Sandy gets a gift: Signs two-year extension
Sandy Alderson is back, but the Mets are not saying for how long. The Mets announced that they had agreed to an extension with their general manager Wednesday night, but declined to give the details of the contract. A team source said it is a two-year extension, as expected. Alderson was hired after the 2010 season to replace Omar Minaya. In his seven years at the helm, the Mets have made back-to-back playoff appearances, including an appearance in the 2015 World Series. Alderson was honored as the 2015 Baseball America Executive of the Year. But during his tenure, the Mets are just 551-563 overall. The 12th GM in franchise history, Alderson has had to guide the Mets through turbulent financial times as the Bernie Madoff scandal handcuffed ownership early on in his tenure. To try to rebuild the franchise, Alderson cut payroll and shed long-term contracts that were emblematic of previous regimes.
“I’m excited that Sandy will continue to lead the organization,” said Mets COO Jeff Wilpon in a statement released by the team Wednesday night.
“I feel that we have some unfinished business,” said Alderson in the same statement. “Spring Training is around the corner and our quest to return to the postseason will continue.”
STEVE TAKES STAND
Whether you believe him or not, Steve Phillips wants Mets fans to know that the Wilpons care.
The Mets owners have come under fire from their fanbase for their frugal ways this offseason following a dismal 70-92 season.
But Phillips, the team’s former general manager, says criticism from the fans is misplaced.
“Mets fans have such little empathy for ownership,” Phillips wrote in a string of Twitter posts on Wednesday. “The Madoff situation crippled them financially less than 10 years ago. It was a betrayal to the Nth degree. It crushed them spiritually, emotionally and financially. They never complain about it. They don’t use it as an excuse.”
Phillips defended the Wilpons’ lack of spending, arguing that their refusal to give up the team shows their dedication to the franchise.
“What if it was you who lost millions? Wouldn’t you try to keep your business afloat? Wouldn’t you still be passionate about the things you love? The Wilpons are good people,” Phillips continued. “They care about the fans and the team. Don’t you think they wish they could do it differently?
“They aren’t cheap! They do care! As much or more than the fans who criticize them. Put yourself in their shoes for just a minute. Give them some credit for surviving what might have broken a different owner. For what might have broken me or even you.”
Phillips also tweeted that he doesn’t “believe for one second the Wilpons knew what Madoff was doing,” noting that, “The #Mets had a $155M payroll in ‘17. That’s not cheap! The #Indians, #Astros, #DBacks, #Twins and #Rockies all spent less and made the playoffs.”