Amazin' Avenue - The SB Nation Winter Meetings SimulationLove the Metshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46695/amazinavenue-fave.png2012-12-07T10:30:48-05:00http://www.amazinavenue.com/rss/stream/34895292012-12-07T10:30:48-05:002012-12-07T10:30:48-05:00SB Nation Simulation: Thursday's Moves
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XkczvMe4y296vb9t8xeBOF7iL-w=/0x106:4000x2773/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4577219/153327077.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Christian Petersen</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The simulated Mets fill two spots in the bullpen on the penultimate day of the simulation.</p> <p><i>The SB Nation Winter Meetings Simulation in a nutshell: All rosters were reset to the day the World Series ended, and each simulated general manager was responsible for all decisions pertaining to his or her team's 25-man roster. You can read the full rules of the simulation and monitor all official transactions — posted by RoyalsRetro — <a target="_blank" href="http://www.royalsreview.com/2012/12/3/3716514/sb-nation-winter-meeting-simulation-thread">at Royals Review</a>.</i></p>
<p>The SB Nation simulated offseason will soon come to a close, which meant Thursday night was all about filling out the 25-man roster. Playing the role of Sandy Alderson, it's been a week full of transactions for me.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazinavenue.com/2012/12/3/3724058/sb-nation-simulation-winter-meetings-new-york-mets/in/3489529">On Monday</a>, I sent <span>Daniel Murphy</span> to the <a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Brewers</a> for <span>John Axford</span> and snagged <span>Denard Span</span> from the <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Twins</a> for <span>Jeurys Familia</span> and Rafael Montero, extended <span>David Wright</span> for seven years, $122 million, negotiated <span>Jason Bay's</span> release, and non-tendered <span>Andres Torres</span>, <span>Mike Pelfrey</span>, and <span>Manny Acosta</span>.</p>
<p>Things were a little quiet <a href="http://www.amazinavenue.com/2012/12/4/3725512/new-york-mets-dickey-extension-sb-nation-simulation/in/3489529">on Tuesday</a>, but I was able to ink <span>R.A. Dickey</span> to a two-year, $24 million extension, which immediately took him off the trade block. <span>Scott Hairston</span> then signed for two years, $9 million.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazinavenue.com/2012/12/6/3734814/wednesdays-sb-nation-simulation-update-platoons-for-everybody/in/3489529">Wednesday was</a> a day of free-agent signings: <span>Kelly Shoppach</span>, <span>Kelly Johnson</span>, <span>Randy Choate</span>, and <span>Jeff Baker</span> were brought on board. Manny Acosta also rejoined the club on a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.</p>
<p>And that brings us to Thursday night. With most of the 25-man roster penciled in, my top priority was making sure <span>Jeremy Hefner</span> and <span>Elvin Ramirez</span> would begin the year in the minors, not in the <a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Mets</a>' bullpen.</p>
<h4>Free-Agent Signings</h4>
<p>To take Hefner's spot as the long-man and spot starter out of the bullpen, I inked <span>Jeff Francis</span> to a one-year deal at $1.5 million with a maximum salary of $2.5 million via incentives for innings pitched: $500k for 50 IP, $500k for 100 IP. He's been a decent left-handed starter for the <a href="https://www.purplerow.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Rockies</a> for quite a while now, but I'm hoping he'll turn into the Mets' version of 2012 <span>Tom Gorzelanny</span>, excelling in one-to-three inning stints out of the bullpen when necessary. If a member of the rotation goes down to injury and <span>Zack Wheeler</span> isn't ready, Francis will step in to fill the void.</p>
<p>Taking Elvin's spot on the 25-man roster is <span>Jason Frasor</span>, a 35-year-old right-handed pitcher formerly of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bluebirdbanter.com/">Blue Jays</a>, on a two-year, $4.5 million deal. He's a high-strikeout pitcher who throws heat and struggles a bit with control, but he has not been overworked over his years in the big leagues. He's also been able to pitch to left-handed hitters nearly as well as right-handed hitters, which means <span>Josh Edgin</span> or Randy Choate won't have to be warming up every time there's a left-handed hitter on deck for Frasor.</p>
<p>Here, then, is the updated — and possibly final — simulated roster:</p>
<p> </p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="1" width="300"><tbody>
<tr bgcolor="#EDF1F3">
<th align="left">Player</th> <th align="center">2013 Salary</th> <th align="center">Position</th>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>Josh Thole</span></td>
<td align="center">$1,200,000</td>
<td align="center">C</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>Ike Davis</span></td>
<td align="center">$2,800,000</td>
<td align="center">1B</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left">Kelly Johnson</td>
<td align="center">$5,000,000</td>
<td align="center">2B</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left">David Wright</td>
<td align="center">$16,000,000</td>
<td align="center">3B</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>Ruben Tejada</span></td>
<td align="center">$500,000</td>
