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Ruh-Ro

Lefty Specialist Feb 04 2020 02:06 PM

Tim Healey @timbhealey · 1m The Mets are not commenting on the possibility that pending sale of the team to Steve Cohen is dead. Sterling Partners statement: “The parties are subject to confidentiality obligations, including a mutual non-disclosure agreement, and therefore cannot comment.”

stevejrogers Feb 04 2020 02:08 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

It's also stemming from Barstool, so take it with a stadium full of salt grains!

Benjamin Grimm Feb 04 2020 02:12 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

Well, if it is in fact dead, I wouldn't be surprised if it was over the notion that the Wilpons would retain control for another five years.

Johnny Lunchbucket Feb 04 2020 02:14 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

The Wilpons will make you offer you can refuse.

Ceetar Feb 04 2020 02:19 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Well, if it is in fact dead, I wouldn't be surprised if it was over the notion that the Wilpons would retain control for another five years. which was just as much rumor as this! We have no details! We're just being used! It was also pretty obvious things weren't going well when like, there were zero updates.

Centerfield Feb 04 2020 02:20 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

This is not, in any way, good. But unless everyone was dead wrong, it seems the Wilpons have no choice but to sell, either to Cohen or someone else. I wonder if this is Steve Cohen flexing his muscle to get more control over the team. It's not likely someone would outbid him.

Benjamin Grimm Feb 04 2020 02:51 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

Suddenly, I'm having flashbacks to Robert Abplanalp.

Johnny Lunchbucket Feb 04 2020 02:53 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

Or that Greenlight Capital guy. Mets probably are bound by NDLs and cannot comment. That's how multimillion deals get done, so I wouldn't interpret a lack of updates as a signal one way or another.

Ceetar Feb 04 2020 02:56 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

Johnny Lunchbucket wrote: Or that Greenlight Capital guy. Mets probably are bound by NDLs and cannot comment. That's how multimillion deals get done, so I wouldn't interpret a lack of updates as a signal one way or another. Are they NDL to deny that they ever talked though? I have to imagine that "We're not selling to that guy" isn't something protected by non-disclosure. Especially given that I think they officially said they were discussing it, so it's already been disclosed?

Johnny Lunchbucket Feb 04 2020 03:05 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

I don't understand the question. What they acknowledged so far is that negotiations were taking place and that they've agreed not to say more while they continue. They wouldn't update until or unless those negotiations were complete.

Ceetar Feb 04 2020 03:21 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

Johnny Lunchbucket wrote: I don't understand the question. What they acknowledged so far is that negotiations were taking place and that they've agreed not to say more while they continue. They wouldn't update until or unless those negotiations were complete. the rumor is that those negotiations are complete. i would think they'd be able to comment about that.

Johnny Lunchbucket Feb 04 2020 03:57 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

I guess then I don't understand the rumor

Johnny Lunchbucket Feb 04 2020 04:00 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

That said, I don't put it past the Wilpons to screw anything up, just that I would be hesitant to read the lack of updates as a signal

Johnny Lunchbucket Feb 04 2020 04:25 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

https://nypost.com/2020/02/04/billionaire-steve-cohens-bid-to-buy-mets-is-on-life-support/

Frayed Knot Feb 04 2020 06:19 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

=Centerfield post_id=31050 time=1580851255 user_id=65] ... But unless everyone was dead wrong, it seems the Wilpons have no choice but to sell, either to Cohen or someone else. I wonder if this is Steve Cohen flexing his muscle to get more control over the team. It's not likely someone would outbid him.

Yeah this is the thing.

It is VERY unlikely that the 'Pons simply chose recently to sell controlling interest in the team at this time, a time which followed years of insisting that this was going to be a generational heirloom, despite

retaining the financial ability to still do so. I suspect what's happened is that there's not enough family cohesion [Jeff + siblings + Saul's kids, etc.] to run things going forward and that Fred & Saul are

too old and don't by themselves have the scratch to keep things afloat.

