The often criticized ownership of the New York Mets received some love from GM Sandy Alderson recently. Yes, you read that correctly.
By Aniello Piro
News struck last Friday that Yoenis Cespedes had agreed upon terms for a contract that would keep him in New York as a Met.
The signing (happily) silenced the New York Mets naysayers, proving several key points:
- Show they have money to spend
- Strengthen the middle of their lineup
- Please the fans (for now)
All offseason long the Mets front office and ownership were hammered with criticism about how the team was reluctant to sign, or even attempt to sign a major free agent.
Well, they proved everyone wrong when they signed Yoenis Cespedes.
General Manager Sandy Alderson is the mastermind behind the scenes for the Mets, and was a focal point in the teams’ successful 2015 season.
Despite being under financial restrictions for some time, Alderson managed to field a competitive club in 2015.
When the opportunity presented itself for Alderson to open up the bank and make a splash, he did.
Now heading into the 2016 season, some financial restrictions were lifted, and Alderson was able to go out and get the guys he wanted.
Following the Cespedes signing Alderson had this to say about the controversial financial situation the Mets are in:
Here are Sandy Alderson's words in praise of #Mets ownership over the signing of Yoenis Cespedes pic.twitter.com/elaBP2HskX
— Michael Baron (@michaelgbaron) January 27, 2016
Alderson and the Wilpons had an Amazin’ offseason, and every move they have made thus far makes them a much more competitive team come opening day compared to last season.
The Wilpons stepped up to the plate, and shelled out some dollars to make the team competitive, so the idea that they are cheap, and unwilling to spend can now be thrown out the window.
The Mets opening day payroll in 2015 was $99,663,329. As it stands today the Mets projected opening day payroll will be in the ballpark of $140 million dollars for 2016.
Related: Taking A Look At The Mets 2016 Payroll
The moves have been made, the dollars have been spent, all that is left is to perform at a high level, and finish what was started last year.
The 2016 New York Mets are in it to win it.
