Yankees, Mets Rebuild Differently

After a decade of dominance, the Yankees faltered last season. After a decade of mediocrity, the Mets actually showed life in 2013.

May 30, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees catcher

(53) makes the catch near the New York Mets dugout at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

Both Big Apple teams missed the playoffs last year, and both are itching to reach the postseason. Yet, their maps have different directions.

The Yankees have a tendency to spend. Just a tiny bit. In this off-season alone, general manager Brian Cashman brought in players such as Brian McCann, Brian Roberts, Masahiro Tanaka, Carlos Beltran, and others. As per 2009, the front office believes purchasing quality talent leads to success. 2009 proves that hypothesis true. Although, this Yankees renaissance coincides with the retirement of a member of the 90’s dynasty. This season will undoubtedly be a going away party for Derek Jeter, the most celebrated and respected player of the 2nd millennium. While the Yankees obviously want to win, the team desperately wants the Captain to win his sixth ring.

The Mets were a successful franchise, once upon a time. Unfortunately, due to owner Fred Wilpon’s financial issues, the Mets have been unable to compete for the last five seasons, forced to rely on their farm system to produce star players. Before this off-season, the only large free agent Queens lured was Jason Bay, and he imploded. The only consistent players the team has had were Jose Reyes, who jumped ship to the Marlins in 2012, David Wright, who continues to play well despite constant injuries, and Daniel Murphy, a solid hitter who plays multiple positions.

To counteract the last five years, the Mets have been hoarding prospects. Matt Harvey came up two seasons ago, and was masterful before tearing his UCL in 2013. Among the stockpile are pitchers Noah Syndergaard, Zack Wheeler, Rafael Montero, and catcher Travis d’Arnaud. Plus, Flushing now has former Yankee Curtis Granderson to roam the outfield. GM Sandy Alderson has done a fantastic job of preparing the Mets for the future, and the future could be now.

Both ball clubs built new stadiums for the 2009 season. The Yankees have Yankee Stadium, and the Mets have Citi Field. Although it probably won’t happen this year, a repeat of the 2000 Subway Series would be amazing. So the Yankees will ride the B,4 or D trains, and the Mets will take the 7 train, and are both ready to chug along for seasons filled with excitement, exhilaration, and winning!

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