NFT: Mets bids in - Cohen, Arod and Blitzer among them

But at the end of the day money plays

Do they intend to sell a limited number of seats to games thus far?

Cohen and the Wilpons squashed their "beef". I'm hoping he wins

which would be a $2.125b valuation. It's also been "confirmed" Cohen put in a bid. That's a stronger than expected offer from A-Rod.

Charles Gasparino
@CGasparino
BREAKING: After weeks of negotiations, hedge fund billionaire Steve Cohen has told Wilpons he would pay $2 billion for @Mets & would pay $2 billion for @SNYtv. Other bids for the team so far are lower meaning he is (as reported by @FoxBusiness) the lead bid. Timing unclear

There’s a ‘detail’ the Wilpons won’t like and they can VERY easily fuck it up, like only a Wilpon could...

There is only so many times I can refresh this Laura Goldman’s page before I lose my mind.

what is the detail? any hint?

Charles Gasparino
@CGasparino
· 9h
BREAKING: After weeks of negotiations, hedge fund billionaire Steve Cohen has told Wilpons he would pay $2 billion for @Mets & would pay $2 billion for @SNYtv. Other bids for the team so far are lower meaning he is (as reported by @FoxBusiness) the lead bid. Timing unclear

meaning a hypothetical murphy's law detail.

something like Brooklyn Cyclones being included (if they already weren't being included)


Or development rights in the Willet's point area being included.

control and maybe with Arod he won't have to. Apples to apples who knows maybe it's close.

Michael Mayer
@mikemayerMMO
·
2m
From the New York Post, "Mets COO Jeff Wilpon would prefer to sell the team to J-Rod if their offer is close to the best bid at the end of the auction, several sources said."

nobody is paying all that money to let these idiots continue to run the team.

Now that said i could see Arod being more willing to keep the wilpons around in some regard. Where as i think Cohen would show them the door as fast as humanly possible.

Just sell both the team and SNY to Cohen. Take your 4 Billion dollars and just leave mets fans alone. Go be rich and invest in other shit.

The nightmare situation for the Wilpons IS the dream scenario for Mets fans..

Picture the scenario:

Cohen buys Mets, Mets fans rejoice at finally having an owner with deep pockets, not like with the Wilpons.
Cohen starts spending, Mets fans rejoice and articles are written saying Mets finally spending like big market team they are, not like with the Wilpons.
Mets win a World Series. Cohen is immortalized as savior of Mets, saving them from the Wilpons.

That is a nightmare for them at every step of the road.

No doubt, they would prefer to sell to someone who would be as cash strapped as them.

If nothing other than out of sheer pettiness.

since the Katz's likely just want as much money as possible from the closing.

a miracle Met weighs in....(from metsmerized)

Art Shamsky
@ArtShamsky
· 4m
Steve Cohen is just what the #Mets need — a huge fan of the team to begin with and has the funds to put a winning team together. A perfect combo #LGM

Told you weeks ago he found Fred’s hit button, and that was selling the stars the WP project. That’s always been a Fred’s championship trophy

Please forgive my ignorance - what is the WP project? Willets Point?

one of the reports on twitter is that Cohen's offers aren't $2bn, they 80% of that at an enterprise value of $2bn. This doesn't make sense because that would make the A-Rod group's offer on the Mets higher, so I just find that hard to believe (more on why below).

there's another report out there that the MLB owners won't approve any sale that values the Mets below $2bn. This seems highly believable and obvious to me and if I were an MLB owner I'd probably do the same. And again, supposedly the A-Rod group offer values them at $2.125bn.

Now for the reading between the lines - the comment that Jeff would prefer to sell to A-Rod. Let's parse that a little bit. No matter how much they've reacquainted themselves there is no way Cohen is getting the team unless he is top bid. Full stop. That much is obvious. The Wilpons would prefer to sell to someone else. So this leak that Jeff would prefer to sell to A-Rod is both fitting with their MO for flashy news that wins the backpages and the likely reality that there's a better relationship there than with Cohen. And it serves to make sure Cohen knows he's only winning this battle one way - $$$$ (which I'm sure he's fully aware of in the first place).

All of which again calls into question the logic/accuracy of the report of Cohen potentially offering a lower valuation of the team, unless the offer on SNY is the piece that's too attractive to pass up. Either way at this point I think all signs still point to Cohen being the mostly likely buyer because he's interested and has the most money. I'm surprised he put in any formal round 1 bid and that would signal to me that he wants to get something done and is not looking to play games.

I did a quick Google search and I believe that is what you were referring to.

Rodriguez and Lopez envision their ownership of the team as re-imagining the Mets brand and Citi Field as an entertainment venue. Sources now say that the pair has been researching how to redevelop the ballpark and the area around it to make Willets Point a place where families could spend a day before, during and after a ballgame.

In terms of Citi Field itself, the early plans include adding some seats closer to the field. J-Rod would reportedly also want to create a field-level box area for celebrity Mets fans like Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock and Matthew Broderick in the mold of the Knicks’ “Celebrity Row.”