So whether Cohen's pullout -- actual, threatened, or merely a bargaining ploy -- drives then back to the negotiating table or towards a different target, one they think might give them better terms, I highly

doubt we're going to hear about a reversion to the previous status quo where everything's fine and Jeff's kids are being groomed as future NYM managing partners.

Fman99 Feb 04 2020 08:01 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

Boy I hope they can unfuck this quick. I have had enough of these fucking Wilpons.

batmagadanleadoff Feb 04 2020 08:17 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

Frayed Knot wrote: =Centerfield post_id=31050 time=1580851255 user_id=65] ... But unless everyone was dead wrong, it seems the Wilpons have no choice but to sell, either to Cohen or someone else. I wonder if this is Steve Cohen flexing his muscle to get more control over the team. It's not likely someone would outbid him. Yeah this is the thing....

Yeah. What youse guys are saying. If the Wilpons don't have the money to run the team anymore, as was being reported... if they don't have the money or the credit to buy out the Katzes, then they're gonna have to sell eventually..... to somebody. If not Cohen, then somebody else. What a scumbag family they are with the Mets. We saw the same crap with Einhorn. They're looking to sell the team and keep all the money that would come with such a sale while writing in all kinds of sneaky traps into the deal that would let them keep on running and even owning the team -- after selling it. That's a neat trick.

batmagadanleadoff Feb 04 2020 08:50 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

Frayed Knot wrote: =Centerfield post_id=31050 time=1580851255 user_id=65] ... But unless everyone was dead wrong, it seems the Wilpons have no choice but to sell, either to Cohen or someone else. I wonder if this is Steve Cohen flexing his muscle to get more control over the team. It's not likely someone would outbid him. Yeah this is the thing.... Yeah. What youse guys are saying. If the Wilpons don't have the money to run the team anymore, as was being reported... if they don't have the money or the credit to buy out the Katzes, then they're gonna have to sell eventually..... to somebody. If not Cohen, then somebody else. What a scumbag family they are with the Mets. We saw the same crap with Einhorn. They're looking to sell the team and keep all the money that would come with such a sale while writing in all kinds of sneaky traps into the deal that would let them keep on running and even owning the team -- after selling it. That's a neat trick.

It's like that Honeymooners episode where Ralph and Norton go in halfsies each on a new TV set but the TV set stays in Ralph's apartment.

smg58 Feb 05 2020 06:13 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

The proposed idea of waiting five years to relinquish control never made much sense, so I always figured we didn't really know what was going on. And we still don't.

Johnny Lunchbucket Feb 05 2020 09:38 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

I also thought again about the initial announcement which came from the Mets side (did Cohen ever have a statement?) It was an oddly specific about the 5-year thing for a deal "in negotiation"

LWFS Feb 05 2020 10:26 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

Johnny Lunchbucket wrote: I also thought again about the initial announcement which came from the Mets side (did Cohen ever have a statement?) It was an oddly specific about the 5-year thing for a deal "in negotiation" He was reportedly (Post, IIRC?) planning an Opening Day party/announcement. Assuming the Post report is at all accurate, I'd be pissed, too, if I had agreed in principle to an expensive, baroque deal in which I make a BIG good-faith concession, and the other party asks for a little more adjusting at the 11th hour.

Ceetar Feb 05 2020 10:45 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

BIG good-faith concession? haha.

Johnny Lunchbucket Feb 05 2020 10:56 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

At any rate I'd hope they can mend fences on this one as from what I gathered the Wilpons need to sell as Fred's losing what's left of his faculties. I thought the same thing when the Einhorn deal fell part too

Fman99 Feb 05 2020 12:47 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

You can't trust Einhorn. Einhorn is Finkle! FINKLE IS EINHORN!

Frayed Knot Feb 05 2020 05:43 PM Re: Ruh-Ro Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Feb 05 2020 07:13 PM

NYP reports that the snag WAS over the supposed five-year window (shocking, I know) and that the deal to sell to Cohen is, at least for now, off the table. https://nypost.com/2020/02/05/battle-over-mets-control-at-heart-of-steve-cohen-wilpons-struggle/ Steve Cohen thought his $2.6 billion deal to buy the Mets in installments over five years would give him some control that would grow over that time to help make team decisions during the transition. The Mets owners disagreed and a deal, for now, is off, sources said. ... From discussions with those familiar with the talks, it is unclear if the confusion over whether Cohen would be making team decisions during the five-year window was merely a miscommunication or a last-minute surprise from the Wilpons, as some sources allege.

