Going once…
What a wild ride it’s been this off-season.
Our left fielder was trampled by a wild boar, and our manager was fired before he stepped foot in the dugout.
Somehow, both of those stories are old news.
The winter got off to a surprising start when it was reported that billionaire Steve Cohen was in talks to become a majority owner of the Mets.
I think most of us, as Mets fans, have come to terms with the fact that the Wilpons would always be attached to the Mets. So, the Steve Cohen news sounded too good to be true.
That’s why it was such a stomach punch when we learned last week that the deal had unraveled.
It ain’t the way I wanted it! I can handle things! I’m smart! Not like everybody says… like dumb… I’m smart and I want respect!
Is ALL the criticism the Wilpons receive unfair?
Probably. So let’s stick to the facts.
The Wilpons took over full control of the team in 2002. Since then, they’ve been in the playoffs twice and had one appearance in a Wildcard game. The Mets have had 11 losing seasons in that timeframe.
We can do better.
I believe that they meddle. In my heart, I believe that they are a detriment to sustained success. But, let’s stick to what we can prove. 11 losing seasons since 2002 is abysmal.
After the Steve Cohen debacle, it’s going to be really hard to get my hopes up. But, rumor has it that the Mets are for sale. Again.
We know that the deal with Steve Cohen went south over a stipulation that the Wilpons would maintain control of the team after the purchase was complete. Well, according to a Bloomberg report, future suitors won’t have to worry about that.
Whoever buys the team will assume immediate control. And honestly? Why would the potential buyer fork over billions without that being the case?
So, here we go. The Mets have retained the services of investment bank, Allen and Company to begin finding a buyer for the team. That process will begin tomorrow.
As was the case in the negotiations with Cohen, SNY will not be on the table.
In addition to SNY being off limits, whoever buys the team will assume annual losses of 50 million dollars.
Um, what? How does a team who plays in New York lose 50 million dollars a year? How does any MLB team lose money? Sorry, but it’s impossible for me to give the Wilpons the benefit of the doubt here.
Well, there it is folks. This time, I guess I’m optimistic, but I’m not getting my hopes up. Call me when the deal is signed.
How can the Mets lose so much? As a former marketing professional, I believe the Mets can do a far better job of marketing their brand, their image, their trademark, in NY metro and far beyond.
For instance, why isn’t the Mets Yearbook and bimonthly magazine available on newsstands, in supermarkets, also by subscription?
Why aren’t both past and present Mets Magazine editions avail at CitiField, at the Mets Clubhouse stores, and online?
Why don’t the Mets revive offseason Hot Stove visits with regional kids’ sports groups, to interact with younger players? So much more…
Brilliant comment.
Couldn’t agree more.