Poll: How long is Sandy's leash?

We're entering Year Two of Sandy Alderson & Co. and with the Wilpons finances and the bevy of talent in the NL East, I'm wondering how long Mets fans will (have to) wait to see a competitive team on the field.

Obviously, this year and next year, he gets a bit of a pass. Coming to a new team and turning it into your team is no easy task. Sandy is around for two more years, with an option for 2015. Is 2014 the year you expect him to produce something good? Do you expect an extension, possibly without a playoff appearance? If you had to put money on a sports betting website, what year would be the best?

When will he put a competitive team on the field? (Competitive meaning - in this context - they can make the playoffs and challenge for the World Series.)

Vote below, and leave your thoughts in the comments...

Mike Francesa is a bum

"I would say there's a better chance that the Mets win the pennant"

-Mike Francesa, on if he would reunite with Chris "Mad Dog" Russo after his contract ends in 2014

On Dickey to Kilimanjaro: I'm with the Mets

A lot of hubbub was made yesterday about the Mets trying to put a stop to R.A. Dickey's trek to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro for charity.

Usually, the teams makes silly or stupid decisions regarding things like this, and though an unpopular move, I'm with them on this one.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is not a walk in the park. He's not cycling around Central Park for charity, running in a 5K or going door-to-door selling cookies (thought the Mets may need to resort to that to pay some bills). He's climbing a freaking mountain - and it's not just any mountain - it's the highest mountain in Africa.

Would you want your second best pitcher (or best pitcher, if you like) climbing a 19,000 foot mountain? Heck, you're all Mets fans - do you want him doing it? Would you want to do it?

A lot can go wrong up there. It's dangerous, cold, dangerous, windy, dangerous, a volcano and very, very dangerous. You'd never catch me up there.

Dickey, though, seems adamant that he will be making the trek no matter what. So, the most the Mets and fans can do is wish him well and hope he stays safe.

Good luck. Godspeed. Please don't die.

R.A. Dickey in an oxygen-deprivation mask

Go to this Wall Street Journal article to see the greatest photo of R.A. Dickey ever taken.

Thank me later.

Beltran to the Cardinals

Conversation on first day of Cardinals Spring Training... Carlos Beltran: "Hey man, nice curveball." Adam Wainwright: "Yeah, thanks."

— Andrew Vazzano (@TheRopolitans) December 23, 2011

#MetsChristmasSongs

Have one of your own? Share it in the comments!

Bloggers react to flurry of Mets moves

After all the moves last night, let's roundup some thoughts from around the baseball blogsphere...

Joe Janish at Mets Today

Sure, the Mets lost shortstop Jose Reyes, but Sandy Alderson is not one to let grass grow under his feet. The genius GM made a whirlwind of moves guaranteed to make the Mets almost as good as they were in 2011 — and at minimum, assures them a fifth-place finish in the NL East.

Ted Berg at TedQuarters

I suppose that leaves the bullpen looking something like: Francisco, Ramirez, Rauch, Acosta, Bobby Parnell, Tim Byrdak and, I don’t know… Pedro Beato? DJ Carrasco? Daniel Herrera? Longman McGee? I guess there’s no reason to settle on the 12th pitcher in December. Plus there’s a solid chance more trades will be made. Hell, at this rate there’s a strong possibility more trades have been made while I’ve been writing this.

Toby Hyde at Mets Minor League Blog

Sure, the Mets bullpen looks better this morning than it did yesterday.  Of course, Terry Collins is happy.  His job just got easier.  The reinforced bullpen might even help the Mets win an extra game or two in 2012.

Howard Megdal at LoHud Mets Blog

No, they didn’t just win the pennant, for those who want to dismiss any minor move. But this is a good move for the Mets.

Eno Sarris at FanGraphs

There are reasons not to like these deals — dollars per win, Francisco’s health, Rauch’s mediocrity, the current state of the Mets — but the fact remains that Bobby Parnell has not proven he can be a cheap closer, the Mets revamped a sorry bullpen for a decent price, and they may have even acquired a piece with future trade value.

JB at JBMets

Just looking at the bullpen, tonight was a great night for the Mets.  Rauch and Rodriguez are great additions, and really bring some depth to the bullpen.  Terry now has a few guys he can turn to late in games.  Francisco wasn't my choice for closer, but it is nice knowing that someone is there.  And the price was right, which I'm sure played a huge role in Sandy's decision. 

 Have your own link? Leave it in the comments.

Mets making moves: Deal Pagan; Add Rauch, Torres, Ramirez, Francisco

Jose Reyes who?

Just kidding.

The Mets went out in the wake of Reyes taking his talents to South Beach and inked Jon Rauch for $3.5 million, plus incentives. Sandy Alderson also went out and dealt Angel Pagan to the Giants for Andres Torres and Ramon Ramirez, pending physicals. Then, as if the first two deals weren't enough, they signed Frank Francisco, of chair-throwing fame, to a two-year deal, also pending a physical.

+Rauch
+Torres
+Ramirez
+Francisco
-Pagan

Whoa.

Some night, eh Mets fans?

Update: Looks like Francisco is getting $12 million over two years. I guess we know who the closer will be next year.

Long Aside: I don't know how to deal with breaking news on this blog any more. The Mets blogsphere is totally saturated with everyone trying - and failing - to be MetsBlog. Twitter is inundated with beat writers, columnists, bloggers, fans, idiots, trolls and more trying to get their 15 second of fame. Help.

The 2012 Mets starting shortstop...

And so it begins... It's now the Ruben Tejada era. 

Goodbye, Jose

So long, farewell,
auf wiedersehen, good night.
I hate to go and leave this pretty sight.

Adios, Jose Reyes. You were a great Met.


Leave your Reyes memories below. It might help ease the pain.