On-Base Perception
Newsday's new all-encompassing baseball blog on the Yankees, Mets, MLB and more from around the sport.
Sandy Alderson and the Mets: a defense of 'the plan'
Photo credit: Christopher Pasatieri
Here’s the first thing Mets fans need to know about the job General Manager Sandy Alderson has done over the last three seasons in Flushing: he’s acquired Zack Wheeler and Travis d’Arnaud, stud prospects kept from the major league roster by service time considerations and a freak injury, respectively.
The second thing is – wait, you still need a second thing?
Alderson has taken a lot...
Read more »For Mets, the weather watch never stops
Photo credit: AP
MINNEAPOLIS -- Following last night's 16-5 victory over the Twins, Mets manager Terry Collins shook hands with his players. They felt like ice cubes. It shouldn't be as bad on Saturday afternoon, when the Mets and Twins will play in 35-degree weather around first pitch.
However, the Mets might not see even passable weather for the next five days.
Forecasts are calling for an 80 percent...
Read more »Source: Alderson & Co. watched Young's final Nationals start
Photo credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla -- Could the Mets and pitcher Chris Young be primed for a reunion?
With the Mets' pitching depth in peril thanks to injuries, and Young available after opting out of his minor league deal with the Nationals, the conditions seem ripe for another run together. According to a rival executive, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson attended Young's final start with the Nationals...
Read more »Alderson: Getting Wright back by Opening Day a 'realistic' goal
Photo credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Third baseman David Wright took his first swings since suffering an intercostal strain at the World Baseball Classic. After fielding grounders at third base for the second-straight day, Wright hit off a tee in the batting cages, marking another step forward.
"First time I'm hitting, so it's good," said Wright, who felt no pain during his workout.
The...
Read more »Jordany Valdespin playing way into everyday spot for Mets
Photo credit: Alejandra Villa
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- If Jordany Valdespin can bring his spring success into the regular season, he may find himself a spot as an everyday outfielder.
"It depends on his bat," general manager Sandy Alderson said. "I think he can handle the outfield. It's a question of how much he contributes with the bat."
Valdespin is hitting .348/.388/.609 with four homers and...
Read more »Daniel Murphy back to New York
Photo credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- A few quick notes from the first full-squad workouts here on Monday:
-- Second baseman Daniel Murphy is headed back to New York to be examined after complaining of an issue in his ribs (intercostal). General manager Sandy Alderson said Murphy is expected to miss a week and may have a cortisone shot.
-- As expected, Alderson confirmed that the Mets have refused...
Read more »Sandy Alderson: Mets 'not that far off' from being competitive
Photo credit: Christopher Pasatieri
Mets general manager Sandy Alderson fielded some questions on Monday afternoon during a sit-down with reporters. With the offseason winding down, and spring training set to begin in a week, Alderson covered a wide range of topics. But he emphasized one critical point.
When it comes to the Mets becoming competitive again, Alderson said: "It's not that far off."
Here's a few...
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