The Mets continue to search for a way to win more consistently at home and general manager Sandy Alderson acknowledged the team will consider altering the dimensions once again.
But he admitted their problems run deeper than simply where the fences are.
“Changing the ballpark is not a panacea for not hitting with runners in scoring position,” Alderson said while speaking to season ticket holders before Saturday’s 5-0 loss to the Padres at Citi Field. “It’s not going to change our rate of singles that we hit with a man on second base. So when I suggest that we look at the dimensions of the ballpark, that doesn’t mean I think that’s the solution. It’s just part of the equation.”
Another part of the equation is no doubt the payroll, which Alderson also addressed.
“Are we going to increase the payroll? I think that’s something that we’ll deal with after the season is over,” Alderson said. “If we’re in a position where we’re competing, vying for a wild-card spot or a division championship on July 31 [the non-waiver trade deadline], I think we have the capacity to make a move. There’s no question about that.”
But he didn’t sound ready to make any significant moves.
“I really do believe that we are close, so let’s focus on what we have between now and the trade deadline,” Alderson said. “Let’s see where we are. And then in the offseason, that’s another question you can ask me and I’ll have to answer again, for sure.”
Until then, he would like to see improved results.
“We need to play better with what we have,” the GM said. “And I don’t define that in terms of payroll, but with the players that we have. We’re two months into this season and as I said, I think we’re close. And I think we have the capacity to play better.”
If they don’t, the question of whether the team should consider moving second baseman Daniel Murphy, who is in line for a hefty raise following the season in arbitration, will no doubt come up.
“Murphy is somebody who is an offensive player who has really done some things this year to improve himself as an offensive player,” Alderson said. “So there’s no question in terms of this ballpark, he’s been a plus. We talk about it all the time: We’re looking for players that are willing to play in New York or can play in New York. He hits in New York. He hits in this ballpark.”
Curtis Granderson (sore left calf) pinch hit in the seventh. He popped out to second and didn’t stay in the game but hopes to be able to start Sunday after running before Saturday’s game and reporting no problems.
“We’ll see how everything responds [Saturday night],” Granderson said. “I should be good to go.”