Ceetar Feb 05 2020 05:45 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

it's been two months, it's absurd to think this was a surprise to Cohen.

kcmets Feb 05 2020 06:20 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

=Ceetar post_id=31142 time=1580949938 user_id=102]it's been two months, it's absurd to think this was a surprise to Cohen.

Agreed, we all knew and the guy with $2.6 billion on the table just found out?

What a clusterfuck of a tease the whole thing turned out to be. (so far)

Frayed Knot Feb 05 2020 07:38 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

It depends, I suppose, on what each side said and/or what each was assuming about the other. Vaccaro chimes in saying that the 5-year period was always going to be trouble so maybe each thought the other would blink. From Day 1, it [the waiting period] was going to be trouble. It was going to be a cudgel for both sides: Cohen was wildly overpaying for 80 percent of the team, and the sale price didn't even include SNY. That was his idea of a concession. And for $2.6 billion, in his mind, that wasn't just a fair deal, but a generous one. Wilpon could get a cash infusion and still run the team. If it allowed Mets fans an opportunity to stop slandering the family name for a little while, all the better. ... In retrospect, and with hindsight, the Nic Cage-Lisa Marie Presley marriage had a better shot at a happily ever after. But $2.6 billion is $2.6 billion, and it is hard to believe the other members of the Mets' ownership group — specifically Wilpon's other children, and Saul Katz and his family — will be delighted to see that simply evaporate, unless there's someone else on deck. ... From the cheap seats, at least, it's hard to imagine Fred Wilpon didn't overplay his hand here, sitting across the table from a master poker player who doesn't take prisoners.

Edgy MD Feb 05 2020 08:17 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

A master poker player? I'm more than over the idea that rich New York capital management dudes have special magic negotiating skills. It stinks of the notion of wealth being a moral virtue.

Ceetar Feb 05 2020 08:23 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

And while we're at it, It's also pretty funny to cite the Einhorn nonsense as the same as this in some hugely disfunctional way. For one, there's no way the Wilpons are MORE up against the wall here than they were then. They own the asset, they can sell it however they deem fit. That's the rules. I don't get to walk into Samsung and be all "well the way you worded that advertisement really means you have to sell me that Galaxy S20 for $XX now" What happened with Einhorn? They didn't like the deal, they said 'seeya' and turned around and made a different deal. Who was that with again? Some Cohen guy. any relation you think?

LWFS Feb 05 2020 09:27 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

=Ceetar post_id=31117 time=1580924720 user_id=102] BIG good-faith concession? haha.

Several years of majority control-- or, hell, ANY control at all-- after the confirmation of a sale-in-principle? The idea that this is an unusual, large concession is laughable?



I mean, they CAN sell it however they deem fit. Can they, though?

batmagadanleadoff Feb 05 2020 09:39 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

=LWFS post_id=31150 time=1580963239 user_id=84] =Ceetar post_id=31117 time=1580924720 user_id=102] BIG good-faith concession? haha.

Several years of majority control-- or, hell, ANY control at all-- after the confirmation of a sale-in-principle? The idea that this is an unusual, large concession is laughable?



I mean, they CAN sell it however they deem fit. Can they, though?


Plus the enormous overpay. And no SNY. Yeah, I'd say that's a huge concession. I think Ceets is over the moon that this deal might fall through. He loves the Wilpons.



I think that what this scumbag Fred is doing with this five years condition is hoping that in those five years, his finances will improve to the point he can keep the Mets and then he'll try and breach -- I mean weasel out of the Cohen deal. Because he's the only shark out there and everybody else is stupid.

