New York Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen was proud to introduce Carlos Beltran as the team’s new manager on Monday, but he knew there’d be more than just questions about Beltran.
For instance, like why he passed on Joe Girardi, the man who seemed to be the most natural fit for the job.
“There were a lot of qualified candidates that brought different things to the table,” Van Wagenen said. “I thought that we considered all of those candidates and their strengths and ultimately it was Carlos’ strengths that won the day. It was less about where other candidates fell short and much more specifically about what Carlos’ leadership brings to our team, what his leadership brings to the organization and we had a great deal of confidence in that.”
Looking for why Girardi is not #Mets manager? Van Wagenen mentioned being able to “exhale” when go into mgr office rather than “inhale” in weariness. Said of Beltran that he has “appetite to collaborate.” Became clear in process that BVW did not feel connection with Girardi.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) November 4, 2019
The truth is he wanted a first-time manager and not one he inherited, such as Mickey Callaway. Â He wanted his own. Beltran has other qualities that won him the job, but still, Met fans are leery. He will have earn their trust.
Cespedes’ Return Still Unknown
Outfielder Yoenis Cespedes is still a Met. Maybe you forgot. No one can blame you for that. Cespedes has not played since July 20, 2018 when it was decided that he needed surgery on both heels. That surgery was successful but his comeback last was then thwarted by an ankle fracture he suffered on his ranch in May. That’s the Mets’ story and their sticking to it.
Van Wagenen was asked on Monday what Cespedes’ status was. He wasn’t sure. I believe him.
Yoenis Cespedes continues to rehab from his injuries. Brodie Van Wagenen says it's "too early to tell" if Cespedes will play in 2019. "I don't have enough information to predict when he's going to be back."
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) November 4, 2019
Since Cespedes signed a four-year, $110 million extension with the Mets (with a no-trade clause) in November of 2016, he’s played in just 119 games. 2020 will be his last year under contract at a salary of $29.5 million.
Lugo, Gsellman could be starters again
With Zack Wheeler headed for free agency and a longshot to be re-signed by the Mets, the starting rotation will take on a different look in 2020. BVW did mention that the Mets would make a qualifying off to Wheeler, but the general consensus is that Wheeler will opt for free agency.
Van Wagenen said the #Mets will extend the $17.8M qualifying offer to Zack Wheeler.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) November 4, 2019
Jacob deGrom, Markus Stroman, Steven Matz and Noah Syndergaard – providing the team doesn’t trade him – will all be back but extra arms will be needed and Van Wagenen isn’t ruling out two players already on the staff that have started in the past in Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman.
Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman are rotation candidates, Brodie Van Wagenen said.
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) November 4, 2019
Is this a subtle hint that BVW will be looking to futz with the bullpen again this offseason? You can almost bet on that he will. He is likely in the market for a closer and a setup man from each side of the mound. In short, he’s back to where he started from.