“My dominant eye is on ’13. You’re looking at both, no question about that. But the stronger focus is on ’13. I know that doesn’t really corroborate with what we’ve done this off-season. But, let’s see – when everything is said and done – where we are. I can assure you that where we are right now is not where we want to be opening Spring Training. It’s conceivable we could be in the same position, but it’s not where we want to be.” – Sandy Alderson to Mike Francesa on WFAN via Metsblog
The quote above is the most interesting one that Sandy Alderson gave to Mike Francesa yesterday afternoon in one of his “State of the Mets” interviews he gives throughout the year.
Sandy, the King of talking but not saying anything, once again did a great job of not really giving you anything new 
. But, I do think that his outlook yesterday, less than a month before spring training begins, is one that makes you wonder.
It makes you wonder, will he make another move to make it better in his eyes. It makes you wonder if he is saying that because the vibe around the team from the fans is not good. It makes you wonder if he really believes what he is saying.
Now, as I have said in the past, I believe that Sandy is doing the right thing when it comes to the franchise. This was a rebuilding process that we needed to get through and we are getting close to the move upward…., we hope.
Sandy has played hardball for most of the off-season and although you would think he would be ready to spend a little money after some maneuvering this Winter, he has not done so.
I understand that when you are rebuilding, you are being pulled in two different directions. You have a target date when you are supposed to start moving forward and the year you are in currently. But, the here and now can’t do anything to jeopardize the success expected when the target date is finally here.
He does admit in the quote that what he is saying does not match with what the Mets have done this off-season, but I think that is more him realizing the fans are smarter than to believe anything else.
Sandy is being pulled in different directions by the fans, ownership, his front office and the media. He is trying to make 2013 the best season he can without allowing the target date to be pushed back from 2014.
At the end of the day, much like the front office has since it took over, we have to take a wait and see approach. Of course, as much as we are done waiting and want to see more, Sandy already sees the end and wont be pressured into changing what he sees.
To become a winner in 2014, 2013 has to be another transition season, one that will no ruin the plan set forth.
In anyway you look at it, its truly an eye for an eye.