<td align="center">SS</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left">Scott Hairston</td>
<td align="center">$4,500,000</td>
<td align="center">LF</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left">Denard Span</td>
<td align="center">$4,750,000</td>
<td align="center">CF</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>Mike Baxter</span></td>
<td align="center">$500,000</td>
<td align="center">RF</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left">Kelly Shoppach</td>
<td align="center">$2,000,000</td>
<td align="center">Bench</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left">Jeff Baker</td>
<td align="center">$1,500,000</td>
<td align="center">Bench</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>Lucas Duda</span></td>
<td align="center">$490,000</td>
<td align="center">Bench</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>Justin Turner</span></td>
<td align="center">$500,000</td>
<td align="center">Bench</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>Kirk Nieuwenhuis</span></td>
<td align="center">$490,000</td>
<td align="center">Bench</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>Johan Santana</span></td>
<td align="center">$25,500,000</td>
<td align="center">SP</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left">R.A. Dickey</td>
<td align="center">$5,000,000</td>
<td align="center">SP</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>Jon Niese</span></td>
<td align="center">$3,050,000</td>
<td align="center">SP</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>Matt Harvey</span></td>
<td align="center">$490,000</td>
<td align="center">SP</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>Dillon Gee</span></td>
<td align="center">$490,000</td>
<td align="center">SP</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left">John Axford</td>
<td align="center">$5,100,000</td>
<td align="center">RP</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>Frank Francisco</span></td>
<td align="center">$6,500,000</td>
<td align="center">RP</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>Bobby Parnell</span></td>
<td align="center">$1,500,000</td>
<td align="center">RP</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left">Randy Choate</td>
<td align="center">$2,000,000</td>
<td align="center">RP</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left">Jason Frasor</td>
<td align="center">$490,000</td>
<td align="center">RP</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left">Josh Edgin</td>
<td align="center">$490,000</td>
<td align="center">RP</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left">Jeff Francis</td>
<td align="center">$1,500,000</td>
<td align="center">RP</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left">Jason Bay</td>
<td align="center">$6,000,000</td>
<td align="center">Released</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><b>Total</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>$98,340,000</b></td>
<td align="center"></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
https://www.amazinavenue.com/2012/12/7/3739636/new-york-mets-sb-nation-simulation-winter-meetings-mlbChris McShane2012-12-06T01:51:30-05:002012-12-06T01:51:30-05:00Wednesday's SB Nation Simulation Update: Platoons!
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yTua3cNCsBn_NpHj6Odzriv7zg4=/0x178:733x667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4506779/shoppach-popup.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Anthony Gruppuso - USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Playing the role of Mets general manager, I added a few part-time players to the roster on Wednesday.</p> <p><i>The SB Nation Winter Meetings Simulation in a nutshell: All rosters were reset to the day the World Series ended, and each simulated general manager was responsible for all decisions pertaining to his or her team's 25-man roster. You can read the full rules of the simulation and monitor all official transactions — posted by RoyalsRetro — <a href="http://www.royalsreview.com/2012/12/3/3716514/sb-nation-winter-meeting-simulation-thread" target="_blank">at Royals Review</a>.</i></p>
<p>Heading into Wednesday, there were still a lot of question marks on my version of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">Mets</a>, but at the end of the night, the team's 25-man roster looks a lot more complete. This team had a severe lack of right-handed hitting in the outfield and behind the plate, and with <span>Daniel Murphy</span> gone via trade, second base was an open slot, too. And, as always, the bullpen could use some help.</p>
<h4>Free-Agent Signings</h4>
<p>The real-life Mets supposedly don't have any interest in bringing back <span>Kelly Shoppach</span>, but I did and signed him to a two-year, $4 million contract. His very good track record against left-handed pitching was enough for me to commit to a second year.</p>
<p><span>Josh Edgin</span> was the only left-handed pitcher whose spot in the big league bullpen looked certain, but I went out and signed <span>Randy Choate</span> to the same deal that Shoppach received: two years, $4 million. He'll be the primary LOOGY, which should help preserve Edgin's arm in the long run. Yes, 2013 will be Choate's age-37 season, but Choate hasn't been on the <span>Pedro Feliciano</span> program at any point in his career and can get lefties out.</p>