MFS62 Feb 06 2020 04:22 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

Fred has as much inclination toward stepping down as Trump. Later

Frayed Knot Feb 06 2020 05:00 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

Edgy MD wrote: A master poker player? He played tournament poker starting in High School and credits the game with his initial teaching about risks. I assume Vaccaro is playing off of that with the implication that maybe Freddie thinks he'll get better offers while Cohen is betting otherwise.

MFS62 Feb 06 2020 06:02 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

Frayed Knot wrote: I assume Vaccaro is playing off of that with the implication that maybe Freddie thinks he'll get better offers while Cohen is betting otherwise. Why doesn't Fred sell part of the team to Hyman Roth? He always makes money for his partners. Later

41Forever Feb 06 2020 06:20 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

I'm not an expert in these things. But I have to think no one walks away from $2.6 billion when it's on the table. Now factor in the family issues, and you have even more pressure to sell. I can also see Cohen saying he's not sliding $2.6 billion across the table unless he has control. If the Honda salesman told me I can start payments on my CRV but not drive it for five months, I'd balk. I can also see someone in Cohen's camp leaking to the media that the sale has slowed as an additional way to put pressure on the Wilpons. I can also see MLB, advertisers, networks, agents, Nike and everyone else getting making money on baseball realizing that baseball is stronger when there is a good team in New York, and that's pressure to sell, too. This is one step in the process.

Centerfield Feb 06 2020 07:34 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

=41Forever post_id=31162 time=1580995250 user_id=69] I'm not an expert in these things. But I have to think no one walks away from $2.6 billion when it's on the table. Now factor in the family issues, and you have even more pressure to sell. I can also see Cohen saying he's not sliding $2.6 billion across the table unless he has control. If the Honda salesman told me I can start payments on my CRV but not drive it for five months, I'd balk. I can also see someone in Cohen's camp leaking to the media that the sale has slowed as an additional way to put pressure on the Wilpons. I can also see MLB, advertisers, networks, agents, Nike and everyone else getting making money on baseball realizing that baseball is stronger when there is a good team in New York, and that's pressure to sell, too. This is one step in the process.

It's going to be a really weird year if we keep agreeing like this.

Ceetar Feb 06 2020 07:35 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

It's a negotiation. It'd be nice if 'reporters' reported that instead of editorializing. Cohen is open to returning to the bargaining table under terms more favorable to him, the Daily News reported. If you're a reporter and you wrote that the deal fell through, you're just bad at your job. We initially got the Wilpon-heavy terms, two months ago. No one reported that it was 'close to done' Now we get the Cohen side. That's literally how negotiations work!

41Forever Feb 06 2020 08:02 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

=Ceetar post_id=31171 time=1580999747 user_id=102] It's a negotiation. It'd be nice if 'reporters' reported that instead of editorializing. Cohen is open to returning to the bargaining table under terms more favorable to him, the Daily News reported. If you're a reporter and you wrote that the deal fell through, you're just bad at your job.

Not necessarily true. If you are a reporter and reported sources tell you the deal fell through, you are doing the job the way the media today operates -- especially if you are a columnist. Bonus points if you get a bunch of clicks and other people are crediting you in their tweets.



I'm not saying this is great journalism. I've long said sports reporting is far, far too dependent on shaky anonymous sources.

Edgy MD Feb 06 2020 08:10 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

Frayed Knot wrote: Edgy MD wrote: A master poker player? He played tournament poker starting in High School and credits the game with his initial teaching about risks. I assume Vaccaro is playing off of that with the implication that maybe Freddie thinks he'll get better offers while Cohen is betting otherwise. I understand. But it's not poker. Or just ignore me. I'm just sore about the media mythmaking that made the president. And Bernie Madoff. And Michael Milken. And Steve Cohen. I don't get wood for rich swindlers.

Ceetar Feb 06 2020 08:15 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

fair, I guess you've got clicks (there were a dozen posts that were literally just aggregating the Mets no comment) and views so you're not bad at your job, but .. it's not so much that it's shaky anonymous sources, it's not the sources fault, the sources are often doing that intentionally, because these guys will just signal boost your message everywhere with roughly zero critical analysis. You could get a pedophile elected with reporters like this. Like, I don't recall seeing that the payments would be in 5 installments, which makes a ton of sense when coupled with a 5 year sunsetting rumor. The purchase isn't complete yet, that's why the Wilpons would still get to run things. That answers that question! It was a legitimate lingering question based on the rumors and leaks from December and now it's answered and I don't think I've seen anyone point that out.

