promotion); and even this franchise’s obscene plague of injuries will have fans scratching their heads.

Because they are now very close to postseason baseball, Alderson will now start feeling the heat. He’ll begin to feel the pressure only the likes of New York City can provide.

At this point the numbers are plain silly.

To have guys like Harvey, Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard going out there and pitching their hearts out only to realize that one run could cost themselves a win is completely shameful. To go to bat with John Mayberry Jr. hitting cleanup – a guy who’s hitting .165 – is too much to take.1mets2

Sometimes a portion of the long-term plan needs to be altered due to current situations.

As a staff the Mets are pitching to a 3.25 ERA which is tied for third in MLB. They have limited the opposition to a paltry .240 batting average.

Offensively, New York is hitting a cool .233. This just isn’t the worst in baseball, it’s three-points worse than the lousy San Diego Padres.

The need for a couple of bats has never reached more desperate measures in the history of a marginal to above average baseball team.

Due to the fact Conforto was called up on Friday (after Michael Cuddyer was placed on the DL) was a sign of positive things to come. Although some might speculate Alderson only did it due to the immense pressure put on him as of late. Everything that has come out of his mouth has indicated a completely opposite philosophy as it relates to Conforto come to the city.

Hopefully, Alderson receives that same pressurized message while he’s speaking with his peers around baseball while discussing trade possibilities.

The need to add a bat (or four) has never been so necessary. Due to his own comments, there are now no more excuses.

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Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com