Mets Morning News: Slightly More Money-Ball?

Meet the Mets

Sandy Alderson says that the Mets may have a little more payroll flexibility this offseason, thanks to the buyout of Jason Bay's contract and a team payroll that could inch up closer to $100 million from the $93 million it was at in 2013. Baby steps, I guess.

The R.A. Dickey contract situation is still up in the air and while the Mets say they are looking to re-sign him to an extension, they are also talking to other teams about our knuckleballing hero. While it would be great to keep Dickey, the Mets should absolutely look around to see what teams would consider giving up for him.

Don't worry, everybody. Mike Nickeas is officially back in the organization, as the team announced he had signed a minor league deal with a spring training invite. Phew, that was a close one.

Former September 2012 Met outfielder Fred Lewis has signed on with the Hiroshima Carp after a strong season at Buffalo.

MCU Park in Brooklyn sustained some damage during the hurricane nearly two weeks ago but the New York-Penn League team is rallying around its fans.

Steiner Sports is auctioning off Gary Carter's motorcycle. The online auction runs through December 5th.

Around the Majors

Davey Johnson has signed on for one more season as Nationals' manager and then he plans to retire after that.

Former Braves' backstop David Ross agreed to a two-year, $6.2 million deal with the Boston Red Sox. It was originally thought that Ross would stick around in Atlanta. Speaking of Atlanta, apparently the Rangers tried to pry away young shortstop Andrelton Simmons to no avail. Texas would've likely flipped Simmons to Arizona in a Justin Upton deal.

The Dodgers continue to spend like drunken sailors, as they won the right to negotiate with Korean lefty Hyun-Jin Ryu by bidding $25.7 million. Meanwhile, the Dodgers already have three outfielders under contract for 2013 and beyond but now they are said to be aggressively pursuing former Angels and Twins outfielder Torii Hunter. Maybe Ned Colletti thinks teams can play with four outfielders or 50 man rosters now.

Bobby Valentine had more to say about his time as Red Sox manager during a Q&A at Salem State University. Apparently, Kelly Shoppach was always asking for more playing time.

Former Mets Tim Bogar and Mike Hampton have joined the Angels' organization as Double-A coaches. Bogar will be the manager of the Arkansas Travelers, while Hampton will be his pitching coach.

Yesterday At AA

Michael Donato wonders whether the Mets should look into renegotiating Johan Santana's contract, in order to create more payroll flexibility in 2013. It's an interesting thought, though it might make more sense to just bite the bullet and let it run out after 2013.

TRAIDS! While we learned that the Mets will not trade Ike Davis away this offseason, Grant Brisbee talks about trading away R.A. Dickey.

The Gulf Coast Mets are back for 2013! I'm sure all of those GCL Mets fans are very happy to hear this. Oh, wait...nevermind.

Rob Castellano points out that there is a space in the name "Citi Field". This is a pet peeve of mine as well.

Finally, on November 9th 1978, M. Donald Grant stepped down as chairman of the Mets' board. And I can imagine there was much celebration.