On WFAN: Sandy Alderson 'Pleased And Gratified' With Mets' Play
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- After beating the Braves on Wednesday, the Mets are at .500 for the first time in almost a month, a record that has general manager Sandy Alderson "pleased and gratified."
"I'm not surprised, but I know many people are," Alderson told WFAN's Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts on Thursday. "When you're with it day to day and you see what these guys are doing and how hard they're working, as I said, it's very gratifying."
Alderson said the Mets' turnaround is in no small part due to manager Terry Collins, who he described as "terrific in a variety of ways."
"He, of course, came in with a reputation for some intensity and energy," said Alderson. "I think it's been well received and I think it's been within limits. With the exception of one press conference I can remember him having ... I think that intensity and energy has been really well directed."
LISTEN: Sandy Alderson with Joe & Evan
Alderson's focus was quickly turned to Jose Reyes, who has been the subject of heated trade speculation all season.
"We said that we will reach out to Jose at some point and I expect that will happen," he said. "This is a two-sided process. Jose may decide that he wants to test free agency. He may have other ideas. ... He's expressed, I think, his loyalty to New York and the fans of New York. So we'll see what happens."
According to the GM, the Mets' front office hears the fans -- loud and clear -- regarding Reyes.
"If you go back to spring training, I made a comment that the fans' attitude toward certain other players or a player had an effect on the decision we made to let that player go," Alderson said, possibly referring to Oliver Perez or Luis Castillo. "We know how the fans feel about Jose, that's something that certainly gets taken into account."
Mets fans remember Scott Kazmir, the once promising left-handed prospect traded from New York to Tampa Bay -- and released by the Angels on Wednesday.
"We check the waiver wire every day and are looking at those things, obviously aware that Scott was released," said Alderson. "As I said, we take a look at everything. So everything's a possibility."
Alderson had predicted a win total in the high 80's during an early-season appearance with Mike Francesa. Knowing what he knows now, with the injuries to David Wright and Ike Davis, does he still think the Mets can reach the high mark?
"Let's just see where this is gonna take us," said Alderson. "It's probably not wise to make any more predictions."
Will Alderson be able to wrap up Reyes? Sound off in the comments below...
(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
