New York Mets announce ‘alternate’ plan – MLB Update
While the New York Mets continue to assert that Jose Reyes is their top priority for the offseason, they have already formulated a back-up plan in case their home-grown All-Star decides to change alliance and move to another ballclub.
Even before the season ended, the Mets had voiced their concerns over the inflated payroll and had hinted of slashing it substantially for 2012. With Reyes approaching free agency for the first time in his career, it seemed unlikely that the Mets will make
a substantial offer to retain the 2011 batting champion. The Mets went a step ahead and did not extend an offer at all, stressing that it will not be fair to make an offer unless other teams have determined a price tag for the unusual talent at shortstop,
who is equally effective on the offensive front.
Earlier, the management had announced Ruben Tejada as the team’s new shortstop if Jose changes alliance and have now asserted that Daniel Murphy will be employed as an everyday player at second base to compensate for the loss of offence suffered by Reyes’
possible move.
It will be vital to highlight that Citi Field is undergoing drastic changes for the next season in a bid to make conditions more neutral for the hitters. Previously, hitting home-runs was virtually impossible had it not been for Reyes. With the shortstop
now testing waters in the free agency market, the likes of David Wright and Murphy are expected to carry the offence when the team takes field in the next season.
Mets’ general manager has hinted that his priority for the offseason was to improve the bull-pen, which failed miserably towards the end of this past season. Given that the team is not willing to spend extra bucks, it is likely that no big name will be signed
by the Mets. The current payroll of 140-million-dollars is expected to be trimmed to 115-million-dollars and rest assured, Reyes’ inclusion will surely hamper this cause.
Injuries continue to haunt Reyes, but he overcame all obstacles to be crowned as 2011 batting champion. It will be interesting to see how far the Marlins go in their bid to land Reyes.
Tags: