11-17-2002, 10:32 PM
I don't disagree with you in principle Hedcold.
That said, if Alfonzo wants more than a three year deal the Mets have a right to be concerned. Look at Mattingly with the Yankees. He was a great player untill he fucked his back up. After the injury he was never the same and was plagued by chronic back problems until he retired. It cost him a trip to Cooperstown IMHO.
Back injuries have a nasty way of shortening careers and dropping production on guys, even if they have "recovered" from them.
The Mets are thinking long term if they choose to let Alfonzo walk over resigning him to a long-term deal ( longer than 3 years). Suppose they resign him and he drops in production significantly over then next year or two? If they have him signed to a long term deal, they are stuck with his salary for years. If they get him to a three year deal, the most they will have to put up with him is a few years. They already took on Vaughn's contract as well as a long term deal to Piazza. Why take the risk on adding another for a guy with a history of back problems. Vaughn's torn bicep is one thing, those heal fully with time, backs never do. Take it from me, someone with a fucked up back.
I say try to get him for three years, and if not let him go. Play Wigginson or anyone else you can find at third, and wait for Reyes to be ready to fill Alfonzo's place and production in the batting order.
That said, if Alfonzo wants more than a three year deal the Mets have a right to be concerned. Look at Mattingly with the Yankees. He was a great player untill he fucked his back up. After the injury he was never the same and was plagued by chronic back problems until he retired. It cost him a trip to Cooperstown IMHO.
Back injuries have a nasty way of shortening careers and dropping production on guys, even if they have "recovered" from them.
The Mets are thinking long term if they choose to let Alfonzo walk over resigning him to a long-term deal ( longer than 3 years). Suppose they resign him and he drops in production significantly over then next year or two? If they have him signed to a long term deal, they are stuck with his salary for years. If they get him to a three year deal, the most they will have to put up with him is a few years. They already took on Vaughn's contract as well as a long term deal to Piazza. Why take the risk on adding another for a guy with a history of back problems. Vaughn's torn bicep is one thing, those heal fully with time, backs never do. Take it from me, someone with a fucked up back.
I say try to get him for three years, and if not let him go. Play Wigginson or anyone else you can find at third, and wait for Reyes to be ready to fill Alfonzo's place and production in the batting order.