Lefty Specialist Feb 06 2020 08:25 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

=41Forever post_id=31162 time=1580995250 user_id=69] I can also see someone in Cohen's camp leaking to the media that the sale has slowed as an additional way to put pressure on the Wilpons.

That was the first thing I thought.

stevejrogers Feb 06 2020 08:33 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

=Centerfield post_id=31170 time=1580999682 user_id=65] =41Forever post_id=31162 time=1580995250 user_id=69] I'm not an expert in these things. But I have to think no one walks away from $2.6 billion when it's on the table. Now factor in the family issues, and you have even more pressure to sell. I can also see Cohen saying he's not sliding $2.6 billion across the table unless he has control. If the Honda salesman told me I can start payments on my CRV but not drive it for five months, I'd balk. I can also see someone in Cohen's camp leaking to the media that the sale has slowed as an additional way to put pressure on the Wilpons. I can also see MLB, advertisers, networks, agents, Nike and everyone else getting making money on baseball realizing that baseball is stronger when there is a good team in New York, and that's pressure to sell, too. This is one step in the process.

It's going to be a really weird year if we keep agreeing like this.


As long as it's because the Mets are having an awesome year ;)

Centerfield Feb 06 2020 09:15 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

There are so many conflicting reports going around it's hard to figure out what's going on. But it's not hard to imagine that Cohen brought the Wilpons to this point, implying that he'd be ok with giving up control during the five years, then using the media to strong-arm his way into more input during that window. If the things that have been written about him are true, then this kind of move is right up his alley. Imagine that in the end, the Wilpons get screwed by an evil, ruthless, take-no-prisoners hedge fund guy. And we're all rooting for him. Life is crazy.

Ceetar Feb 06 2020 09:23 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

=Centerfield post_id=31179 time=1581005704 user_id=65] Imagine that in the end, the Wilpons get screwed by an evil, ruthless, take-no-prisoners hedge fund guy. And we're all rooting for him. Life is crazy.

Well, sounds like they're NOT getting screwed by him. Though it would be very Wlipon to read the negative backlash and then just bend over and take it after all.

Lefty Specialist Feb 06 2020 09:27 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

Nobody who's being handed $2.6 billion is getting screwed.

bmfc1 Feb 06 2020 10:55 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

https://twitter.com/NewsdaySports/status/1225475353726070784 Toast of Johnny Walker Blue between Fred and Jeffy: "Wilpons forever." "Wilpons forever."

Centerfield Feb 06 2020 11:16 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

The chess match continues. Cohen uses the media to leak that the Wilpons have acted in bad faith. Wilpons, knowing they will never will in any court of public opinion, counter by reminding Cohen that they have the "Commissioner" squarely in their pocket.

Ceetar Feb 06 2020 11:31 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

I've heard one or two people hint that MLB doesn't particularly like Cohen and that it's not even 100% that they'd approve him. I assume they would, were the sale to happen, but something to think about I guess.

batmagadanleadoff Feb 06 2020 11:37 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

The chess match continues. Cohen uses the media to leak that the Wilpons have acted in bad faith. Wilpons, knowing they will never will in any court of public opinion, counter by reminding Cohen that they have the "Commissioner" squarely in their pocket. Bad faith? Are u kidding? My memory of the Einhorn deal, according to Einhorn, is that Wilpon was trying to set up a situation whereby down the line, MLB would not approve Einhorn and that Einhorn would forfeit whatever money he had put down to buy the Mets.