<p>To address the need at second base, I signed <span>Kelly Johnson</span> to a two-year, $10 million deal. His on-base percentage leaves something to be desired, but he's a powerful bat at second and didn't require a three-year deal like <span>Marco Scutaro</span> and <span>Jeff Keppinger</span> — both of whom got three-year deals in real life, too.</p>
<p><span>Jeff Baker</span> was willing to sign a one-year, $1.5 million deal, and that was too good to pass up. He's a right-handed hitter with a career .362 wOBA against left-handed pitchers. As a result, the team's outfield is ready to begin the season. <span>Scott Hairston</span> and <span>Mike Baxter</span> will platoon in left field, while Baker and <span>Kirk Nieuwenhuis</span> will platoon in right. In total, these Mets will pay $7 million in salary in 2013 to cover left field and right field. Plus, Nieuwenhuis and Baxter can spot start in center when <span>Denard Span</span> — acquired by the Mets in the simulation rather than the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/">Nationals</a> — needs a day off.</p>
<p>Last but not least, this being me, I signed <span>Manny Acosta</span> to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. He's better than most people think!</p>
<p>Here's the updated big league payroll:</p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="1" width="300"><tbody>
<tr bgcolor="#EDF1F3">
<th align="left">Player</th> <th align="center">2013 Salary</th> <th align="center">Position</th>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>Josh Thole</span></td>
<td align="center">$1,200,000</td>
<td align="center">C</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>Ike Davis</span></td>
<td align="center">$2,800,000</td>
<td align="center">1B</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left">Kelly Johnson</td>
<td align="center">$5,000,000</td>
<td align="center">2B</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>David Wright</span></td>
<td align="center">$16,000,000</td>
<td align="center">3B</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>Ruben Tejada</span></td>
<td align="center">$500,000</td>
<td align="center">SS</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left">Scott Hairston</td>
<td align="center">$4,500,000</td>
<td align="center">LF</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left">Denard Span</td>
<td align="center">$4,750,000</td>
<td align="center">CF</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left">Mike Baxter</td>
<td align="center">$500,000</td>
<td align="center">RF</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left">Kelly Shoppach</td>
<td align="center">$2,000,000</td>
<td align="center">Bench</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left">Jeff Baker</td>
<td align="center">$1,500,000</td>
<td align="center">Bench</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>Zach Lutz</span></td>
<td align="center">$490,000</td>
<td align="center">Bench</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>Justin Turner</span></td>
<td align="center">$500,000</td>
<td align="center">Bench</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left">Kirk Nieuwenhuis</td>
<td align="center">$490,000</td>
<td align="center">Bench</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>Johan Santana</span></td>
<td align="center">$25,500,000</td>
<td align="center">SP</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>R.A. Dickey</span></td>
<td align="center">$5,000,000</td>
<td align="center">SP</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>Jon Niese</span></td>
<td align="center">$3,050,000</td>
<td align="center">SP</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>Matt Harvey</span></td>
<td align="center">$490,000</td>
<td align="center">SP</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>Dillon Gee</span></td>
<td align="center">$490,000</td>
<td align="center">SP</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>John Axford</span></td>
<td align="center">$5,100,000</td>
<td align="center">RP</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>Frank Francisco</span></td>
<td align="center">$6,500,000</td>
<td align="center">RP</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>Bobby Parnell</span></td>
<td align="center">$1,500,000</td>
<td align="center">RP</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left">Randy Choate</td>
<td align="center">$2,000,000</td>
<td align="center">RP</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>Elvin Ramirez</span></td>
<td align="center">$490,000</td>
<td align="center">RP</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left">Josh Edgin</td>
<td align="center">$490,000</td>
<td align="center">RP</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>Jeremy Hefner</span></td>
<td align="center">$490,000</td>
<td align="center">RP</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><span>Jason Bay</span></td>
<td align="center">$6,000,000</td>
<td align="center">Released</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><b>Total</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>$97,330,000</b></td>
<td align="center"></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
https://www.amazinavenue.com/2012/12/6/3734814/wednesdays-sb-nation-simulation-update-platoons-for-everybodyChris McShane2012-12-05T08:02:30-05:002012-12-05T08:02:30-05:00SB Nation Mets Bring Back Hairston
