Can Mark Cuban Get the New York Mets Back On the Mark?

There have been rumors floating around the Internet that imply that Mark Cuban has become a member of the group of investors put together by Martin Luther King III.

The original group put together by King was believed to be interested in buying a 25 percent stake in the Mets. However, it appears that this new group will make an offer to buy 100 percent of the Mets as well as SNY. This offer could come as early as today or tomorrow.

Cuban has already expressed that he has no interest in being a minority stakeholder in an MLB team and said that he would not make an offer unless someone reached out to him. It appears that King may have reached out to Cuban as well as real estate mogul Peter Kalikow and Cablevison founder Charles Dolan.

It would seem that Dolan would have a large interest in SNY and he would likely put most of his money towards that. Cuban on the other hand would likely be putting in money to purchase at least a 51 percent stake in the team. If Cuban attempts to become part of a group to buy the Mets, you can bet that he will purchase a controlling stake.

Certainly, Mets fans have different views on Cuban. Some don’t think that he is the right man to own the team. Fans fear that he may focus more on the Mavericks until the Mets show some potential. There is also a much different train of thought going through the Mets fan base. Some fans believe that he would be the ideal owner.

Cuban, who has previously made an attempt to buy the Cubs, would be great for the Mets. By having Cuban aboard, the Mets would instantly gain more credibility. Rarely can an owner turn a franchise around, but Cuban is one of the select few that can.

With Cuban at the helm, the Mets would be able to spend big money on marquee free agents. Money is no issue to Cuban; all he wants to do is win. Unlike the NBA, the MLB does not have a salary cap and Cuban is free to spend as much money as he pleases on players. This will likely occur as Cuban absolutely hates to lose.

Sandy Alderson will be given an open checkbook and should be able to assemble an outstanding team. Alderson puts a strong emphasis on scouting players and this should help prevent the Mets from making big money mistakes like they did with Oliver Perez.

The Mets also lack an electric personality. The Yankees had it for years in George Steinbrenner. The Jets have it now with Rex Ryan. A common thread between these two is that they won often and made the playoffs. Cuban can be this personality for the Mets. He will take a lot of attention off the players and his attitude will fit in perfectly in New York.

Cuban has called out the NBA and its officials numerous times and there is no doubt that he would do the same in the MLB. Having a boisterous leader would take a lot of pressure off of the Mets’ players. This is invaluable for players who are uncertain if they would want to play in New York because of all the media pressure.

In addition to all of this, Cuban is a brilliant businessman. He was No. 400 on Forbes' list of the World’s Richest People. Cuban bought a minority stake in the UFL in April this year. It is believed that he did so because he sees the league as a viable, profitable replacement if the NFL is locked out next season. Cuban’s business acumen would do wonders for the Mets. With his business skills and his willingness to spend money, he should be able to have the Mets fill Citi Field to capacity on a consistent basis.

As much as fans are calling for the Wilpons to sell the team, it will only make sense if they sell it to the right ownership group. A group that has Mark Cuban as the majority stakeholder is the right choice. Cuban could help turn the team around and eventually establish a Mets’ dynasty.

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