“With their connections, Willets could become a Wrigleyville in Queens,” one person with knowledge of J-Rod’s thinking said.
Ballpark Digest - ( New Window )

In comment 14931164 Shecky said:

Quote:

Told you weeks ago he found Fred’s hit button, and that was selling the stars the WP project. That’s always been a Fred’s championship trophy

A-Rod is literally the perfect type of personality to sell Fred/Jeff. He is the BVW of potential buyers.

reportedly favors not selling to Cohen.

to go with a lower bid just because they want little Jeff to stay on with the team in some capacity.

Everyone knows he wants to cash out at the highest possible amount.

“Wow! Is that Kevin James? Glenn Close enjoying some Pat LeFrieda delicacies” -Gary

If anybody thinks the Wilpons will not sell to the highest bidder, they have another think coming. With the Wilpons, it has always been about the money, nothing else matters. And, as mentioned above, Saul Katz has a say in this and he is also looking to maximize the sale price. Like Eric said above, if I’m reading him right, if Cohen comes through with the highest bid, and I expect he will, he’ll get the team. And, it’s probably a lot easier for someone like Cohen to raise his bid than it is for the A-Rod group which has many moving parts. I’m wondering if Wilpon, who knows the original $2.6 billion Cohen offer was screwed up somehow by his greed, is trying to push Cohen into raising the current bid by talking up the A-Rod group. But, if Cohen is anything like the Billions guy, he’s way smarter than the Wilpons and needs the transaction less than the Wilpons. Again, the Wilpons will not sell for less than top dollar because of some BS.

but MLB should step in and force the sale to Cohen if the alternative is to keep the Wilpons involved.

I think there is a precedent for MLB getting involved.

In comment 14931207 Samiam said:

Quote:

If anybody thinks the Wilpons will not sell to the highest bidder, they have another think coming. With the Wilpons, it has always been about the money, nothing else matters. And, as mentioned above, Saul Katz has a say in this and he is also looking to maximize the sale price. Like Eric said above, if I’m reading him right, if Cohen comes through with the highest bid, and I expect he will, he’ll get the team. And, it’s probably a lot easier for someone like Cohen to raise his bid than it is for the A-Rod group which has many moving parts. I’m wondering if Wilpon, who knows the original $2.6 billion Cohen offer was screwed up somehow by his greed, is trying to push Cohen into raising the current bid by talking up the A-Rod group. But, if Cohen is anything like the Billions guy, he’s way smarter than the Wilpons and needs the transaction less than the Wilpons. Again, the Wilpons will not sell for less than top dollar because of some BS.

Michael Mayer
@mikemayerMMO
·
2h
From the New York Post, "Mets COO Jeff Wilpon would prefer to sell the team to J-Rod if their offer is close to the best bid at the end of the auction, several sources said."

In comment 14931177 DanMetroMan said:

Quote:

reportedly favors not selling to Cohen.

Just when I couldn’t dislike this guy any more. Just please sell to Cohen and go away.

You are 100% right, yet not looking at it the right way lol

Didn't he say the Wilpons and Cohen are now buddy/buddy?

In comment 14931225 figgy2989 said:

Quote:

Didn't he say the Wilpons and Cohen are now buddy/buddy?

He later walked that back saying he'd walk away from talks if he didn't like what the Wilpons were saying.

In comment 14931218 Shecky said:

Quote:

You are 100% right, yet not looking at it the right way lol

Are you saying that Fred sees financial RE upside beyond this transaction, which could tempt him into taking a lesser $ offer today but on the belief there would be a bigger gain in the future? Buying that monorail is very on brand for the Wilpons actually - they are always smarter than doing the obvious.

Also 1 point of clarification (not for you just in general) but the $2.6b number people throw out was the valuation in the original deal Cohen offered, not the amount he was offering which was 80% of that. So his previous agreement was reported to be just under 2.1bn. That's why it would seem to make more sense now that his current offer of 2bn is down from that but not dramatically so. If his current offer is $500m lower overall and $100m lower than the A-Rod group he isn't getting the team.

isn't in camp.... gotta believe COVID or opting out at this point right?

absent from camp, Brodie won't touch on why

In comment 14931068 Shecky said:

Quote:

There’s a ‘detail’ the Wilpons won’t like and they can VERY easily fuck it up, like only a Wilpon could...

Nice that it got "leaked" (I wonder from who...) so that Fred Wilpon's other kids not named Jeff, and Saul Katz's family will be drooling. Massive pressure on Fred not to fuck this up.

In comment 14931230 DanMetroMan said:

Quote:

isn't in camp.... gotta believe COVID or opting out at this point right?

He’s a family guy

ominous:

Quote:

Anthony DiComo @AnthonyDiComo · 3m Robinson Canó was not at Citi Field the past two days, Brodie Van Wagenen confirmed, but he won't comment further on why. "There's a variety of reasons why players are here or not here on a given day, and we're going to protect those players' rights," Van Wagenen said.

liked Brach as sleeper to have a solid season so that's quietly a loss if he's not playing.

been a good DH. But truthfully the success of this franchise right now is McNeil/Alonso/Conforto hitting 2-3-4. And perhaps Nimmo/Rosario/JDD work themselves into that conversation. Maybe even Dom Smith.