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fhNy_JjlTDCg6smqixJ6en2FvB8=/0x110:4000x2777/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4452345/152645180.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Alex Trautwig</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The destroyer of left-handed pitching gets a raise but remains with the Mets.</p> <p><i>The SB Nation Winter Meetings Simulation in a nutshell: All rosters were reset to the day the World Series ended, and each simulated general manager was responsible for all decisions pertaining to his or her team's 25-man roster. You can read the full rules of the simulation and monitor all official transactions — posted by RoyalsRetro — </i><a target="_blank" href="http://www.royalsreview.com/2012/12/3/3716514/sb-nation-winter-meeting-simulation-thread">at Royals Review</a><i>.</i></p>
<p>After belting 20 home runs in a part-time role, <span>Scott Hairston</span> was due for a raise on the free-agent market, but the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">Mets</a> decided to bring him back on a two-year, $9 million deal. It might sound like a steep price for a part-time player, but</p>
<p>Hairston will slot into a strict platoon in one of the corner outfield spots with <span>Mike Baxter</span> to start the season. That makes for a total salary of approximately $5 million in one of the outfield corners. Should Baxter falter, <span>Kirk Nieuwenhuis</span> might get another shot at regular playing time.</p>
<p>The move allows the Mets to remove <span>Juan Lagares</span> from the 25-man roster and put Nieuwenhuis on the bench for the time being. Here, then, is the updated 25-man roster:</p>
<table width="300" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr bgcolor="#EDF1F3">
<th align="left">Player</th> <th align="center">2013 Salary</th> <th align="center">Position</th>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left">Josh Thole</td>
<td align="center">$1,200,000</td>
<td align="center">C</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left">Ike Davis</td>
<td align="center">$2,800,000</td>
<td align="center">1B</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left">Jordany Valdespin</td>
<td align="center">$400,000</td>
<td align="center">2B</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left">David Wright</td>
<td align="center">$16,000,000</td>
<td align="center">3B</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left">Ruben Tejada</td>
<td align="center">$500,000</td>
<td align="center">SS</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left">Scott Hairston</td>
<td align="center">$4,500,000</td>
<td align="center">LF</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left">Denard Span</td>
<td align="center">$4,750,000</td>
<td align="center">CF</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left">Mike Baxter</td>
<td align="center">$500,000</td>
<td align="center">RF</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left">Anthony Recker</td>
<td align="center">$500,000</td>
<td align="center">Bench</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left">Justin Turner</td>
<td align="center">$500,000</td>
<td align="center">Bench</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left">Zach Lutz</td>
<td align="center">$400,000</td>
<td align="center">Bench</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left">Lucas Duda</td>
<td align="center">$500,000</td>
<td align="center">Bench</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left">Kirk Nieuwenhuis</td>
<td align="center">$400,000</td>
<td align="center">Bench</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left">Johan Santana</td>
<td align="center">$25,500,000</td>
<td align="center">SP</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left">R.A. Dickey</td>
<td align="center">$5,000,000</td>
<td align="center">SP</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left">Jon Niese</td>
<td align="center">$3,050,000</td>
<td align="center">SP</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left">Matt Harvey</td>
<td align="center">$400,000</td>
<td align="center">SP</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left">Dillon Gee</td>
<td align="center">$400,000</td>
<td align="center">SP</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left">John Axford</td>
<td align="center">$5,100,000</td>
<td align="center">RP</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left">Frank Francisco</td>
<td align="center">$6,500,000</td>
<td align="center">RP</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left">Bobby Parnell</td>
<td align="center">$1,500,000</td>
<td align="center">RP</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left">Josh Edgin</td>
<td align="center">$400,000</td>
<td align="center">RP</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left">Elvin Ramirez</td>
<td align="center">$400,000</td>
<td align="center">RP</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left">Robert Carson</td>
<td align="center">$400,000</td>
<td align="center">RP</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">Jeremy Hefner</td>
<td align="center">$400,000</td>
<td align="center">RP</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">Jason Bay</td>
<td align="center">$6,000,000</td>
<td align="center">Released</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left"><b>Total</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>$88,000,000</b></td>
