In case another $40 million loan wasn’t enough bad news for Mets fans, general manager Sandy Alderson provided some more yesterday when he casually mentioned Johan Santana may not be ready for Opening Day.
“We do have some question marks, of course, with Santana being one of them,” Alderson said of the lefty pitcher’s return from his September 2010 shoulder surgery. “We think he’s going to be ready, but he might not be. That’s where the [pitching] depth becomes important.”
Santana had hoped to pitch for the Mets by the end of last season, but setbacks prevented him from getting back to the majors. Because of the uncertainty surrounding shoulder surgery, it’s hard to know what to expect from Santana when he does return.
That’s one of the reasons why Alderson will focus on rotation depth heading into 2012, although that won’t include any big-money signings.
Alderson said the recent $40 million bridge loan the team received from Bank of America hasn’t affected what he has done this offseason.
“I wasn’t even aware of the loan until [Monday], so it couldn’t have had any impact on what I’ve done,” Alderson said. “On the other hand, I’m not surprised. With the losses that we sustained last year, they have to be funded somehow.”
He did manage to provide a glimmer of hope for the future by saying the minority investments the team is selling — at $20 million apiece — could be finalized by next month or February, but that still won’t translate into an immediate increase in payroll.
“I wouldn’t expect that an influx of capital in January or February or what have you would have a major impact on our payroll for 2012, at least going into the season,” Alderson said.
So don’t look for much more than a pitcher or two who has the ability to start, come out of the bullpen and can go to the minors.
* Daniel Murphy expects to be back at second base next season.
“That’s my understanding,” said Murphy, who added he has recovered from his second straight season-ending knee injury. “It’s second base in spring training.”
And he hopes it turns out better this time around.
“I’ve got to play defense,” Murphy said. “I ain’t just going to be able to hit all year. And I know the perception. I’ve been over there twice. I got hurt twice. So I’m going to have to be as comfortable around second base as some would say I feel in the batter’s box. I’ve got to make that my second home.”
Murphy and Jon Niese have been mentioned in trade rumors recently, as Alderson has said just about everyone is available. Both players said they were not bothered by the speculation.
“[Niese] is part of our plans for next year,” Alderson said. “Absolutely. But we made it clear from the get-go that we’ll talk about almost anybody. But at this point that’s all it is, is talk. I wouldn’t say that it’s even been significant conversations. He’s still very much part of our plans.”
So is Mike Nickeas, who Alderson said could be the backup to Josh Thole, now that Ronny Paulino is no longer with the team.
“It’s an indication that he’s going to have a better chance than he would have otherwise,” Alderson said. “Sure, I think it’s very possible that he’ll be the backup.”
Alderson also said the team has interest in bringing back Queens native Mike Baxter, whom they non-tendered on Monday.