Another Thought On Reyes

Recently Sandy Alderson had an interview session with some other Mets Bloggers and despite this site's owner not being invited for some crazy reason, that doesn't mean we can't take a look at something the Sandy said which has got me thinking about a possible different direction the Mets might take.

The question was brought up to Sandy about the money that would be saved if Jose decides to sign elsewhere. Sandy's answer surprised me a little bit because he said that the money saved would be diverted into another avenue in this year's player payroll. I didn't think that was the case. I assumed that the money saved would go right back into the Wilpons empty wallets, and still wouldn't be surprised if that was the case.

However, let's take a look at what might happen if indeed that money does go towards somewhere else on the roster. My first thought is that they could use it in at least two different ways. First, in upgrading who plays center field and also in bringing in another really good set up man that will help bridge that big gap in between their starting pitchers and the closer they were going to sign regardless of whether Jose signs back with them or not. At this point, because both Grady Sizemore and David DeJesus have been signed, the pickings for center field are pretty slim. What we have in Angel Pagan might actually be the best value for the money that they'd have to spend. My thought is that they could move Jason Bay, who is a very good outfielder, over into center field and possibly sign a player like Micheal Cuddyer or even Carlos Beltran to take over Bay's vacated slot into left. With the fences moving in, I don't see why Bay couldn't handle the position, and the offense gained in acquiring one of those two player would be excellent; especially if Jose leaves. That's just a thought.

Also, perhaps signing a very good reliever like Octavio Dotel or even someone better, would fit nicely into the budget when you consider that the Mets probably will be saving anywhere from 15 to 20 million if Jose leaves. I think you could easily sign someone for the outfield and a quality set up man for that money. When you take into account that it will be Ruben Tejada who takes over for Reyes if he leaves, that means you'll basically be getting three different guys for the same price you'd pay to keep Reyes. I don't know about you, but for the sake of this post, having Tejada, Cuddyer, and Dotel instead of just Jose Reyes, it wouldn't be that bad of a swap. Actually, the team might be even better if they go that route.

Whatever happens, the best move for the Mets would be the ones that happen sooner rather then later. Before these quality players are no longer options. With the winter meetings coming up, players will be off the board pretty quickly and the best ones usually go first. By waiting around for Reyes' market to develop, you might be costing the team a chance to improve. I know it's not good in negotiation to throw out your best offer, but knowing what Miami threw out there will help.

Let me be honest here and say that I wouldn't be shocked if thew Mets simply put that cash right back into their pockets. By the time Jose's situation gets settled, Alderson might not have the attractive pieces left out there that he would want to spend that cash on, and I wouldn't doubt it if that's their whole plan to begin with. Hold off on signing Jose as long as possible, let the rest of the players that also cost the most get signed, and once Reyes finally walks away, they'll be standing there with that 20 million dollars and nothing to spend it on. I know that sounds crazy, but I can say for sure that it wouldn't happen. Can you?