HahnSolo Feb 06 2020 11:56 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

Jeff. Always Jeff. [url]https://nypost.com/2020/02/06/jeff-wilpons-power-play-derailed-mets-sale-to-steve-cohen/

bmfc1 Feb 06 2020 11:59 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

Somehow Jeffy is aware that nepotism is the only way that he will have a job so he needs this to have something to do.

batmagadanleadoff Feb 06 2020 12:14 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

Would anyone here like to buy my nice car? I'll sell it to youse for half price. It's the CPF discount. Only condition is that I get to keep the car and control it and drive it, even after you buy it. And you, as the owner, will remain on the hook for any legal liability I cause by still keeping the car. And I keep your money. Naturally.

Centerfield Feb 06 2020 12:31 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

Wow. Jeff wants to be an executive even after the 5 years. That is a deal breaker. If that's what they're asking, this deal is dead. Every other deal as well. What is up with the rest of the Wilpon family. How do you let one tool ruin everything for you? I Give Up Day 2020

Ceetar Feb 06 2020 12:39 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

I believe I said that's what Jeff was planning when this first cropped up. That he envisioned it as 5 years of sunsetting where they switch to a 'board' of leaders instead of just him, but with the 'wink wink' that he'd still get to be on that board/lead that board. I mean, no one bothered to vet this out, but he would still be a minority owner I think. MLB's leaking that this was not the case, not that you have any reason to believe them (I saw something about Cohen dropping the price), but then we don't really have any reason to believe the Post account either. They're just negotiating in public.

Frayed Knot Feb 06 2020 03:38 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

It's tough to see how this kind of insistence on dictating terms and setting conditions for after they are no longer majority owners is a sustainable plan for the 'Pons. While they most likely don't have to sell the team NOW!!!!, it's pretty apparent that they're going to sell at some point in the not-distant future so there are only so many bridges they can burn as they continue to search for this ideal notion of a perfect buyer who'll not only agree to their price but also to their after-sale terms.

dgwphotography Feb 06 2020 04:17 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

I have such an irrational hatred for Little Lord Fauntleroy, I imagine a laser site dot in the middle of his forehead whenever I see a picture of his smirking, ugly mug.

Johnny Lunchbucket Feb 06 2020 04:22 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

Frayed Knot wrote: It's tough to see how this kind of insistence on dictating terms and setting conditions for after they are no longer majority owners is a sustainable plan for the 'Pons. While they most likely don't have to sell the team NOW!!!!, it's pretty apparent that they're going to sell at some point in the not-distant future so there are only so many bridges they can burn as they continue to search for this ideal notion of a perfect buyer who'll not only agree to their price but also to their after-sale terms. The crazy thing is, every time they do this (and has any club sabotaged their own financial rescue not once but twice?!?) they'll be that much likely to find them. Who the hell would give Jeff Wilpon $2.6 billion and a job? Just take the money, Jeff!

LWFS Feb 06 2020 06:14 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

Even his FAMILY doesn't trust him to nurture/guide their golden-goose/family business. Why on earth would anyone else? Unless... wait, are they shopping this to people with brain injuries? They should shop this to people with brain injuries.

Ceetar Feb 06 2020 08:10 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

now it's officially dead, with a statement from Cohen.I still don't know where he got the second 4% from, but anyway. The price is only going to go up the longer it takes, though Heyman seems to think they'll "auction" it off now which seems.... i dunno, doesn't jibe with the reports about why this deal fell through. You're not going to get the 5 year/5 payment sunsetting thing that way?

Johnny Lunchbucket Feb 07 2020 09:15 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

That statement from Cohen is an understated doozy. "I gave it my best shot." WoW https://twitter.com/kevinmdraper/status/1225613250433253376/photo/1

Benjamin Grimm Feb 07 2020 09:20 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

I wish I had an extra $5 billion or so lying around in my kitchen junk drawer. I'd offer it all to the Wilpons with the requirement that they disappear immediately. They can have one day a year where they can show off for Sandy Koufax by posing for photos with the players in Port St. Lucie, but that's IT!

dgwphotography Feb 07 2020 10:12 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

Benjamin Grimm wrote: I wish I had an extra $5 billion or so lying around in my kitchen junk drawer. I'd offer it all to the Wilpons with the requirement that they disappear immediately. They can have one day a year where they can show off for Sandy Koufax by posing for photos with the players in Port St. Lucie, but that's IT! I wouldn't even give them that.

