Decade Later Mets Can Learn from Olerud
By Mike Silva ~ December 13th, 2009. Filed under: Offseason Speculation.
So who is the mystery team that offered Jason Bay a five year deal? According to Jon Heyman the Mets are worried that it may be the Seattle Mariners. If that’s the case perhaps the clear path that Boston provided the Mets is no longer. A decade ago Seattle stole an important offensive cog from Bobby Valentine’s Mets when they signed John Olerud to a contract. The lure of “going home” was too much for Olerud and his family, so logic dictates the Mets may have no shot in the Bay sweepstakes. Perhaps, but they could learn from Steve Phillips mistake with Olerud.
Back in 99′ Olerud said his decision to leave the Mets “was tough because the team “made a competitive offer.” All things being equal I believe the lure of the west coast will be too much for Jason Bay and company to pass up. It’s not like Citi Field is any better for a hitter than Safeco, and who knows if Bay really wants the bright lights of New York City when the serenity of the Pacific Northwest is an option. That’s why if the Mets really want Bay they shouldn’t fool around.
I always thought Phillips made the mistake of not blowing Olerud out of the water when he became a free agent. The Mets decided to play on even ground with him and didn’t make the money enticing enough to turn down the west coast. Reports are circulating that Seattle is flush with cash to spend this winter. How far will they go? Regardless, I find it embarrassing if the Mariners are able to outbid the Mets. This is where Jeff Wilpon needs to prove the financial health of the franchise and do “what it takes” to get Bay. Make this decision really tough for him that turning down more money to go home becomes the theme. How many times have players turned down the Yankees? Very rare because they make sure not to leave anything to chance (see Mark Teixeira, CC Sabathia).
There is a limit of course, if Bay starts to get into the $20 million dollar range, then perhaps Matt Holliday and the prolonged negotiations make sense. Would Seattle be able to match 85 to 90 million dollars for 5 years? No one knows if their fifth year is guaranteed, because that really hasn’t been discussed. I have my doubts. In any event if the Mets get to that level, and Seattle matches, maybe “Bay Watch” was never meant to be in Citi Field. I will believe that when I see it since historically the Mariners haven’t done business that way. The other team that lingers is Anaheim and we know their owner does have the cash to play with the Mets. If so, then perhaps all bets are off.
If the Mets do the same with Bay as they did with John Olerud then perhaps it’s time to dance with Matt Holliday. If they are smart they will learn from the failed negotiations with John Olerud back in 1999 and leave nothing to chance.