<td align="center"></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>The remaining top priorities are:</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Bringing in a second baseman</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Signing an everyday outfielder for one of the corners — failing that, a platoon partner for Nieuwenhuis</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Finding a right-handed hitter to complement Josh Thole behind the plate</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Another bullpen arm or two so Elvin Ramirez and Robert Carson aren't penciled into the Opening Day roster</span></li>
</ul>
https://www.amazinavenue.com/2012/12/5/3730708/new-york-mets-scott-hairston-sb-nation-simulationChris McShane2012-12-04T00:03:13-05:002012-12-04T00:03:13-05:00In SB Nation Simulation, Mets Extend Dickey
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aE9q14Lk71HRRsl9Di7sYtv6FP8=/0x120:3057x2158/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4379019/151291806.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeff Curry</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Let's hope this happens in real life.</p> <p>Updating <a href="http://www.amazinavenue.com/2012/12/3/3724058/sb-nation-simulation-winter-meetings-new-york-mets/in/3489529">my earlier post</a>, the first from the SB Nation simulation on Major League Baseball's winter meetings, the simulated <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">Mets</a> were able to sign <span>R.A. Dickey</span> to a contract extension for two years, $24 million. That extension is tacked on to his 2013 option, which was picked up at $5 million, and the deal includes a no-trade clause.</p>
<p>Keeping Dickey around for three more years was a priority of mine, as it seemed incredibly unlikely to get a worthwhile return via trade. With Dickey in the fold, this version of the Mets should be able to count on its rotation for the foreseeable future.</p>
<p>The current roster and salary mentioned in the first post in this series remain the same. The only big change here is that a trade of Dickey is entirely off the table. Perhaps Jon Niese can still be had in the right deal.</p>
<p>Here's to three more years of (simulated) Dickey-face Photoshoppery!</p>
https://www.amazinavenue.com/2012/12/4/3725512/new-york-mets-dickey-extension-sb-nation-simulationChris McShane2012-12-03T18:00:34-05:002012-12-03T18:00:34-05:00The SB Nation Winter Meetings Simulation
<figure>
<img alt="Meet Denard Span, the newest simulated Met!" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/72hTTvLGEMHJ40x5D6F6jJKAzkQ=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4362657/20120823_kkt_ah7_330.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Meet Denard Span, the newest simulated Met! | Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>What would happen if the SBN sites for each MLB team were put in charge for the offseason?</p> <p>The folks over at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals</a> Review got curious about <a href="http://www.royalsreview.com/2012/12/3/3716514/sb-nation-winter-meeting-simulation-thread">what would happen</a> if each Major League Baseball team's SB Nation site took over as general managers for the offseason, and all thirty sites immediately hopped on board.</p>
<p>In a nutshell, all rosters were reset to the day the World Series ended, and each simulated general manager was responsible for all decisions pertaining to his or her team's 25-man roster. You can <a href="http://www.royalsreview.com/2012/12/3/3716514/sb-nation-winter-meeting-simulation-thread" target="_blank">read the full rules of the simulation and monitor all official transactions — posted by RoyalsRetro — at Royals Review</a>.</p>
<p>As Amazin' Avenue's version of Sandy Alderson, I've already made a few moves, some of which mirror what has happened in real life.</p>
<h4><b>Tender/Non-tender</b></h4>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">Mets</a> have non-tendered <span>Andres Torres</span>, <span>Manny Acosta</span>, and <span>Mike Pelfrey</span>. Contracts were, however, tendered to <span>Ike Davis</span>, <span>Daniel Murphy</span>, <span>Josh Thole</span>, and <span>Bobby Parnell</span>.</p>
<h4><b>Contract Negotiations</b></h4>
<p>The Mets released <span>Jason Bay</span> and deferred $15 million of the $21 million he was owed to 2014 and 2015. He'll earn $6 million in 2013 and $7.5 million each of the following two years.</p>
<p><span>David Wright</span> was signed to a seven-year, $122 million extension on top of his existing $16 million option for 2013. If that sounds familiar, it's because it's the deal he signed in real life.</p>
<h4><b>Trades</b></h4>
<p>Here's where the offseason starts to look a lot different.</p>
<p><b>The Mets acquire CF <span>Denard Span</span> from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Minnesota Twins</a> in exchange for RHP Jeurys Familia and RHP Rafael Montero.</b></p>
<p>Familia and Montero was a bit of a steep price to pay, but Span's under team control at reasonable salaries for the next three seasons, the last of which is an option year that can be declined if he's no good over the next couple of seasons. For now, he'll play center field on an everyday basis and slot into the leadoff spot of the batting order.</p>
<p><b>The Mets acquire RHP <span>John Axford</span> from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Milwaukee Brewers</a> in exchange for 2B Daniel Murphy.</b></p>