I'd love to see Gimenez win the 2B job, or even just get his feet wet splitting time with Lowrie and his bionic leg.

Cano and/or Cespedes were wild cards who could have had a big impact in a shortened season, but their contributions to MLB are mostly in the past not the future, and possibly not even present.

into the ground to the point where you have to sell it then you shouldnt get to hang around or have any involvement in said organization. Just go the fuck away. Part of me feels like the Wilpons will just not sell to Cohen to jab the fans on their way out for being treated so harshly (boo freaking hoo)

Charles Gasparino
@CGasparino
·
2h
Some additional info on
@Mets
bidding derby (thread) 1-Steve Cohen's interest in the team is well defined, but there is no auction just yet on
@SNYtv
. When there is, his eyeball $2 billion valuation should drop dramatically. Network makes money, but has tons of debt, which will
Charles Gasparino
@CGasparino
·
2h
cut its price significantly. 2-Lots of reporting about 7 bidders, but no one can figure out who they are outside of Cohen/
@AROD
-
@JLo
-Viola-Repoli/Harris Blitzer Sports. 3-Interesting trash talking in the bidding group w people repping Steve Cohen telling other bidders how much
Charles Gasparino
@CGasparino
·
2h
money the Mets are losing, in an effort, to push down competing bids, I am told. Leaks from Mets side that Jeff Wilpon prefers to sell to
@AROD
to push bids higher. More as I get it.

but relevant.

I'm not expert but this seems good.

Jon Heyman
@JonHeyman
·
3m
MLB updated numbers: 83 positive tests out of 11K tests done (71 players, 12 staff). 0.7 percent positive.

Sticking with my gut, Cohen will not own the Mets. Will it be J-Rod? Who knows? But not Cohen (100% not claiming inside info)

Jeffy butthurt from round one with Cohen and thinks he can take on a heavy weight? Lol, this should be entertaining.

The gifts that keeps on giving.

is good, but since they arent going to put in a bubble there is really no saying how the numbers go from here. In theory it could get worse as teams are together, start to travel, etc... Its not like the bubble sports where in theory the number at the beginning is the worst it will get.

won't play in 2020

In comment 14931279 DanMetroMan said:

Quote:

won't play in 2020

Makes sense. I believe he and his wife are adopting a baby.

Since May just 19 in UK Premier League positive and last week 1,973 tests, 0 positive.

Important to keep in mind as we all collectively say "other countries are playing we should too", the answer is we can so long as our protocols work as well as their's do.
Statement on results of COVID-19 tests 6 Jul 2020 - ( New Window )

but isnt the premier league in a bubble?

In comment 14931297 Italianju said:

Quote:

but isnt the premier league in a bubble?

Pretty sure they are traveling and playing in home stadiums with no fans.

a fucking tool
Link - ( New Window )

No one can outbid him. The celeb consortium bid will be maxed out and he'll go as much higher as he needs to to force saul katz hand on a veto of anyone else.

This is also the best scenario for Mets fans as it removes jeffs incompetent gene pool cocktail from the future of the team.

that was a dumb question. Ive watched enough to know they are in different stadiums, guess my brain has already moved on to the weekend.

In comment 14931315 Torrag said:

Quote:

No one can outbid him. The celeb consortium bid will be maxed out and he'll go as much higher as he needs to to force saul katz hand on a veto of anyone else. This is also the best scenario for Mets fans as it removes jeffs incompetent gene pool cocktail from the future of the team.

You’re ignoring one thing JROD can offer that Cohen will not... allowing the Wilpons to maintain a % of the team.

has it been reported that he wants 100%? His previous agreement was for 80%.

That's not correct. The Wilpons control that. They are offering an 80% stake and will remain part of the Mets for as long as they want too. No one can force them to fully divest from the franchise and as far as I've read no one is asking them to.

As long as Cohen is willing to go the extra say $50M-100M more for the club so it's a substantial amount he'll own it.

In comment 14931320 Eric on Li said:

Quote:

has it been reported that he wants 100%? His previous agreement was for 80%.

That's not the point I'm making. I'm saying JROD can offer the Wilpons more involvement going forward. Potential earnings withih development of Willets Point may trump a higher purchase price in the eyes of meddling Jeff.

In comment 14931328 Torrag said:

Quote:

That's not correct. The Wilpons control that. They are offering an 80% stake and will remain part of the Mets for as long as they want too. No one can force them to fully divest from the franchise and as far as I've read no one is asking them to. As long as Cohen is willing to go the extra say $50M-100M more for the club so it's a substantial amount he'll own it.

Profits regarding future development around the ballpark are not part of owning the team. It's already been debunked that Cohen offered 2 billion for SNY. The Wilpons will want to maintain as much future profit as possible. That much is clear.

it's about $$ then there would be no debate to be had. Cohen has much, much more money and yet there are multiple reports the Wilpons are both intrigued by the JROD plan and may be willing to sell for slightly less. Why? Because they clearly have eyes regarding future profits that Cohen apparently won't be offering.

you believe Gasparino (and I don't, he comes off as a fraud), Cohen already offered 300 million more than JROD. That would mean "done deal" if it's apples to apples no? So clearly the Wilpons are looking for more than simply "the highest bid". JROD isn't coming up with more upfront money than Cohen can offer.

not saying it won't impact the Wilpon's decision - it is perfectly within their character to do so. But the real offers on the table are likely to come in with Cohen offering at a higher valuation and the J-Rod offer being more contingent on intangibles - preference away from dealing with Cohen, more starpower, etc.

Also Saul/Fred are making this decision, not Jeff. MLB (and the rest of the owners) are going to have an impact too.

If it's close it could go either way but Cohen will get the team if he wants it and I still don't see any reason to think he doesn't want it anymore.

In comment 14931337 DanMetroMan said:

Quote:

you believe Gasparino (and I don't, he comes off as a fraud), Cohen already offered 300 million more than JROD. That would mean "done deal" if it's apples to apples no? So clearly the Wilpons are looking for more than simply "the highest bid". JROD isn't coming up with more upfront money than Cohen can offer.

We very well could hear within a few weeks that it's a done deal for Cohen. They only got the offers this week and I believe they were non-binding and expected to involve a period of discussion between parties before the next round.

Nothings been debunked. Reports are contradictory and unclear as the 'journalists' all scurry to get their clicks. As they should be this is all unfolding in real time.

Is some pie in the sky nebulous idea about long term real estate development going to sway Katz and Wilpon to leave say $100 million bucks on the table if push came to shove?

I'd say that's doubtful even with 'lil jeffie throwing a tantrum at the board meeting. Is it possible Fred is slimy enough that the celebrity angle could effect his vote? Maybe but in today's fragile economic situation I'd wager on the bird in the hand at heavy odds.

In comment 14931343 Torrag said:

Quote:

Nothings been debunked. Reports are contradictory and unclear as the 'journalists' all scurry to get their clicks. As they should be this is all unfolding in real time. Is some pie in the sky nebulous idea about long term real estate development going to sway Katz and Wilpon to leave say $100 million bucks on the table if push came to shove? I'd say that's doubtful even with 'lil jeffie throwing a tantrum at the board meeting. Is it possible Fred is slimy enough that the celebrity angle could effect his vote? Maybe but in today's fragile economic situation I'd wager on the bird in the hand at heavy odds.

No. Gasparino both reported the 2 billion for SNY and later clarified it was not offered but Cohen’s valuation of SNY.

Reporter last night said it was offered. Now he’s saying otherwise

Mets
bidding derby (thread) 1-Steve Cohen's interest in the team is well defined, but there is no auction just yet on
@SNYtv

. When there is, his eyeball $2 billion valuation should drop dramatically. Network makes money, but has tons of debt, which will
Charles Gasparino
@CGasparino

So he walked back his own story. It wasn’t different reporters with different information
·

Who are saying Cohen's evaluation is a surprisingly lower type offer than they expected. I read $4b and I think wow, but apparently it's not as easy as that and not exactly as it appears. The consensus I have seen seems to think it's just an initial entry and he will be willing to go higher in a 2nd round, but not as much higher as you may think.

If all that's true and the offers are close based on some of the other reporting I'd have to think the A-Rod group does have a decent chance.

I don’t mean the group. I’m asking about his own money and JLos. I’m guessing that most of the money is coming from wealth management types like JPMorgan Chase or other banks or other financial types. If that’s true, we’re not dealing with dummies and why would those types want to hitch their wagons to businessmen like the Wilpons who clearly are under distress now and probably not the best business people and certainly not a great baseball organization? Aside from the meh performance on the field for much of an extended period, I don’t think the organization has been a particularly profitable business and as long as they are involved, they don’t have prayer of making the kind of money the Yankees make and it was not that long ago, the Mets were the # 1 team in NY. Why would a company like Chase want their involvement unless the group can’t come up with the higher bid?

Quote:

Mets CEO Fred Wilpon and brother-in-law Saul Katz are interested in the highest bidder. The Wilpon/Katz family do not need Cohen to offer $250 million more than his nearest rival to buy the Mets, as false reports have suggested. COO Jeff Wilpon does not have a preference to sell exclusively to Rodriguez and Lopez, according to multiple sources. In the end, the highest bidder is expected to secure the deal. Cohen, a lifelong Mets fan from Long Island, has an estimated net worth of $13.6 billion, per Forbes, and is the favorite to own the club. He has close ties to Mets special assistant to the GM, Omar Minaya, and former manager Bobby Valentine, and can outbid other groups that have made it into the second round of bidding.

Fred Wilpon wants to sell to the highest bidder, reports about Jeff’s JRod preferences are false, per NYDN - ( New Window )

In comment 14931389 Samiam said:

Quote:

I don’t mean the group. I’m asking about his own money and JLos. I’m guessing that most of the money is coming from wealth management types like JPMorgan Chase or other banks or other financial types. If that’s true, we’re not dealing with dummies and why would those types want to hitch their wagons to businessmen like the Wilpons who clearly are under distress now and probably not the best business people and certainly not a great baseball organization? Aside from the meh performance on the field for much of an extended period, I don’t think the organization has been a particularly profitable business and as long as they are involved, they don’t have prayer of making the kind of money the Yankees make and it was not that long ago, the Mets were the # 1 team in NY. Why would a company like Chase want their involvement unless the group can’t come up with the higher bid?

