Coleman: Alderson Explains Mets' Inaction At Trade Deadline
By Ed Coleman
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Mets fans were forewarned: don't expect much, if anything, under the trading-deadline tree this July 31.
And that's exactly what was -- or wasn't -- there at 4 p.m. Thursday afternoon, but probably for the right reasons, and likely with the right intentions.
Mets general manager Sandy Alderson answered questions from the media on a conference call after the deadline had passed. Alderson said there were discussions with teams, some serious, some exploratory, but nothing came close to completion.
Alderson said the recent improved play of the team, combined with the lessened but still substantial deficit the team faced within the division as well as the wild card, put them in a "neither here nor there" kind of category, in limbo as to their position at the deadline.
It's been quite obvious for a while what other teams are looking for when dealing with the Mets. But the GM stated that the deals presented were not worth giving up any of the young pitching.
Alderson believes that there is a better time for that possibility and that time does exist in the not-too-distant future.
Bartolo Colon was possibly thought to be a much-desired commodity at the deadline, but Alderson acknowledged that there had been little interest in Colon, and was asked: Why?
There was obviously a different perspective on the team and at the deadline this season as opposed to last, and the general manager commented on the reasons for that.
Second baseman Daniel Murphy -- Mets All-Star Daniel Murphy -- oft-rumored and widely speculated to be dealt at the deadline, is still here. Alderson was asked how he evaluates Murphy's status as a piece of the puzzle moving forward.
Even though the approach appeared to be different at the deadline this year, Alderson said that there was no difference. He just feels different about the team's future.
And that's a good thing, even if some Met fans don't feel it's happening quickly enough for their liking. In summation, Alderson said he was hesitant to disrupt the present team, and the return for the top prospects was not equal to their value in his estimation.
On to August, folks!
July was a pretty good month. And there's always another deadline (August 31) to keep your eye on.
C U soon
Eddie C.
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