IPCT (In Press Conference Transcript) Introducing Sandy

[Guest Edgy DC]

Strong enough to confront uncomfortable truths out in the open. Savvy enough to promise low.

These are mature traits we need ought embrace here in the Oakland Knickerbocker fanbase.

[Ceetar]

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Ceetar wrote: I don't like the "not aggressive" in the market thing, unless that was spin to say "no Lee or Crawford" which is fine. but hinting that the budget exists and the number isn't much higher than what the payroll is now kinda hurts. It's no surprise that he's handcuffed a bit for 2011. I think they'll be freely (and hopefully wisely) spending in the 2011-12 offseason. Sandy implied that they'll have an extra $50 million* to work with. * Right now they have $110 million committed to multi-year contracts, after 2011 it will be down to $60 million.

He implied they can be competitive this year, and i would think they all have to realize that if an extra 10 million can get you into the playoffs, that more than pays for itself.

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

I'm kind of love with this guy.

I mean, at this point last year my best hope for the Mets was that they wouldn't do anything stupid or embarrassing. I kinda like a guy who says, I'm here to do smart things and get everyone on the same page.

Blowing a gigantic wad off the bat was how Omar did it.

Edited October 29, 2010 by Guest

[Guest Edgy DC]

Re: $10 million.

That's a fool's bargain. A budget is a budget.

[Benjamin Grimm]

It might have been nice to hear that the Mets had approved a one-year payroll spike for 2011 to give them a competitive boost, but I really didn't expect it. I wouldn't be at all surprised if they ponied up during the summer if they're in the race, but I understand their current restraint.

[Ceetar]

Benjamin Grimm wrote: It might have been nice to hear that the Mets had approved a one-year payroll spike for 2011 to give them a competitive boost, but I really didn't expect it. I wouldn't be at all surprised if they ponied up during the summer if they're in the race, but I understand their current restraint.

That's true, and it's easy to nitpick specific statements.

I don't think there is anything they can sign in the offseason, outside of '69's Seaver, that will sell tickets before the team is winning and in first place a good portion into the season.

On the other hand, what's the hit if no one is interested in April-May (until the weather warms up) except us die hards?

[seawolf17]

Ceetar wrote: I don't think there is anything they can sign in the offseason, outside of '69's Seaver, that will sell tickets before the team is winning and in first place a good portion into the season.

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

This guy's got the benefit of my doubt and then some.

The Met FO-Kremlinology thing is only going to get more intense, though, no?

[Ceetar]

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: This guy's got the benefit of my doubt and then some. The Met FO-Kremlinology thing is only going to get more intense, though, no?

If we're gonna run with the Alderson as Savior thing, probably.

Really though, until they start winning.

[Ceetar]

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: This guy's got the benefit of my doubt and then some. The Met FO-Kremlinology thing is only going to get more intense, though, no?

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: This guy's got the benefit of my doubt and then some. The Met FO-Kremlinology thing is only going to get more intense, though, no? If we're gonna run with the Alderson as Savior thing, probably. Really though, until they start winning.

Really can apply to everything though. if the Mets clinch a playoff spot in 2011, K-Rod's a story of redemption (providing he doesn't beat anyone else up) if they have a losing season, he's a clubhouse cancer who the Mets _have_ to trade in the offseason.

[Frayed Knot]

Re: The Free Agent Market -- it's not looking like a great year in the market and is looking (early view anyway) like a good one in the draft.
Between those 'facts' and the payroll situation (three large contracts coming off the books after 2011) it's probably not a great year to dive in on FAs anyway.

The "Not aggressive" quote is probably the best way to both tone down the hype for a quick-fix solution while saying that it's not the best time.

[G-Fafif]

Sandy on with Francesa. I have to say he sounds rather tired (then again, I feel the same). OTOH, he doesn't sound like he's spouting talking points. Consistent with previous answers, but not scripted.

Of course Francesa will figure it all out for him and get back to him.

