Eddie C's Mets Notebook: Alderson Done Holiday Shopping?
By Ed Coleman
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The next big thing, or solution to a club's shortstop problem, is supposed to be Jung-Ho Kang, the Korean slugger who smashed 40 homers and drove in 117 runs in his homeland.
But try as they may, try as they might, Met fans can't seem to convince their team to be gung-ho on Jung-Ho. That's not Fred Flintstone you hear shouting for "Wilma" -- that's Mets GM Sandy Alderson shouting for "Wilmer," as in Flores, more and more likely his Opening Day shortstop.
Alderson addressed the media during the Mets' annual Kids Holiday Party (and you'll hear the kids singing in the background to accompany Alderson's remarks that follow). The shortstop market is dwindling rapidly. Jed Lowrie was just signed by the Houston Astros. The Mariners don't want Brad Miller going anywhere. The Cubs feel likewise about Starlin Castro. Didi Gregorius is already crosstown, replacing the captain, Derek Jeter.
So Sandy, why not take a flyer on Kang?
Alderson On Kang
And probably highly unlikely they will bite at all. The Mets have been fairly quiet thus far, and will probably remain so until after the first of the year, as Alderson explains:
Alderson On Future Moves
The Mets did do something at the winter meetings, signing John Mayberry Jr. to a $1.45 million contract. Alderson was asked about the impetus for the move.
Alderson On Mayberry Jr.
The Mets are trying to gain some balance from the right-hand side, and also get more productive versus lefties. There was only one team in all of baseball -- the Seattle Mariners -- that had a worse team OPS vs. lefties than the Mets (.633).
Alderson On Woes Vs. Lefties
Speaking of left-handers, there's an opening in the Mets bullpen for another southpaw to join Josh Edgin.
How is Alderson approaching the search for that vacancy?
Alderson On Bullpen Vacancy
In other words, you can probably rule out my choice, Craig Breslow, a guy who fits into the bounce-back or buy-low, sell-high category. But Breslow made $3.8 million last season, and that's way out of the Mets' parameters for bullpen help.
Jenrry Mejia and Jeurys Familia were on hand Tuesday to play Santa and his elf, respectively. Mejia was asked whether he'd have a problem if the rehabbing Bobby Parnell took over as the closer when ready.
Mejia On His Role
Mejia gave the politically correct answer for sure, but also made a good point about everyone being healthy in the Met bullpen.
Mejia On Bullpen Health
And what would a Mets get-together be worth without ascertaining the status of prodigal son Matt Harvey.
Alderson was quizzed on whether plans have been finalized for using the right-hander next season.
Alderson On Harvey
If indeed it is Wilmer Flores who ends up securing the shortstop job, realize this -- he does have a strong upside. He wouldn't be my first choice, but he has spent a good chunk of the offseason already working out in Port St. Lucie with new strength and conditioning coach Mike Barwis.
Flores is bigger, stronger -- oh, let's admit it, he's a lean, mean fighting machine ready for the challenge and the naysayers.
By the way, has anyone seen Troy Tulowitzki?
C U soon
Eddie C.
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