Why contract extensions of New York Mets’ David Wright, R.A. Dickey cannot materialise?-MLB Part 1
Offseason is rising toward its conclusion, reducing the chances after every day that New York Mets grant contract extensions to third baseman David Wright and starting pitcher R.A. Dickey.
While as soon as regular season came to an end it looked as if the Mets will clinch the deals with these two players immediately, right now it appears that they are moving in the opposite direction.
One can get the impression that the negotiations are on the brink of failure and the parting of the ways between both the parties is around the corner.
It will be unfortunate to see Wright leaving the club after staying with the team for such a long time. It is more so in light of the fact that he has special memories with the Mets, for example the day when he became the All-time best player with maximum
number of hits for the team.
Similarly, he has been representing the Mets in high profile contests between the National League and the American League over the last few years. His All-Star calibre makes him a treat to watch for the spectators.
For the fans his absence in the team for the seasons beyond 2013 will be disheartening as the player they can look up to at their most disappointing moments will not be available.
Every time the Mets struggle during the season, the fans keep coming to the stadium. Only reason they show up even in the face of the certainty of the embarrassment is the stars like Wright and Dickey they are so proud of.
For example, they are curious about their individual brilliances. This very stimulation in their heart keeps bringing them into the park.
The question at the moment is why the Mets are delaying the materialisation of the agreements despite the fact they earnestly want to retain both Dickey and Wright.
First reason that springs to mind swiftly is the money issue. After their stand out shows during 2012 regular season, it is believable that they are fancying blockbuster offerings.
They have a legitimate case to expect that the Mets allocate the bulk of their resources for them. Off-course, they can resort to brinkmanship, especially under the fact that free agency is an option for them. They can be valued at premium by many organisations
and thus can be offered the kind of deals they dream of.
Undoubtedly, the Mets face a predicament. Neither they want to lose them nor are they in a position to sign multi-year and million dollar contracts.
The fact the Mets used options shows that the talks are yet inconclusive. It gives clear indications that concerns remain between both the parties. Just when the Mets realised that finalising the agreements anytime soon is not possible, they picked up the
options on Dickey and Wright, making sure that they enjoy their prestigious presence in the team for one more season.
It can be speculated that the possible point of contention is the number of years. Wright may be looking for somewhere around seven to eight years. On the other hand, the Mets, fearful of the decline of Wright down the line, may be unwilling to overpay him
after the passage of a few years.
How the massive multi-year contract signed by the New York Yankees with third baseman Alex Rodriguez is causing an excessive cash outflow from their club at the moment will be in the mind of the Mets’ officials.
They will be mindful of how even the legend can experience a fall in performance and as a result become an extreme financial burden on the team.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
Continued in Part 2
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