Jeff Wilpon met the media on Tuesday to discuss the New York Mets offseason while the prom frenzy continues.
Wilpon meets the media
Jeff Wilpon broke the silence by meeting with New York Mets beat writers today. he had some interesting things to say about the team’s financial situation and payroll.
Jeff Wilpon broke silence today, spoke to the media extensively: "I get where the fan perception is, that is not lost on us. But we have a plan and we are going to stick with it."
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) January 23, 2018
The fact that Jeff was willing to admit that the owners understand the fan’s perception is a good start, considering the team often makes moves that are considered cheap and controversial by the fans.
Wilpon says the Mets payroll could conceivably match last year's or it could be "$10 million less."
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) January 23, 2018
He went on to add that the team’s payroll could hit the $155 million mark that they met in 2017, or it could be lower around $145 million. The good news here is that current projections have the payroll at $135 million, so either way, it seems the Mets plan to add at least one new piece to the puzzle.
Prom coming to Citi Field?
If you haven’t seen the recent news regarding a girl’s quest to take her prom experience to Citi Field, you should give it a read.
A #Mets fan asked the team if she could take prom pics on the field with players. The team said sure, if she can do this one not so little thing first. https://t.co/LV8cMowZZa #CalliesMetsProm
— NBC New York (@NBCNewYork) January 23, 2018
The young girl’s tweet has gone viral which has led to several players, including both current and former Mets, helping to distribute the tweet in an attempt to receive the 500,000 retweets necessary.
A former Met was signed, and it wasn’t Bartolo Colon
The New York Mets announced via Twitter that the team had agreed to a minor league deal with former Met Ty Kelly. The deal will include an invite to Spring Training as well.
We've signed @tykelly11 to a minor league contract with an invite to major league #SpringTraining. #Mets
— New York Mets (@Mets) January 23, 2018
With Bartolo Colon heavily rumored to be nearing a return, Mets fans were probably hoping for the return of Colon instead of Kelly.
However, at this time it seems the Mets are no longer interested in a reunion with the 44-year-old starter.
Mets are monitoring the pitching market, but it's not a priority at the moment. And a Bartolo reunion is not being pursued at moment. Team still needs a starting infielder: https://t.co/zIiSFzRVLL
— Matt Ehalt (@MattEhalt) January 23, 2018
For a team that is built around a starting rotation with questionable health, Colon seemed like he could be a nice addition to a minor league contract.
Mets revamp the training staff
After a 2017 season that featured a myriad of injuries, the Mets have finally decided to make wholesale changes to the organization’s training staff.
The Mets will announce today that Jim Cavallini, who most recently worked with the Army at Fort Bragg, will be their director of performance and sports science. Brian Chicklo has been promoted to head trainer.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) January 23, 2018
The new head trainer and director of performance will have to find ways to keep star players such as Yoenis Cespedes, Noah Syndergaard and Michael Conforto on the field this season.