[metirish]

G-Fafif wrote: Sandy on with Francesa. I have to say he sounds rather tired (then again, I feel the same). OTOH, he doesn't sound like he's spouting talking points. Consistent with previous answers, but not scripted. Of course Francesa will figure it all out for him and get back to him.

Oh , that's wFan?, I thought he was on the Vatican radio with the Pope.

Entertainment value, being able to excite the fanbase will be factors in choosing a manager.

[G-Fafif]

Talked about a manager who kicks dirt. Any manager who promises to kick dirt on Francesa would be OK by me.

[metirish]

G-Fafif wrote: Talked about a manager who kicks dirt. Any manager who promises to kick dirt on Francesa would be OK by me.

Be a hell of a lot of dirt and kicking to cover the big bollox

[G-Fafif]

SA says Mets have some cachet that has never gone away. MF snottily dismissed his assertion. SA laughed and moved on.

SA should have kicked dirt.

[metirish]

Francesa could not be more smug if he tried, you just know he'll be all over Alderson's making the Mets an iconic franchise statement.

[G-Fafif]

Alderson sounds like a person. In that sense, it's like hearing Duquette after the shtick of Phillips. But Alderson's coming at it from a base of security.

[G-Fafif]

"62 is the new 35," says Alderson in his signoff. I'm heartened by his maturity...but he sure did sound tired.

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

G-Fafif wrote: "62 is the new 35," says Alderson in his signoff. I'm heartened by his maturity...but he sure did sound tired.

Well... do keep in mind that he'd been doing these in ten-minute chunks for about two hours straight-- and mostly answering the same questions-- BEFORE reaching Francesa.

[G-Fafif]

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: G-Fafif wrote: "62 is the new 35," says Alderson in his signoff. I'm heartened by his maturity...but he sure did sound tired. Well... do keep in mind that he'd been doing these in ten-minute chunks for about two hours straight-- and mostly answering the same questions-- BEFORE reaching Francesa.

No doubt.

He's chunking it up with Kay on ESPN 1050 now.

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

Ye Gods.

[metirish]

The one person possibly more smug than Francesa, Alderson's patience will be tested for sure.

I forgot how funny it can be when Francesa gives his football picks to His flock.

[apmorris]

Fatesca keeps on bringing up Torre, I swear if Joe Torre is the Mets manager next year -
I'll run out in center field, dowse myself with green tea and fall asleep (I was going to say "gasoline and set myself on fire" but ... )


ps. I think Backman is a huge risk - Wally Backman will excite the fan base, really?

[Ceetar]

apmorris wrote: Fatesca keeps on bringing up Torre, I swear if Joe Torre is the Mets manager next year - I'll run out in center field, dowse myself with green tea and fall asleep (I was going to say "gasoline and set myself on fire" but ... ) ps. I think Backman is a huge risk - Wally Backman will excite the fan base, really?

The Mets have started to show some small measure of "getting it" in regards to the fans, but if they think Backman or Torre are going to sell tickets...

I guess it's possible as the season goes on, under the right circumstances, but home game 2 and 3?

I'm not even sure Valentine sells Mets tickets in April.

[metirish]

Backman excites the media more than the fans I think, they probably see him as a disaster waiting to happen.


Rubin has some good stuff here

http://proxy.espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/11571/alderson-talking-points

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

You may not be buying but backman would be a huge selling point for the Mets.

I don't think their issue is selling tickets in April. August is where they need the most help.

[apmorris]

metirish wrote: Backman excites the media more than the fans I think, they probably see him as a disaster waiting to happen.

Indeed.

[G-Fafif]

Davey Johnson never sold a single ticket. Davey Johnson's winning ballclubs sold a ton of them.

[Ceetar]

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: You may not be buying but backman would be a huge selling point for the Mets. I don't think their issue is selling tickets in April. August is where they need the most help.

August/summer ticket sell based on the team's performance, but no one's showing up in cold April if they win the first two or something.