It’s unknown at this time but I was told they would be minority owners but significantly more than Jeter each.

Jon Heyman
@JonHeyman
·
53m
Steve Cohen bid about $2B for the Mets (that’s team valuation, he wouldn’t have to pay that; he already owns close to 10% and there r other limited partners). Harris-Blitzer and A-Rod/J-Lo/Repole/Viola and others r also in. But Cohen has most $ and word is he’s determined (cont.)

Jon Heyman
@JonHeyman
·
2m
Thoughts on Mets: 1. Steve Cohen is believed to be seeking SNY too 2. Harris-Blitzer are a formidable duo (and also thought interested in SNY) but word is they will have $ limit 3. Hard to see how A-Rod group can compete financially 4. Cohen would do what he needs to do to win.

White Sox RHP Michael Kopech has opted out of the season

That wording sure sounds like it was fed by A Rod himself directly lol. Always a dick swinging contest with Jeter...

...than his nearest rival to buy the Mets, as false reports have suggested. They want to sell to the highest bidder. So much for JRod and developing WP being a factor.

Heyman: Cohen has most $ and word is he’s determined. Cohen would do what he needs to do to win.

Good indicators that long suffering Mets fans may finally get the break in ownership we need and deserve. I'll still be sweating this out until the slimeball wilponsies and their cronies have signed on the dotted line giving anyone control of the team but them.

Believe what you want, or consider it damage control, your choice. Must be a pure coincidence the family fuck upleaks one thing, followed by damage control “leaking”. Must be a pure coincidence... bottom line is money talks, loudly. And there are profitable pieces to this puzzle, plus.

Cohen is worth more than all the other bidders combined, which means if he really wants the Mets he'll get them. Questions are - does he want them bad enough? and will the other MLB owners approve him which I think is 75%?

I'm a Mets fan which means that I am conditioned to believe the worst case scenario will play out. That to me would mean a J-Lo/A-Rod flashy ownership with tons of headlines and a shitty team.

to someone who is close with a current player and they said Cespedes is hitting absolute BOMBS.

In comment 14931793 DanMetroMan said:

Quote:

to someone who is close with a current player and they said Cespedes is hitting absolute BOMBS.

With him at DH this lineup could absolutely wreck people.

Nimmo
McNeil
Alonso
Conforto
Cespedes
Cano
JDD / Smith (LF)
Ramos
Rosario

Feels semi-criminal to put Rosario down at 9. If he shows any progression at all from last year though he's probably more deserving at the top of the lineup than Nimmo so perhaps you hit McNeil 1, Rosario 2, Conforto 3, and Alonso 4 with Nimmo at 9. That would make it easier to swap in Marisnick when Nimmo gets hurt.

In comment 14931793 DanMetroMan said:

Quote:

to someone who is close with a current player and they said Cespedes is hitting absolute BOMBS.

Think we end up with two QOs after this year? One for Stroman and one for Cespedes?

In comment 14931805 Metnut said:

Quote:

In comment 14931793 DanMetroMan said: Quote: to someone who is close with a current player and they said Cespedes is hitting absolute BOMBS. Think we end up with two QOs after this year? One for Stroman and one for Cespedes?

Stroman I'd guess yes (though I hope they keep him if he pitches well) but Ces will be 35 and mostly a DH so I doubt it. Anything is possible.

In comment 14931805 Metnut said:

Quote:

In comment 14931793 DanMetroMan said: Quote: to someone who is close with a current player and they said Cespedes is hitting absolute BOMBS. Think we end up with two QOs after this year? One for Stroman and one for Cespedes?

I think they negotiated QO out but it may have just been the compensation attached, no way Cespedes gets one either way unless he has an insane season. Stroman almost definitely but it all depends on ownership/budget.

new owners need to lock up the core young players. Conforto, Alonso etc. Immediately show the fans this is a new era.

In comment 14931809 DanMetroMan said:

Quote:

new owners need to lock up the core young players. Conforto, Alonso etc. Immediately show the fans this is a new era.

Agreed. Lock down Thor, McNeil, Alonso, Conforto. Extend Stroman on a reasonable deal. McNeil and Alonso are old enough that you probably don't even need to buy out more than 1 or 2 years of FA. Those guys plus JDG are a legitimate core and they all play the game the right way.

both think Stroman is overrated and yet someone they should keep. Solid, local, good personality/clubhouse guy. Should be part of the core going forward. 4 year deal seems good to me.

In comment 14931809 DanMetroMan said:

Quote:

new owners need to lock up the core young players. Conforto, Alonso etc. Immediately show the fans this is a new era.

Agreed. Comfortable, zo, McNeil, Thor, Rosario (been high on him forever and 2nd half last year) and Stroman.

Be amazing to not worry about young players leaving the Mets due to money issues. Locking up our core would be huge for the fans and sends notice to other players and remakes the Mets as a FA destination.

