New York Mets: Sandy Alderson Is Doing a Good Job Despite Tough Circumstances

There are millions of angry fans of the New York Mets right now, but it is not Sandy Alderson's fault. The general manager is doing the best he can.

The biggest story for the Mets during this offseason was the loss of superstar Jose Reyes to free agency. 

Reyes is not only a great player, but he was a homegrown player who came through the team's farm system. He also just won the National League batting title this past season. There is no way a New York team should not be able to re-sign him.

Unfortunately, that is exactly what happened. The shortstop signed a six-year, $106 million deal with the usually thrifty Miami Marlins. 

Fans in Queens were not happy.

However, it is important to place the blame on the correct people. Sandy Alderson has been handcuffed since he arrived in New York thanks to the poor financial habits of owner Fred Wilpon.

The owner has been involved in a lawsuit from trustees trying to claim lost funds from the Bernie Madoff scandal. The team has suffered as a direct result, and the overall budget is expected to be below $100 million this upcoming season.

Therefore, the task for Alderson is to field a competitive team for this upcoming season while spending almost $50 million less than he did last season. What's more, the team is now expected to do this without their former All-Star shortstop.

Under the circumstances, the general manager has done a quality job.

The weakest part of the team from last season, the bullpen, has been made much stronger. The Mets made three moves in one day, signing Frank Francisco and John Rauch as well as trading for Ramon Ramirez.

While none of these players are recognized as elite at their positions, all three provide quality late-game experience. They should combine to create a formidable three innings of relief work throughout the season.

Along with acquiring Ramirez, the trade also swapped center fielders Angel Pagan and Andres Torres. While this seems like a minor change, it is the type of move that can change the culture in the clubhouse.

The administration was getting tired of Angel Pagan's lazy play on the field and his complaining about his spot in the lineup. On the other hand, Andres Torres was a part of the 2010 World Series Champion San Francisco Giants. 

He also leaves a fanbase that has nothing but kind words to say about him, with some fans even naming him as a primary reason for the title run. Torres is not only willing to play quality center field and be a leadoff hitter, but he is also a great leader for a team that needs one.

The problem is that none of these moves distract the fanbase from the fact that the team did not re-sign Jose Reyes. However, are we even sure that Alderson would have acted any differently without any budget restrictions?

Alderson has said publicly he is against long-term contracts. There is little reason to believe he would have changed his views for an oft-injured leadoff hitter whose game is based on speed. 

Reyes is set to make $22 million in the final three years of his contract. The Mets do not need another aging player taking up payroll space. That is exactly what got the team into the mess they are currently in.

For the first time in many years, the minor league system is starting to blossom. The players are still a few years away, but pitchers Matt Harvey, Jeurys Familia and Zack Wheeler are all stars in the making.

If Mets fans can be patient (which is a tough task) and let Sandy Alderson continue doing what he is doing, the team will be on its way back to contention in a few short years.

Until then, all he can do is field a competitive team with the resources available.