<p>The bullpen was in serious need of some help, and Murphy was expendable. With the move, <span>Frank Francisco</span> and Bobby Parnell are slated to split the setup duties while Axford closes. Despite a rough 2012 season, Axford should be an excellent relief pitcher; he was simply dominant between 2010 and 2011.</p>
<h4>Current Roster</h4>
<p>Here's the current constitution of the roster after the moves:</p>
<p>
</p>
<table width="500" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr bgcolor="#EDF1F3">
<th align="left">Player</th> <th align="center">2013 Salary</th> <th align="center">Position</th>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left">Josh Thole</td>
<td align="center">$1,200,000</td>
<td align="center">C</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left">Ike Davis</td>
<td align="center">$2,800,000</td>
<td align="center">1B</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left"><span>Jordany Valdespin</span></td>
<td align="center">$400,000</td>
<td align="center">2B</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left">David Wright</td>
<td align="center">$16,000,000</td>
<td align="center">3B</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left"><span>Ruben Tejada</span></td>
<td align="center">$500,000</td>
<td align="center">SS</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left"><span>Lucas Duda</span></td>
<td align="center">$500,000</td>
<td align="center">LF</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left">Denard Span</td>
<td align="center">$4,750,000</td>
<td align="center">CF</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left"><span>Mike Baxter</span></td>
<td align="center">$500,000</td>
<td align="center">RF</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left"><span>Anthony Recker</span></td>
<td align="center">$500,000</td>
<td align="center">Bench</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left"><span>Justin Turner</span></td>
<td align="center">$500,000</td>
<td align="center">Bench</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left"><span>Zach Lutz</span></td>
<td align="center">$400,000</td>
<td align="center">Bench</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left"><span>Juan Lagares</span></td>
<td align="center">$400,000</td>
<td align="center">Bench</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left"><span>Kirk Nieuwenhuis</span></td>
<td align="center">$400,000</td>
<td align="center">Bench</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left"><span>Johan Santana</span></td>
<td align="center">$25,500,000</td>
<td align="center">SP</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'">
<td align="left"><span>R.A. Dickey</span></td>
<td align="center">$5,000,000</td>
<td align="center">SP</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left"><span>Jon Niese</span></td>
<td align="center">$3,050,000</td>
<td align="center">SP</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left"><span>Matt Harvey</span></td>
<td align="center">$400,000</td>
<td align="center">SP</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left"><span>Dillon Gee</span></td>
<td align="center">$400,000</td>
<td align="center">SP</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">John Axford</td>
<td align="center">$5,100,000</td>
<td align="center">RP</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">Frank Francisco</td>
<td align="center">$6,500,000</td>
<td align="center">RP</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">Bobby Parnell</td>
<td align="center">$1,500,000</td>
<td align="center">RP</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left"><span>Josh Edgin</span></td>
<td align="center">$400,000</td>
<td align="center">RP</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left"><span>Elvin Ramirez</span></td>
<td align="center">$400,000</td>
<td align="center">RP</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left"><span>Robert Carson</span></td>
<td align="center">$400,000</td>
<td align="center">RP</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left"><span>Jeremy Hefner</span></td>
<td align="center">$400,000</td>
<td align="center">RP</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">Jason Bay</td>
<td align="center">$6,000,000</td>
<td align="center">Released</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left"><b>Total</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>$83,900,000</b></td>
<td align="center"></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>With approximately $16 million to work with in the budget, the top priorities at the moment are:</p>
<p>
</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Extend R.A. Dickey's contract.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Acquire an everyday left fielder and a platoon partner for Baxter in right field. Trading Lucas Duda makes sense here if those objectives are met.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Acquire a catcher. At the very least, Thole requires a platoon partner.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Acquire a second baseman. Like catcher, an everyday player would be great, but a right-handed hitter to platoon with Valdespin remains an option.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Find more bullpen help. </span></li>
</ul>
https://www.amazinavenue.com/2012/12/3/3724058/sb-nation-simulation-winter-meetings-new-york-metsChris McShane