In comment 14931809 DanMetroMan said:

Quote:

new owners need to lock up the core young players. Conforto, Alonso etc. Immediately show the fans this is a new era.

It makes too much sense to not do this.

I can see this happening it the new owner is Cohen. Anyone else might be too cash-strapped to operate that way. And the Wilpons will do whatever they can to give one last FU to the fans...and not select Cohen.

I can’t imagine other franchise sales processes is this soap opera-y, right?

the weirdo Mets fans started believing had inside info (Laura Goldman)... who I called a fraud.. has been outed as a fraud.

A group featuring 30-year-old private investment chairman and CEO, C.K. McWhorter, is expected to hear from Major League Baseball if they have been approved to pursue majority ownership of the New York Mets by Wednesday with an estimated $1.8 billion bid, a source with close knowledge of the situation told amNewYork Metro on Monday.
Link - ( New Window )

vaughn mcclure
@vxmcclure23
Brian Urlacher, Travis Kelce, DeMarco Murray, Joe Thomas, Bradley Beal part of star-studded group joining A-Rod, J-Lo bid to purchase Mets

Is a disaster waiting to happen. If it takes this many people just to put together a competitive bid, how and who will deal with the debt? How and who will figure out what the payroll is, while also dealing with the debt?

It doesn't seem to me they have the resources to be able to stay afloat once they actually own the team. They might be able to put together a bunch of people to purchase it....but then what?

I want it to be Cohen, predicted it will be Harris/Blitzer because they have the money and are a "clean" bid without any red flags.

In comment 14932577 moespree said:

Quote:

Is a disaster waiting to happen. If it takes this many people just to put together a competitive bid, how and who will deal with the debt? How and who will figure out what the payroll is, while also dealing with the debt? It doesn't seem to me they have the resources to be able to stay afloat once they actually own the team. They might be able to put together a bunch of people to purchase it....but then what?

How many owners do you think the Dodgers have?

Ownership groups are not uncommon and will likely have a majority owners. I doubt that it's something most fans should be concerned with.

I'd prefer one owner with massive pockets (like Cohen or Cuban or Musk - as examples), but I view a star-studded ownership group headed by Arod as a better option than the Wilpons and I have no idea what that would look like.

Goldman character pled guilty to extortion in 2009 (faced 20 years in jail), and now claimed she was close with Ghislaine Maxwell... who has never met the woman. I'm honored to have been blocked by her lol.

Harris/Blitzer have the coin but they don't seem like they care as much about winning as they do turning a profit (reportedly view the Mets tv rights as the gem in this deal), the Reuben brothers have the most money but I don't believe they even bid.

there IS a difference with the Dodgers as their majority owner is worth 3.1 billion by himself. The A-Rod group seems more complicated as he and JLO are pushing to be principals despite nowhere near the most money in the pot. Obviously I would prefer JROD vs. the Wilpons but Walton/Magic Johnson alone are worth nearly 4 billion dollars.

In comment 14932615 DanMetroMan said:

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there IS a difference with the Dodgers as their majority owner is worth 3.1 billion by himself. The A-Rod group seems more complicated as he and JLO are pushing to be principals despite nowhere near the most money in the pot. Obviously I would prefer JROD vs. the Wilpons but Walton/Magic Johnson alone are worth nearly 4 billion dollars.

agree. I thought moespree's concerns were more about personalities clashing. Billie Jean King is a Dodgers owner (nothing against her personally just saying wealthy celebrities buying into a team doesn't scare me).

The Marlins had 16 investors. Jeter "only" paid $25M.

Bruce Sherman, the principal owner (I believe) "only" has a documented net worth of 500M (in 2018), and he's the lead investor. Arod/Jlo have a higher net worth (combined - today) - of course the Mets are more expensive but same concept IMO.

If the future majority owner/s has the deep pockets(as in multi billions) it's irrelevant if they want to bring on numerous minority partners and some celeb power to bolster their bid. It's window dressing.

As far as a 'clean' bid is concerned that's also irrelevant. As long as MLB has signed off on the bidders the Wilponsies are slime and could care less if there are some grey areas in the past.

I doubt Harris/Blitzer have any kind of inside track as they are all about the bottomline and fiscal responsibility. Multiple sources have suggested they have a monetary ceiling to their interest.

Cohen is the favorite. He's easily the wealthiest interested party, already a minority owner and he wants the team because he has a passion for it. So he'll go a little extra when push comes to shove to get it.

owners not wanting Cohen in there because he is "too rich" scare me; however they are also in direct contrast to the rumors that the owners wont sign off on a valuation of the mets below 2 billion. Sounds like they are trying to thread the needle while ensuring that the mets are stuck with crappy owners. Apparently they previously pulled this with Cuban back in the day.

Everything is being planted by his side and Wilpons. Notice how the Cohen story QUICKLY changed when the family mistake planted the “Cohen will have to overbid by $250mm”. The adults took charge and talked up the A Rod bid and downplayed Cohens bid. This crap is more of the game

You're kind of missing the point of both sides maneuvering in the press. Why are they? Because they both know that ultimately the deal is going to be made between them. Cohen has the most money. They want the most money. It's the positioning prelim to getting this done.

