Talks With Wright, Dickey Not Advancing Yet; Giants Take 2-0 Lead Over Tigers

Once the season finished in Miami earlier this month, Sandy Alderson was adamant about doing his best to retain both David Wright and R.A. Dickey. We heard early reports that fans might see both inked to extensions before the World Series started. Well, here we are, two games into the Fall Classic, and not only have neither Wright or Dickey put their name on the dotted line yet, but talks haven’t intensified yet.

Although this news can be a little frustrating, MetsBlogreported that Alderson has been in contact with both of the team’s standout performers from 2012, telling them he would like both of them to remain with the organization for the long-term, while also sharing his plan for the next few years. Both sides are still trying to find a time to sit down and get serious about contract negotiations, as Alderson wants to do all he can to lock up Wright and Dickey this winter, since both are resolved to test the free agent market next off-season if no deals are agreed upon.

Sep 27, 2012; Flushing, NY,USA; New York Mets third baseman David Wright (5) congratulates starting pitcher R.A. Dickey (43) after the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field. Mets won 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-US PREWIRE

I thought the early news about these two signing extensions before the World Series was too good to be true. Don’t get me wrong, I would have taken it with open arms, but it will take some time for these talks to develop into the next stage. It’s all but assured Alderson will focus on Wright first, then turn his attention to Dickey. He’s stated this as one of his top off-season priorities, so I would like to see these deals done by Thanksgiving at the latest, because the rest of the roster sure needs some attention before pitchers and catchers report.

Despite a last place finish with a 67-76 record with the Buffalo Bisons in 2012, the front office has confirmed that Wally Backman will return to manage in the Mets minor league organization for the third year in a row, moving with the team out to Las Vegas to take over the 51s. There were rumors the Phillies were interested in bringing Backman in to manage their Triple-A team since they moved Ryne Sandberg up to the MLB coaching staff, but he’s decided to stay with New York, as he will have the task of readying one of their biggest pitching prospects in years in Zack Wheeler.

Anthony Recker had been designated for assignment by the Cubs on Wednesday to make room on their 40-man roster, and the Mets came in to claim the 29-year-old catcher off waivers. He appeared in 22 games and approached the plate for 49 at-bats between the A’s and Cubs last season, hitting a measily .143/.263/.245 with 1 homer and 4 RBI. In the Minors last season, he played for three teams between Double-A and Triple-A, spending most of his time with Triple-A Sacramento in the PCL. His combined stats were much better than his MLB line (.261/.352/.437, 10 HR, 33 RBI). This is obviously a minor move for the Mets, as I don’t anticipate Recker having much of an effect on the Big League roster. He was brought on here to give the Mets another right-handed catching option in the minors outside of Mike Nickeas. So, I still plan on seeing a Major League-caliber catcher being signed this winter by Alderson.

Game 2 of the World Series didn’t have the fireworks that Pablo Sandoval provided on Wednesday night with three homers in his first three at-bats in Game 1, but the Giants scored two late runs to take a 2-0 series lead as the matchup moves back to the Motor City. The star of the night was Madison Bumgarner, as he put together 7 shutout innings against what has been an inconsistent Tiger offense, allowing 2 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 8 hitters. Brandon Crawford helped the first run score in the bottom of the seventh, as he grounded into a double play with the bases loaded. The bases got reloaded in the eighth with Hunter Pence up, who added some insurance with a sacrifice fly. Sergio Romo set Detroit down 1-2-3 in the ninth to secure their second victory of the series. Game 3 is set to take place at Comerica Park tomorrow night at 8pm, now a must-win for the Tigers.

Must be weird for the Giants to be holding a lead in a series this postseason since they’ve gotten used to coming from behind in the NLDS and NLCS, no? Happy Friday everyone!