Opinion: Alderson Taking the Proper Approach

Bobby Heck and Tommy Tanous were two names mentioned here last week in the Mets search for a president of baseball operations or combining the role as the general manager. Heck, assistant to the GM of the Tampa Bay Rays. and according to a longtime NL executive, is not out of the question in the continued search.

Tanous is a long shot and was vice president of international scouting and development for the Mets the past four years. 

However, as we heard Monday, Sandy Alderson is halting the search for a director of baseball operations. The emphasis will be hiring a general manager who will report to Alderson.

All of this is good as the Mets are keeping fans and baseball informed and that is a contrast from the previous regime of the Wilpons. There is that necessity to fill the gaps as to who will work under Alderson,

However, with the annual Winter meetings approaching in two weeks, and virtual for the first time, that need to put the proper personnel in place is important. 

No worries, though, because as I say the “Master” Sandy Alderson is moving along. Eventually the proper personnel will be put in place and in a matter of time, Steve Cohen and Alderson will deliver their first big splash via free agency.

So expect, as I am told, for the Mets to be active. The names of George Springer, Trevor Bauer and James McCann are in the hunt. J.T. Realmuto, perhaps. 

And according to that NL executive, the Mets and 29 other teams will pursue the free agent pool and trade talks at some point in the next few weeks as the complexion of baseball economics has changed with the loss of revenue due to COVID.

But Sandy Alderson is patient and  Monday afternoon, as was the case two weeks ago with Steve Cohen, during the initial Zoom press conference, was sincere and to the point. Again, that was a stark contrast from his first time around as the Mets GM. 

His comments were convincing. He said Luis Rojas was informed about returning as the manager. 

I have learned that Heck and Tanous have continued to be in the discussion about the GM role. But for the moment, as Alderson said, he will play a greater role in baseball operations. Again, it’s finding the right candidates and Bobby Heck is possibly one of them.

Perhaps, and because of contractual obligations, Bobby Heck and others are not available. And with John Ricco working side-by-side with Alderson, that’s all good. Regardless, the search will be ongoing. Sandy Alderson has the experience and knowledge to move along and conduct business.

So there is nothing new to report about the Mets making the first and big splash in free agency. We do know, the Mets continue to be a buzz of baseball in what is the most interesting offseason of their franchise.

We do know the needs of pitching, catcher, and outfielder. Francisco Lindor talk has diminished for the moment and I don’t expect the Mets to have a bidding war over DJ LeMahieu.

Expect the Yankees to eventually re-sign LeMahieu. If not, the Yankees lose that leadoff hitter and catalyst to their lineup, though he would be a valuable asset to the Mets in that spot. 

And Alderson said, “I don’t think we’re a player away. I think we need more than that, Do we have a good foundation? Yes. I think we have an excellent foundation. But I think that our needs are multiple at this point.”

That comment was a contrast. Remember, as much as the Mets looked good on paper it was Brodie Van Wegenen, in his introductory press conference, saying his team was the team to chase. 

For sure, Monday we heard a different approach to the needs. And as much as fans want to see a championship in 2021, patience they say is a virtue.

Look at it two ways. Steve Cohen said a World Series championship is the goal whether it be now or the next few years. Then again, getting to the postseason is the goal of every team and that should be the goal. 

The Mets will fill in and have the pieces to be a postseason team when MLB is ready to commence in 2021. Sandy Alderson said the right things Monday.

And the proper approach is patience. Sandy Alderson is in control. The front office will evolve. But have trust in who I call “The Master.”