In comment 14932812 Shecky said:

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Everything is being planted by his side and Wilpons. Notice how the Cohen story QUICKLY changed when the family mistake planted the “Cohen will have to overbid by $250mm”. The adults took charge and talked up the A Rod bid and downplayed Cohens bid. This crap is more of the game

The Wilpon games are like an olympics where everyone loses. And the host city is Chernobyl.

If there was another bid they could hype up more than the A-Rod group we'd probably be hearing about it so if that's the best competition out there i'd still take Cohen over the field.

I don’t mean a written one or a formal one but is there a sense that the sale, if it goes thru, has to go thru by a certain time? I would be surprised if Cohen or any other deep pocket businessman would allow this to be open ended.

The comment that owners would not want Cohen because he is too wealthy is nuts. The owners, especially those who pocket what they get from the luxury tax, would love another big spending owner if only to pad their bottom lines. And, the more the Mets are worth should mean the more their franchises are worth.

In comment 14932981 Samiam said:

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I don’t mean a written one or a formal one but is there a sense that the sale, if it goes thru, has to go thru by a certain time? I would be surprised if Cohen or any other deep pocket businessman would allow this to be open ended. The comment that owners would not want Cohen because he is too wealthy is nuts. The owners, especially those who pocket what they get from the luxury tax, would love another big spending owner if only to pad their bottom lines. And, the more the Mets are worth should mean the more their franchises are worth.

Reportedly the only "deadline" is before 2021.

extension from Chase (I think), so their timeline is asap - especially since their operating revenue was tight pre-C19. They are going to make some kind of transaction this year and I think they know they already have at least 2 strikes against them.

I'd never put it past them to keep digging a deeper hole but I think within the next month there will either be a bidder who puts forward a very compelling offer that they take or the team will fall into Cohen's lap. And Cohen could be the former in addition to the latter, which is why I'd continue to peg him as the favorite.

umpires are opting out. Cano, Hughes and Brach remain MIA.

Corey Brock
@CoreyBrockMLB
·
2m
Scott Servais, not completely slamming the door on 20 y/o Jarred Kelenic making the Opening Day, but ...
"We need to be smart here. We want to make sure the time is right for him," Servais said.

In comment 14933008 DanMetroMan said:

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umpires are opting out. Cano, Hughes and Brach remain MIA.

Joe West, Angel Hernandez, and Jerry Meals not among those opting out from what I saw. A number of the better umpires are opting out.

Billionaires Steve Cohen and Josh Harris, a group led by Alex Rodriguez and a fourth unidentified party have all advanced to the second round of bidding for the New York Mets, people familiar with the matter told Sportico.

The groups were informed of their status by the investment bank Allen & Co., which is overseeing the sale process. They were also told not to submit offers on the team’s regional sports network, SNY, which is not part of the sale, said the people, who were granted anonymity because the matter is private.

The groups were told that representatives for Allen & Co. and the Mets would reach out soon to provide more detailed information on the franchise, the people said.

Cohen, a hedge fund titan, submitted a $2 billion bid in the opening round. He also reportedly bid $2 billion for the network.

First-round bids were non-binding, meaning prospective owners can alter their offers as the process moves along. At least five groups submitted opening bids for the team.

Allen & Co. declined to comment, as did spokespeople for Cohen, Harris and Rodriguez.
Link - ( New Window )

I mean obviously I want cohen and im nervous about the Arod/Jlo group (nervous about spending). Really not sure what to make of harris tbh. I mean they are all better then the Wilpon's.

In comment 14933067 Italianju said:

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I mean obviously I want cohen and im nervous about the Arod/Jlo group (nervous about spending). Really not sure what to make of harris tbh. I mean they are all better then the Wilpon's.

The other names that have been floated were the Reuben Brothers (later downplayed), a group effort headed by Kurt Rappaport and a group headed by CK McWhorter

In comment 14933022 DanMetroMan said:

Quote:

Corey Brock @CoreyBrockMLB · 2m Scott Servais, not completely slamming the door on 20 y/o Jarred Kelenic making the Opening Day, but ... "We need to be smart here. We want to make sure the time is right for him," Servais said.

I saw some gifs on twitter of Kelenic hitting bombs. I suggest if you want to avoid vomiting avoid watching them.

Wilpons will be opening their books for round 2... please leak, please leak!

In comment 14933096 DanMetroMan said:

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Wilpons will be opening their books for round 2... please leak, please leak!

Real books or fiction bestsellers?

In comment 14933101 Mike in NY said:

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In comment 14933096 DanMetroMan said: Quote: Wilpons will be opening their books for round 2... please leak, please leak! Real books or fiction bestsellers?

You'd like to believe that anybody offering 2ish billion dollars has a good idea regarding falsified #'s right? That being said, I can't imagine we learn much. The NDA's will likely be nuts.

is not for sale, the Wilpons will retain control.

believed that Cohen's opening bid was roughly 100 million more than A-Rod/JLO.

for the last 4 years. I really hope Stroman and Diaz go beastmode this year and beyond.

that the Arod group is pretty much maxed out, but thats not confirmed right?

