2k13 NY Mets: Shea it Ain't So

[umjewman]

Yeah, I'm fine with Collins. I don't know any manager that would have taken the team that was put on the field and been a legitimate contender. He's doing the best he can with the hand he's dealt.

Of course, extending Collins means Backman will probably skedaddle and try to seek other options. In that event, I'm not sure how I feel about extending Collins.

[Don Quixote]

I did say, "I'm not sure how Mets fans are going to take this one", didn't I? I didn't have a clear idea of how the fans felt about Collins, whom I regard as kind of meh as a manager. If you guys think he's OK, fine. I think he did OK with what he had, not good, not bad. At least he wasn't made the scapegoat for the team's performance, as happened to Dale Sveum today.

[umjewman]

I did say, "I'm not sure how Mets fans are going to take this one", didn't I? I didn't have a clear idea of how the fans felt about Collins, whom I regard as kind of meh as a manager. If you guys think he's OK, fine. I think he did OK with what he had, not good, not bad. At least he wasn't made the scapegoat for the team's performance, as happened to Dale Sveum today.

Yeah, I guess the problem I have is given what he was working with, I'm not sure how to evaluate his tenure so far as manager for the Mets. I think he's been OK, so I'm fine sticking with him and hopefully improving the product on the field.

[Don Quixote]

Yeah, I guess the problem I have is given what he was working with, I'm not sure how to evaluate his tenure so far as manager for the Mets. I think he's been OK, so I'm fine sticking with him and hopefully improving the product on the field.

I'll agree that there are bigger needs for this team, on and off the field. Given that this is an outsider's view, but while I saw improvement in many areas over the season, I didn't see that much in the way of resolution (as in "This won't be a problem for several years") other than 2B and perhaps CF and closer. The rotation could have been locked down but for that perpetual Mets problem, major injuries. All the corners other than 3B are the big issue IMO.

[Roto Rooter]

Indifference is about all I can say for Collins. Not sure wear Revo gets his "great" grade from, but most Mets fans are very MEH when it comes to Collins. He's just sort of there like grandpa sitting on the couch. You don't expect much, so there's nothing to lose. Pretty much a continuing place holder until they need an actual manager who can handle a pitching staff and bench.

[Don Quixote]

I'm not sure what message the front office is sending with the Collins extension. Is it "We have confidence in Terry", "We have bigger issues to address", "We don't feel the need to find a scapegoat", or "We're content with finishing third and don't care about contending"?

[Roto Rooter]

I'm not sure what message the front office is sending with the Collins extension. Is it "We have confidence in Terry", "We have bigger issues to address", "We don't feel the need to find a scapegoat", or "We're content with finishing third and don't care about contending"?

The message is that Collins is affordable and a company man, so catch the excitement and buy season tickets. Sandy and his crew like a manager they can control. There is zero chance Backman or a manager like him will ever be hired under the Alderson regime.

[Don Quixote]

The message is that Collins is affordable and a company man, so catch the excitement and buy season tickets. Sandy and his crew like a manager they can control. There is zero chance Backman or a manager like him will ever be hired under the Alderson regime.

I wonder if that is such a bad thing when you're rebuilding. Generate phony excitement with a flashy manager, or try to build a team's confidence with someone less excitable who can give the players time to grow?

I don't think you're going to win titles with a manager like Collins, but you may make it easier for the next guy and you may get there sooner by not destroying the confidence of the few top-notch youngsters you have or will have soon.

Again, I'm neutral on the guy.

[revo]

Indifference is about all I can say for Collins. Not sure wear Revo gets his "great" grade from, but most Mets fans are very MEH when it comes to Collins. He's just sort of there like grandpa sitting on the couch. You don't expect much, so there's nothing to lose. Pretty much a continuing place holder until they need an actual manager who can handle a pitching staff and bench.

'Great' may have been too strong a word, but I think most Met fans like Collins.

[Sharky]

Ultimately I want to see the Mets sign that Cuban 1B (Jose Abreu?) and Shin Soo Choo. That would give a power bat at 1B, and a high-obp guy who can play LF (leaving Lagares for his gold glove defense in CF). That would go a long way. Not too many big SS available via free agency, so spend the money elsewhere. Abreu wouldn't cost anything besides money; Choo would, but the Mets were bad enough in 2013 that their #10 pick is protected anyway.

[Don Quixote]

Ultimately I want to see the Mets sign that Cuban 1B (Jose Abreu?) and Shin Soo Choo. That would give a power bat at 1B, and a high-obp guy who can play LF (leaving Lagares for his gold glove defense in CF). That would go a long way. Not too many big SS available via free agency, so spend the money elsewhere. Abreu wouldn't cost anything besides money; Choo would, but the Mets were bad enough in 2013 that their #10 pick is protected anyway.

Choo would be a great signing, so long as you play him in right and not center. The guy has good power and speed, plus he was an on-base machine this year. Abreu is an absolute wild card, like all Cubans. I'm not sure the Mets will pay the going rate for either, let alone both.

[Roto Rooter]

The Mets will be shopping at the clearance aisle once again. They are already trying to refinance their loan debt that has been refinanced 2 or 3 times already just to make operating costs. Don't be fooled they are BROKE and in major debt.

http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/sports/2013/10/8534231/and-now-mets-rebuilding-plans-depend-jpmorgan-chase

[Don Quixote]

The Mets will be shopping at the clearance aisle once again. They are already trying to refinance their loan debt that has been refinanced 2 or 3 times already just to make operating costs. Don't be fooled they are BROKE and in major debt.

http://www.capitalnewyork.com/articl...jpmorgan-chase

One possible good result from Bud Selig's retirement is the possibility that the new Commissioner will not be a pal of the Wilpons and will force these nickel-and-dimers to sell the team.

I know the Mets will be the #2 team in New York; always have been, always will be. However, they should at least be competitive. Why Selig refuses to acknowledge this and force the Wilpons out is a mystery.

[Judge Jude]

"I know the Mets will be the #2 team in New York; always have been, always will be."

The Mets had a significant edge in fandom in the NYC area from around 1984-90, especially 1985-88 when they averaged 100 wins a year. The bandwagon was gasping and wheezing by the late part of that run. Mets caps were everywhere. The Mets not only were averaging 3 millions fans at Shea per season, the Yankees were averaging about 750K less than that, even with pretty good teams (but not great) teams themselves. The swagger of the 1986 Mets in particular won over a ton of the fickler Yankees fans.

The high ticket prices and lack of homegrown new talent has alienated a lot of current Yankees fans already. TV ratings plummeted 31 pct from 20102 even with the Mariano Farewell Tour (TM) and a good team for most of the year. No one ever called New York the most loyal sports market.

If they nosedive and the Mets young pitching is for real - ok, the Mets would be one ownership sale away from having a shot at reclaiming the top spot in about 5 years.

But as long as the Wilpons there, at least you'll have the "always will be" part right.

[revo]

Mike Baxter claimed off waivers by the Dodgers
Robert Carson claimed off waivers by the Angels