A report filed to the entire front office of a National League team by a scout assigned to the...

A report filed to the entire front office of a National League team by a scout assigned to the Mets, and obtained by the Daily News, offered this scathing rebuke:

"I understand that NY teams play under different rules and FA signings are the M.O., but without the influx of talent from the amateur draft, international scouting and shrewd trades it is difficult to have balance and cohesiveness. More importantly, the vulnerability to injuries is exacerbated by their impotent system. If you evaluate the Minaya regime, it is difficult to identify a plan or philosophy beyond acquiring high priced FA talent."

Adam Rubin's story in the NY Daily News

4 months ago All Shook Down 11 comments 4 recs |

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I don't think it's good, but I laughed too

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it on the scoreboard?"

by hotspur on Jul 14, 2009 9:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What I really like is that this quote is tied to a National League team.

The National League is filled with joke GMs/front offices:

-Dodgers: Ned Colletti
-Giants: Brian Sabean
-Phillies: Ruben Amaro
-Nationals: Mike Rizzo
-Cubs: Jim Hendry
-Astros: Ed Wade
-Reds: Walt Jocketty

I really wonder if the unnamed scout answers to any of those fools.

by All Shook Down on Jul 12, 2009 1:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Has to be Atlanta, Milwaukee or St. Louis?

Also, I’d include the San Diego and Colorado FOs on your list as well.

by Zwill on Jul 12, 2009 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If our plan really was to go to high priced free agents it wouldn't be that bad

The problem is it seems to go after one high priced free agent to fill one need and try to fill the other needs with cheap band-aids.

by Gina on Jul 12, 2009 6:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The frustrating thing about it all

is that I actually think Omar was on to something, but at this point I am doubtful that it was intentional. As a GM of a “big market” team, you can afford premium free agents or salary induced trades for premium players[Beltran, Santana, Frankie, Delgado, etc]. Then you can use your financial advantage to sign hard to sign domestic draftees and international players without worrying about losing high first round picks. Unfortunately, the Mets have not followed through on the second part. There have been very few over slot signings [seems to be the exception, not the rule like the red sox for example]. Plus the international pipe line seems to be a bit clogged.

by Bruce Wayne on Jul 12, 2009 7:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The international market has changed

Just 4 years ago when they were talking about boosting their profile in Latin America, it seemed that there was still cheap talent there, relative to the draft. Now, it’s the other way around. International bonuses are up more than 3 times in 4 years. Meanwhile Selig is enforcing slot against most teams. The small market teams have money to spend via revenue sharing, but can’t afford to buck Selig, so they instead are spending it internationally driving up prices. On top of which, fraud appears to be rampant.

As the international market has gotten crazier, the Mets seem to have gotten more cautious there. Part of why they have signed guys like Urbina and Pena, because you know they are really who they say and how old they say.

by acerimusdux on Jul 13, 2009 1:25 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Rec'd

It also seems that the Wilpons are embarrassingly afraid of the wrath of Bud Selig. This is why they never pay over slot or why they didn’t veto the Kazmir trade.

by All Shook Down on Jul 18, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs