SNY's Andy Martino will be responding to and breaking down answers to Mets questions from readers. Here's the latest...
Is Sandy Alderson’s position in the organization costing them some great FO hires? Teams only need to give permission for lateral moves. A guy like Epstein would never take a job where he was under Alderson. — @NYER423
This is a fallacy, and one I’ve seen in a few places lately. In reporting on potential candidates for president of baseball operations, I haven’t heard that anyone is hesitant about joining the Mets because the widely respected Sandy Alderson is already here. That was never an issue with Theo Epstein, at least not that I heard.
It is true, however, that some candidates have questions about Steve Cohen’s tweeting and tumultuous first year. It’s not that those questions are irresolvable, but Cohen is a new variable in the industry and will need to assure top candidates that he will be a desirable partner.
When I speak to potential candidates and/or people who know them, they ask about Cohen, not Alderson. Both Cohen and his new head of baseball will have to strike up a personal connection and excitement about working together for many years to come.
It is well understood in the industry that Alderson would prefer to step aside as head of baseball operations. He would be available to advise the next hire, but he’s not looking to do that job himself. His return to the Mets was never supposed to be in that capacity.
The new president of baseball operations will be empowered to hire a GM and manager. He or she will run baseball, period.
In terms of permission to speak with the Mets, that is an issue to be worked out in each individual case. The Mets are hopeful that they can secure permission from Oakland owner John Fisher to speak with Billy Beane, and less optimistic about their chances of getting to Milwaukee president of baseball operations David Stearns.
Another, previously unreported, name discussed for a front office position is Dodgers assistant GM Brandon Gomes, but the Mets will not ask permission to speak to any team’s employees while that team is still playing.