On this long road, Alderson has made many moves with the end goal in sight: constructing a world champion. Some were marquee moves that have provided the team with high level major league talent, but not all of the moves Alderson made have worked out for the team.
It was July 12, 2011 when the Mets traded Francisco Rodriguez to the Milwaukee Brewers for Danny Herrera and Adrian Rosario. The return package that the Mets received never amounted to anything: small stints in the majors or never even reaching that platform at all. Eventually both players were let go from the organization, which made this deal nothing more than salary relief. Francisco Rodriguez went on to be an effective closer, an all star who saved 44 games in 2014.
Finally, possibly the worst deal ever made by Sandy Alderson was on December 7, 2011. Mets sent Angel Pagan to the San Francisco Giants for Ramon Ramirez and Andres Torres. Both players ended up being unproductive for the Mets and left shortly after being acquired, returning to the San Francisco Giants. Pagan continued to put up respectable numbers, showing all star candidate productivity and has since been able to hoist up two World Series Championships.
Many deals that Sandy has pulled off have turned out in the Mets' favor. Alderson had long-term implications in mind when making his decision on these deals. He continuously tried to see the big picture of what the team could grow into by dealing away some of the pieces from less than championship caliber clubs.
It was August 27, 2013 when the Mets traded Marlon Byrd and John Buck to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Dilson Herrera and a player to be named later who turned out to be Vic Black. Both Bryd and Buck were in the final contract year with the team and not expected to return when the season was over. The season for the Mets was essentially over with the loss of Matt Harvey to injury and being out of playoff contention. Vic Black turned out to be a solid bullpen arm for a few seasons; he has since left the team but has nothing but good things to say about the organization. The other chip in the deal, Dilson Herrera was looked at as the future starting second baseman and potential all star. Herrera has all the tools to grow into one of the best second baseman in baseball.
It was August 27, 2013 when the Mets traded Marlon Byrd and John Buck to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Dilson Herrera and a player to be named later who turned out to be Vic Black. Both Bryd and Buck were in the final contract year with the team and not expected to return when the season was over. The season for the Mets was essentially over with the loss of Matt Harvey to injury and being out of playoff contention. Vic Black turned out to be a solid bullpen arm for a few seasons; he has since left the team but has nothing but good things to say about the organization. The other chip in the deal, Dilson Herrera was looked at as the future starting second baseman and potential all star. Herrera has all the tools to grow into one of the best second baseman in baseball.
The blueprint to which the Mets have designed their success is pitching, pitching, pitching. Alderson contributed to what would become an all-star pitching staff made up of Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, and Steven Matz, by making a move to acquire another potential ace on July 28, 2011. Mets sent slugging outfielder Carlos Beltran to the San Francisco Giants for highly touted pitching prospect Zack Wheeler. Beltran went on to help the Giants with their playoff push. While Wheeler's showcase was sidelined with Tommy John surgery, he is still looked at as an elite level pitcher. Wheeler is scheduled to return this season in July and complete what could be known as a rotation of five aces: Harvey, Syndergaard, deGrom, Matz, and Wheeler.
The deal that will forever cement his legacy as the Mets' GM, the deal that changed the team into perennial contenders was completed on December 17, 2012. Mets traded R.A. Dickey, Josh Thole, and Mike Nickeas to the Toronto Blue Jays for Wuilmer Becerra, Noah Syndergaard, John Buck, and Travis d’Arnaud. Dickey was the reigning Cy Young Award winner coming off a career year, 20-6, 2.73 ERA. Thole and Nickeas were seen only as throw-ins because they were used-to catching the knuckleball pitch that Dickey was known for.
Even though he was not considered to be a main piece of this blockbuster deal, Becerra blossomed into one of the Mets' top 10 prospects. Becerra's stock has risen tremendously the past few seasons as he has demonstrated above average defense, speed on the base paths, and the ability to mash opposing pitching. John Buck was later used in the deal that secured Dillson Herrera. Travis d'Arnaud and Noah Syndergaard have already become main contributors on the big league roster. TDA is looked at as the best catchers in the NL East and one of the best catchers in baseball. Syndergaard is one of the most feared, flame-throwing, front-line starting pitchers in all the game.
Even though he was not considered to be a main piece of this blockbuster deal, Becerra blossomed into one of the Mets' top 10 prospects. Becerra's stock has risen tremendously the past few seasons as he has demonstrated above average defense, speed on the base paths, and the ability to mash opposing pitching. John Buck was later used in the deal that secured Dillson Herrera. Travis d'Arnaud and Noah Syndergaard have already become main contributors on the big league roster. TDA is looked at as the best catchers in the NL East and one of the best catchers in baseball. Syndergaard is one of the most feared, flame-throwing, front-line starting pitchers in all the game.
Thirteen minutes before the 4 p.m. ET trade deadline, Friday July 31st 2015, the Mets agreed to acquire left fielder Yoenis Cespedes from the Detroit Tigers for minor league right-handers Michael Fulmer and Luis Cessa. Proving once again that Sandy had his finger precisely on the pulse of the team, Cespedes sparked an offensive resurgence. This historic offensive resurrection along with the Mets' pitching staff, led the team to a National League Championship.
The saying goes: "how do you make magic happen? Be the smartest person in the room." Sandy Alderson seems to be just that. He is able to work around financial restrictions due to the Madoff scandal and withstand the harsh New York fan base. All the while, he appeases the media as he tries to whisper parts of his plan, stating that it would have taken patience and some time to come to this moment, but the moment is now.
New York is now considered to be the Mets' town, as the Mets are looked at as not only the team to beat but the blueprint to copy from. Alderson is the architect of all of this, credit needs to be given to the man that shined a bright light on the dark days of Mets' baseball.
New York is now considered to be the Mets' town, as the Mets are looked at as not only the team to beat but the blueprint to copy from. Alderson is the architect of all of this, credit needs to be given to the man that shined a bright light on the dark days of Mets' baseball.
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