|
 Chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon and general manager Sandy
Alderson were among those there. The get-together also included
sports agent Brodie Van Wagenen, but not Cano.
A five-time All-Star second baseman, Cano is a free agent. He is
seeking a 10-year contract for more than $300 million from the
Yankees. Alderson said last week he doubted the Mets would offer any
nine-figure contracts.
"They requested a meeting," Alderson said Tuesday. "We talked
generally and that was it. As I said, we were approached. Having
said last week that I didn't foresee contracts in the $100 million
range for the Mets this season, I think that statement still
pertains. On the other hand, we are committed to improving the team
and we will explore whatever possibilities arise, however remote and
eventual outcome."
Alderson called it "a very preliminary meeting" and said it included
a PowerPoint, books and pamphlets.
"We certainly have a high regard for Robinson Cano as a player," he
said. "It was my sense the presentation was a little bit overdone."
[to top of second column] |
Jay Z's Roc Nation Sports formed a partnership
this year with Van Wagenen's CAA Baseball.
"We felt it would be useful enough for us to meet Jay Z and
Brodie, whether it's in connection with Robinson Cano or some
future client that they may have," Alderson said.
While the Mets have more money to spend after getting large
contracts for Johan Santana and Jason Bay off their books,
Alderson says free-agent prices have been high. He said he
didn't team's payroll would be below its 2013 level of about $95
million.
"We have to be realistic about the market and not sort of deny
the inevitable. If the market is as robust as it seems to be,
then we have to acknowledge that," he said, adding: "It may not
be manifest yet to the average fan, the average person, but I
think we are more active than we were last year."
NOTES: The Mets signed 1B Brandon Allen to a minor league
contract with an invitation to spring training. The 27-year-old
Allen, who last played in the majors for Oakland and Tampa Bay
in 2012, is a .203 career hitter with 12 homers and 41 RBIs in
116 big league games. He spent last season in San Diego's
system, batting .267 with 17 home runs and 76 RBIs for Triple-A
Tucson.
[Associated
Press]
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