Steve Cohen interview with Howie Rose

[Gwreck]

Some real softballs from Howie here. Relevant takeaways:

-Cohen says the Mets’ offer to Diaz was in some ways better than the Dodgers’ offer as the Mets also included a fourth “conditional” year. Said it came down to player preference.

-Reaffirmed that Mets weren’t going to go 5 years for Alonso.

-Steve didn’t discuss Nimmo or McNeil. Howie pre-empted the topic by declaring those were “purely baseball” trades as contrast to Alonso or Diaz.

-Howie said the 1986 team would be “honored” this year with a 40th Anniversary Celebration at the park this year (the Mets haven’t actually announced that yet).

-Howie asked about timing for construction of the casino/“Metropolitan Park” and Steve gave a non-answer with no specifics.

-Howie asks about upcoming CBA negotiations and Steve gives a non-answer saying he’s “one of 30” and saying “central baseball” will be involved there.

-“Every move that we’ve made” is with a view towards seasons beyond 2026.

-The book in the bookcase behind Steve is My Prison Without Bars by Pete Rose.

[Centerfield]

A few thoughts.

*It doesn’t feel like he’s fully convinced about this team. At least to me. Said multiple times how much he’s excited about this team, which felt like he was trying to convince himself as much as us. Mentioned better contact. I think he’s like a lot of us. Hopeful but concerned.

*He says he lets Stearns and the baseball folks make the decisions. But he does call and ask questions. This one I believe. Sounds like a lot of “David. WTF” with Stearns convincing Cohen that he’s got things under control.

*Said that Bichette is a better fit than Tucker. I don’t believe that for a second. Tucker filled a positional need and is a better player. Bichette was the last guy left before going to backup options. That’s why they agreed to go 1 year on a QO free agent. They knew they were ****ed if they didnt get him.

*I still like Cohen. I know every billionaire is a little bit evil, but seems like a genuine guy that wants to win.

*im excited about Metropolitan Park. But I think the parking situation is gonna suck.

[metirish]

The usual buzz words , excited, discipline, playoff tested etc , I think Steve like many of us is hoping for the best with this team , I'm certainly excited for many of the new players