Alderson On Offseason: 'It's An Incomplete, But There's Still Time In The Semester'
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- Mets general manager Sandy Alderson didn't do much to improve the Mets for the 2013 season, and that may be the understatement of the year.
A well-respected baseball man who has been an executive for years, Alderson is the first to admit that he hasn't done enough this offseason.
"I'd say right now it's an incomplete, but there's still time in the semester," Alderson told WFAN's Mike Francesa on Thursday. "...We've been watching the market. We know what's available, we've known what's available. We reconvene and review periodically, meaning every couple of days. There are a number of things that we're currently involved in pursuing, and we're hopeful that we'll have some additions before spring training starts.
"I expect that we will have some additions, but at this point, to say we've been patient is probably an understatement. But that's what we've been."
Alderson hasn't signed any major league free agents this winter, but he has made some terrific moves that figure to benefit the franchise greatly in the future. The general manager inked superstar third baseman David Wright to an eight-year, $138 million extension and traded National League Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey for a package that included top prospects Travis d'Arnaud and Noah Syndergaard.
The Mets have arguably the worst outfield in the league as Opening Day approaches, and Alderson is actively looking for help in that area.
"The outfield is not a strength at this point, there's no question about that," Alderson said. "There's a need, I think, for an upgrade at virtually every one of those positions ... We're working on it ... How would I handicap the possibility of (us making big moves)? It's difficult. (It's) probably 50-50."
The Mets' outfield currently consists of Lucas Duda starting in left field, Kirk Nieuwenhuis starting in center field and Mike Baxter starting in right field. Jordany Valdespin and potentially Collin Cowgill will likely come off the bench.
Fans and pundits alike have suggested that Alderson has his eye on 2014, when the team's prospects will be a year older and a huge chunk of change will come off the books.
Alderson acknowledges that he's eyeing 2014, but his main focus remains on the upcoming season.
"My dominant eye is on 2013," Alderson said. "You're looking at both (years), no question about that. But the stronger focus is on '13, and I know that doesn't really corroborate with what we've done this offseason. But let's see, when everything is said and done, where we are. And I can assure you that where we are now is not where we want to be (come) spring training ... It's not where we want to be."
Will the Mets acquire a major leaguer before Opening Day, or is this the roster we'll have to live with? Sound off with your thoughts and comments below...