Centerfield Feb 07 2020 10:35 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

What a crazy few days. If I had to guess: 1. Either the Wilpons changed something in the deal (like Jeff staying in power for more than 5 years), or Steve Cohen, who never really intended to give five years of control, started demanding some input during the 5 year window. 2. A frustrated Steve Cohen leaked something to the media for leverage, knowing that the Wilpons had to sell. 3. The whole world lashes out at the Wilpons. 4. Wilpons get pissed. Tattle on Cohen to Rob Manfred. 5. Manfred comes to their defense. Through his minions, sends a message that they are mad at Cohen and he can kiss any chance of owning any team goodbye. We don't know if Cohen actually did anything wrong, or if he just make the Wilpons mad, which is a huge offense in Manfred's eyes. 6. Cohen withdraws. 7. Wilpons withdraw, but know that if they don't control the damage, the fanbase is going to go out of control. They reiterate that they're selling and have already engaged the big fancy investment firm, so you know they're serious. Now we wait and see. If Cohen overplayed his hand, there will be another buyer and he/she will give the Wilpons the $$$ and terms they want. If the Wilpons overplayed their hand, they'll lose on one or another, either the $$$ or the control. Or even both. I'm not sure what we know at this point. The Cohen deal seems dead, but if one of them caves, I guess it could be revived. The Wilpons say they're selling, but can we even believe that? The whole "sell the team" storyline has helped distract from a super-shitty winter. A real cynical view is that this whole sale is just cover, and that the Wilpons are hoping that the games start, the team wins early, and everyone forgives and forgets. One thing I have learned, is that I will never, ever celebrate again until they are gone. Locked, sealed, key thrown away, gone.

Johnny Lunchbucket Feb 07 2020 10:59 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

The Times intimates that Cohen believed the 5 year titles were to be symbolic in nature and it broke down over that. And that deal is definitely dead

batmagadanleadoff Feb 07 2020 11:05 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

There's a part of me that thinks the Cohen deal isn't dead. It's the way Cohen seems to be so polite about all of this, as if he doesn't want to burn any bridges. Or maybe it's just my wishful thinking.

41Forever Feb 07 2020 11:12 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

That $2.6 billion sitting there on the table is hard to walk away from. Big part of me thinks that the rest of the family members who think they would have a nice slice of that $2.6 billion are right now screaming, "ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?" and are coming up with some kind of scenario where Jeff can save some face -- Run the Cyclones and Syracuse as a hobby! -- and they get their cash.

Benjamin Grimm Feb 07 2020 11:16 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

Maybe Jeff should bring a food-taster to the next family gathering.

HahnSolo Feb 07 2020 11:24 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

This is soooo Wilponian. https://twitter.com/e_schwag10/status/1225625230590251008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1225625230590251008&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.themikefrancesa.com%2Fshowthread.php%3Ft%3D12852%26page%3D4

Benjamin Grimm Feb 07 2020 11:29 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

"However, the family still intends to sell the team." There's the good news. Time for them to shit or get off the pot, whichever of those two actions represents selling the team.

Centerfield Feb 07 2020 11:38 AM Re: Ruh-Ro

I've thought this through. Shitting is acting like a real owner, ponying up for a top tier payroll, then stepping aside and letting the smart baseball people run the show. I guess you have to hire those people first. Getting off the pot is selling. And the Mets are the pot (toilet) and they play in Flushing. This metaphor works so well.

Centerfield Feb 07 2020 12:06 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

That $2.6 billion sitting there on the table is hard to walk away from. Big part of me thinks that the rest of the family members who think they would have a nice slice of that $2.6 billion are right now screaming, "ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?" and are coming up with some kind of scenario where Jeff can save some face -- Run the Cyclones and Syracuse as a hobby! -- and they get their cash. Who is protecting Jeff? Gotta be Fred right? No way his in-laws or the brother who hates him would let him get away with all this. Let's hope that once the old man is gone life will be very different for Jeffy.

