SAVAGE VIEWS – Random Thoughts

  

Got a lot on my mind these days.  I see brighter days ahead starting with 2024.  Here’s my thoughts on a wide range of issues.

SIGN PETE, or not -  Let’s face it, Alonso is an iconic figure in a Mets uniform and most of us want him to finish a potentially Hall of Fame career in Flushing.   However, there is the question of whether he can agree to a reasonable contract that falls within a targeted amount.  A reasonable contract, in my opinion, would be for a term not greater than 5 years for not more than $200M.  If his contract demands are for more years and money, then we should probably trade him for potential top of the rotation pitching.  

We dodged a bullet when the Carlos Correa signing fell through.  The idea of signing anyone over the age of 25 to a 12-year deal is ludicrous.  As an example, the deal for Nimmo is eventually going to bite them in the butt.

OHTANI as a Met.  - There is no question that he is the top-rated player in the game.  Signing him makes any team an instant contender.  However, he will probably demand a contract for at least 10 years north of $500M.  Sorry, but I have this aversion to long-term expensive contracts.  Better to spend the money on a couple of starting pitchers and to beef up the bullpen.  Look how well the Angels have performed with both Trout and Ohtani in the lineup.

40 MAN ROSTER DECISIONS -  There are probably 12-15 players currently on the 40-man roster who are expendable.  Reid Garrett, Phil Bickford, Jeff Bingham, Johathon Arauz, Tim Locastro, Daniel Vogelbach, Carlos Carrasco, Sean Reid-Foley, Vince Natttoli, Sam Conrood, Danny Mendick, Denyi Reyes, Rafael Ortega and John Curtis.  In view of all the projected openings there is no reason to lose any prospect in the Rule 5 Draft.  

Players that my need to be protected include: Joander Suarez, Jeremiah Jackson, Rowdy Jordan, Carlos Cortes, and Justin Jarvis.  There may be others that I overlooked.  But it would be gross mismanagement to lose any prospects.

WILL BUCK RETURN – Now that David Stearns has agreed to become President of operations, there is a legitimate reason to question whether Buck Showalter is allowed to finish the third year of his contract.  It may depend on whether Stearns can convince Craig Counsell to take the reigns.  Buck has shown the ability to manage a mostly veteran club.  Beginning in 2024, the Mets will be getting younger.  Counsell would appear to be a better fit.

WILL METS BE COMPETITIVE IN 2024 – There is no question that the Mets will field a very competitive team in 2024.  They will probably add two top of the rotation guys to the pitching staff.  Options for the bullpen include current roster players such as Peterson, Butto, Lucchesi and MeGill.  One of them may wind up being the 5^th starter and the others would be available as spot starters.  Of course, having Diaz back will make the others better.

As I’ve said before, I like our future.

Ray