While announcing an earth-shattering, franchise-changing trade, Sandy Alderson engaged in what has become an annual tradition:
“We’re certainly not punting on 2013,” the Mets general manager said.
Look, never say never; the Orioles somehow qualified for the 2012 playoffs, and they play in the American League East. But the swap of R.A. Dickey, Josh Thole and Mike Nickeas to Toronto for Travis d’Arnaud, John Buck, Noah Syndergaard and Wuilmer Becerra obviously significantly hinders the 2013 Mets’ efforts at shocking the world.
So while Mets fans should be celebrating the long-term ramifications of this deal, picking up two potential core pieces in d’Arnaud and Syndergaard, they understandably want to know: Who else is coming aboard next season?
The answer is, no one about whom you’ll be as excited as you should be for d’Arnaud.
“There’s a lot of time between now and the start of spring training,” Alderson said. “We recognize that we have holes to fill. And that we have created a hole.”
The Mets need a starting pitcher, two outfielders and some bullpen help. And despite picking up a 2013 placeholder in Buck and a future franchise catcher in d’Arnaud, they’ll look for some organizational depth behind the plate as well, Alderson said.
They have in the neighborhood of $7 million to spend, so don’t look for them to swoop in on intriguing names that are still out there like, say, free-agent center fielder Michael Bourn. The best, most realistic options are Scott Hairston and Cody Ross, both of whom will likely get multi-year deals as free agents.
One intriguing possibility: Oakland’s Coco Crisp, who will earn $7 million in 2013 and has a $7.5 million team option (against a $1 million buyout) in 2014. The A’s have an abundance of outfielders after acquiring Chris Young from Arizona, but it’s not clear just how available Crisp is. The Mets and A’s have a very good relationship, as Oakland GM Billy Beane used to work for Alderson and had Mets vice president of player development and amateur scouting Paul DePodesta as his assistant. A Mets official didn’t rule out the possibility of acquiring Crisp.
On the pitching front, Alderson spoke optimistically of landing a full-time starter who could give the Mets something like what Chris Capuano did in 2011. It will take more time for the free-agent market to settle to where the Mets would be in play; names like Edwin Jackson and Kyle Lohse have to come off the board first. Realistically, the Mets would be looking at names like former Yankee Carl “American Idle” Pavano, if he were willing to return to New York, or rehabilitating former Athletic Dallas “Hey, A-Rod, stay off my mound!” Braden.
The Mets also think Zack Wheeler can be ready for them before the All-Star break, yet that probably wouldn’t impact their thinking as they look to replace Dickey’s spot. With both Johan Santana and Dillon Gee coming off injuries, the Mets will consider themselves extremely fortunate if they decide to promote Wheeler and can’t figure out whom to drop from the starting rotation.
Buck, an extremely strong bet to be a one-year Met, is coming off two straight down years with the Marlins. Yet he still represents a considerable offensive upgrade over Thole, so he has that going for him. And as Alderson said last night, the Mets think d’Arnaud will be ready to help at some point during the 2013 campaign.
It’s hard to find folks in the industry who don’t like d’Arnaud. Said one scout from an American League team: “D’Arnaud is the biggest heist from Canada since Molson.” The scout proceeded to praise d’Arnaud’s “strong bat, quick with big, raw power. He can hit long and far. His catching skills are fine.”
Added a minor-league coach from a National League organization: “He thought he was pretty good as a guy coming out of high school. That’s what you’ve got to have. You’ve got to believe you’re good. He’s going to hit, and he’s going to hit home runs. He can catch and throw.”
So if 2013 goes as the Mets hope, their fans will see the big-league debuts of d’Arnaud and Wheeler. If the season goes as the Mets dream, they’ll make the playoffs.
Cling to the hope, if you’re a Mets fan. Punt on the dream.
kdavidoff@nypost.com