Recap: Live Chat with Sandy Alderson
This afternoon at Citi Field, Mets GM Sandy Alderson participated in a webcast on Mets.com, answering questions sent in via the “Flushing Flash” as well as questions sent in via Twitter.
Update, 12:05 pm:
Alderson hopes to have an announcement about the coaching staff today.
He is most proud of the trade he made for Dennis Eckersley, and least proud of signing Ruben Sierra to a multi-year deal, after trading Jose Canseco for him, saying “You don’t always make a trade and sign a guy to a multi year deal, just because you make a trade.”
Update, 12:10 pm:
Asked what he thought the biggest change in 2011 would be, Alderson said:
“Right out of the chute, the new manager. Collins will be someone fans will have a hard time ignoring. Very energetic, enthusiastic. Fans will notice his presence right away.”
Update, 12:17 pm:
Asked about his plan for the Mets two and three years out, Alderson said:
“There has to be an overall vision. There has to be a set of goals which allow is to fulfill that vision, and then you have to execute those goals on a consistent basis. We want to win, and be a consistent winner My definition of a winner is a little broader – we want to win, but known for how we win, how to go about things. Pitching is important, and offense needs to improve. Infrastructure is important. We’ve really built out the front office infrastructure down through player development. Plan is to be a winner on a consistent basis, and in order to do that is to be able to rely on a solid infrastructure. Consistency and excellence across the board on the baseball side.”
Update, 12:20 pm:
Alderson once again reiterated there is a lot of money committed for 2011. Regarding adding a starting pitcher, they are looking at people who have a high upside, and/or people coming back from injury.
Update, 12:21 pm:
“Pitch counts have invaded the mental approach to pitching, and that’s unfortunate.”
He did go on to say there is evidence that pitchers who have been overworked early in their careers are sometimes negatively impacted later on.
Update, 12:26 pm:
“Nobody goes home happy except if you win the World Series. Even when you finish second, you’re not happy. On the other hand, if we can put ourselves in position to be there every year, that would be a good thing…We want ot be in a position to be in the World Series every year.”
Update, 12:30 pm:
Regarding the status of Omar Minaya, Alderson said he will meet with him soon, but a lot depends on what he wants to do going forward.
He also spoke about the roles of both Mookie Wilson and Ken Oberkfell, saying Mookie Wilson will be at first base, but will coach the outfielders as well. He feels at the major league level, player development is still important, and so his ability to teach is important as a coach.
About Ken Oberkfell, he says he has a little different personality than Collins – More laid back. As a bench coach, he will be providing advice in game as well as pre-game. He also brings a thorough knowledge of our organization.
Update, 12:31 pm:
Alderson says he is uncertain who might win the second base job out of Spring Training.
Update, 12:35 pm:
“It’s a unique year for us” Alderson said. “Our first line of players is excellent, but we don’t have depth, so it’s a perfect time to take a shot with younger players and see what they can do.”
Update, 12:38 pm:
Asked what people can expect from him this year, Alderson said he hopes to be aggressive with good judgment, and “we will not settle”. He feels there is a reason to be excited about 2011, but he’s particularly excited about the long term potential of the organization.
“We’re here to execute.”
The webcast has concluded.