Ceetar Feb 07 2020 12:22 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

none of the extended family is exactly scraping for meal money. they can wait another 6 months/year if Jeff tells them it's going to be as good or better. (team value pretty much only going to go up) Cohen's playing nice because he does still own 8% of the team. It's not like we'll never hear from him again. (where'd he get the second 4%!) Allen & Company are buddies. And baseball people. They did the Naming rights, and the first sale I think, perhaps some other things. Seems like they're probably serious. There's a chance that "first shot at purchase" was part of the deal of minority ownership, and it's possible someone has talked to the Wilpons about wanting in that isn't Cohen. That kind of makes sense right? Otherwise they'd probably have been like, "hey Hank Greenberg's son, find us a buyer" right from the beginning. So many they took a home run swing on selling and keeping some modicum of control, knowing they'd get 'open auction' if they struck out. Notice how the Mets were mostly mum about the deal actually being dead until Cohen said it was done officially? "Oh, he declined his right to first chance to purchase, ONWARD!" Oh, and that Bradley is there doesn't really mean anything except that they're long standing friends. He's a grunt, not an executive. He'd been interning there while playing baseball at UPenn. Nepotism.

Frayed Knot Feb 07 2020 01:31 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

=Steve Cohen]As an 8% holder I'm looking forward to a higher bid"

Shot Fired!!

Probably won't be the last one.



Ya gotta love a potential cat fight between billionaires. The nastier and more public it gets, the better.

What was that line our MetIrish friend used to use: 'Handbags at 20 Paces'

I guess this one becomes Gucci handbags at 20 paces.

dgwphotography Feb 07 2020 01:36 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

I'm starting to really like Deesha Thosar: https://twitter.com/deeshathosar/status/1225874478451785731?s=21

Centerfield Feb 07 2020 01:46 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

From the latest Post article, it seems like both sides were changing the goalposts at the last minute. https://nypost.com/2020/02/07/steve-cohen-could-be-blocked-from-buying-another-mlb-team-after-mets-mess/ Cohen, it finally dawning on him that giving control of your $2.6 billion investment to Jeff Wilpon might not be such a smart idea, and Jeff Wilpon wanting sole control, more pay, and an ongoing role in the organization.

Ceetar Feb 07 2020 01:47 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

I tend to give all the newbies a chance but I unfollowed her late last year. Wasn't adding anything for me, and just contributing to the re-writting Mets tweets beat that a lot of these writers are on.

Frayed Knot Feb 07 2020 02:05 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

Cohen could be barred from future team ownership So sez NY Post reporters Kosman (sadly, only one 'O' in that name) McErney who seem to have been doing most of the basic digging in this story. The article talks about MLB's need for a 'Control Person' on every team, the guy who is ultimately responsible for the club's actions. That person is not necessarily the majority owner (think Marlins/Jeter or the designated person when Steinbrenner was suspended, etc.). Apparently Cohen had the idea that he could be the power behind the throne, so to speak, and gradually assume greater control despite initially agreeing to this five-year window thing. So according to these two reporters, when Cohen realized that he really couldn't run things during the five years, he began trying to change the terms of the deal and that's where things started to break down. Cohen apparently tried to either lessen the total price and/or pay less up front during those transition years. This, in the eyes of MLB, broke the terms of the non-binding offer sheet he signed months ago to buy the team so his actions are considered to be in bad faith. The upshot of all this is that this could torpedo any chance he might have of passing MLB's approval process if he should attempt to buy a team in the future, whether the NYM or some other club, even as it wasn't assured that he'd pass muster in the first place. oe: cross-posted w/CF. Same link as above, just with my yapping added.

batmagadanleadoff Feb 07 2020 02:12 PM Re: Ruh-Ro

The cocksuckers that run MLB apparently do whatever the fuck they want to do. Now they're piling on Cohen who's offering to rescue what should be the jewel franchise for acting reasonable -- insisting on actually running the team he's paying $2.6!B's for. Meanwhile the scumbag Wilpons are allowed to run the team into the ground even though they're metaphorically looking for dimes underneath the couch cushions. I cant wait for the NL DH and eleven more wild card teams.