This idea the owners dont want cohen cause he is too rich has to be BS right? You cant have the value of your frachises climb, sign billion dollar TV deals, and then want to cut spending on players.

In comment 14933123 Italianju said:

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that the Arod group is pretty much maxed out, but thats not confirmed right? This idea the owners dont want cohen cause he is too rich has to be BS right? You cant have the value of your frachises climb, sign billion dollar TV deals, and then want to cut spending on players.

A-Rod group has actually added additional investors so presumably Cohen will have to up his bid to comfortably be the leader. Sucks SNY will remain under Wilpon control. SNY will be a wasteland once the contract is up.

Cohen should have no trouble maintaining a healthy bid gap between his offer and everyone else reported to have advanced(barring the one unannounced so far). That should get this done in a relatively simple progression. The sooner the better. The Wilponsies/Katz have been bleeding revenue since Madoff and Covid's financial impact put the nail in the coffin. They won't be leaving any significant difference on the table.

yeah i had seen the added investors but i wasnt sure if they needed to do that to get up to the bid total or not.

He was going to go to 2.6b as recently as February. As long as the Wilpons and/or the owners don't do something stupid it seems difficult to believe the A-Rod group will in the end be able to keep up.

But as everyone knows, nothing is ever easy or set in stone with the Wilpons.

but we dont know how high he is willing to go this time around. Lets hope its high enough.

In comment 14933129 Italianju said:

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yeah i had seen the added investors but i wasnt sure if they needed to do that to get up to the bid total or not.

To be fair, I have no clue the additional investement from the new investors but A-Rod's bid reportedly was closer to 2 billion than the 1.7 reported. Even with all of the new names, none of those guys are kicking in "huge" money. Bradley Beal for example has a reported net worth of 27.1 million, realistically how much can he possibly be kicking in? If Cohen wants to blow away the field he can. DOES he want to? Has he been spooked by other owners? His Dodgers pursuit? Who knows?

if Cohen "only" offers 50-100 million more... how do the Wilpons/Katz's turn that down? They might be rich but 100 million added to family coiffures...

his original accepted offer was 80% of the team at a valuation of $2.6bn - which means that offer was around $2.1bn.

I haven't seen any confirmation beyond the $2bn bid for the team this round in terms of whether or not that was the valuation or the amount he'd pay for 80% again.

If A-Rod's group's offer was higher than the rumored $1.7bn for 80% (valuing the team around 2.1bn), and it was also 100m below Cohen's, then it would stand to reason that Cohen's 2bn bid was for 80% of the team (lowering his valuation of the team to around 2.5bn this time).

Either one of the other bidders gets aggressive or Cohen gets the team. And if one of others gets aggressive, Cohen could get more aggressive. We'll see what happens but don't nothing yet changes his status as the favorite.

to be the 4th bidder

A group featuring 30-year-old private investment chairman and CEO, C.K. McWhorter, is expected to hear from Major League Baseball if they have been approved to pursue majority ownership of the New York Mets by Wednesday with an estimated $1.8 billion bid, a source with close knowledge of the situation told amNewYork Metro on Monday.

In comment 14933143 DanMetroMan said:

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to be the 4th bidder A group featuring 30-year-old private investment chairman and CEO, C.K. McWhorter, is expected to hear from Major League Baseball if they have been approved to pursue majority ownership of the New York Mets by Wednesday with an estimated $1.8 billion bid, a source with close knowledge of the situation told amNewYork Metro on Monday.

Not familiar with him but doesn't seem like he's got the $ but who knows. Maybe he's got some partners behind him.

it impacts him on the field but Alonso looks like he packed on some bad weight.

In comment 14933143 DanMetroMan said:

Quote:

to be the 4th bidder A group featuring 30-year-old private investment chairman and CEO, C.K. McWhorter, is expected to hear from Major League Baseball if they have been approved to pursue majority ownership of the New York Mets by Wednesday with an estimated $1.8 billion bid, a source with close knowledge of the situation told amNewYork Metro on Monday.

Does this imply the other groups who has made bids have already been approved to pursue majority ownership?

sign Puig

In comment 14933161 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 14933143 DanMetroMan said: Quote: to be the 4th bidder A group featuring 30-year-old private investment chairman and CEO, C.K. McWhorter, is expected to hear from Major League Baseball if they have been approved to pursue majority ownership of the New York Mets by Wednesday with an estimated $1.8 billion bid, a source with close knowledge of the situation told amNewYork Metro on Monday. Does this imply the other groups who has made bids have already been approved to pursue majority ownership?

AMNY simply phrased things awkwardly. The league vote will not come until an agreement is in place and could take a matter of months. They didn't run 7 bids by 30 MLB owners.

Alonso
Link - ( New Window )

is back in camp, Brach and Hughes are not.

is likely referring to being a "qualified bidder". Qualified bidders only needed to submit a packet breaking down their financial backing. This had nothing to do with an owners approval vote. 22 owners will need to vote yes for the bid go through.

Steve Gelbs
@SteveGelbs
· 13m
Update on Jacob deGrom. The Mets say that he left tonight's game with back tightness. No further update provided at this time.

being rejected because he'd spend too much would be peak Mets.

update.