Mets Deny Shortage of Funds But Will Begin Charging For Press Conferences

On Friday morning, with the trade deadline less than 24 hours away, Mets General Manager Omar Minaya held a press conference.   The purpose?  To emphatically refute the charges that the team is short on cash.  Additionally, in a move the Mets swear is unrelated, reporters entering the press room were dismayed to learn that starting with this one, all conferences would now require a paid admission. 

With Jeff Wilpon at his side, Minaya announced that the club has decided to create three levels of press conferences.  The GOLD level, carrying a charge of $34.95 per reporter, was for major announcements like trades, firings, and free agent signings.  The SILVER level, which Friday's presser was categorized as, would be $24.95 and would be for less important news.   The BRONZE level, the most common and mundane type would be $14.95 for entry. This level includes the daily announcement as to which players are injured, not on the DL, yet totally unavailable to play. It would also include manager Manuel's pronouncements that it's early and there is still time to turn things around.

The team made it clear that it preferred that the reporters pay at the door in cash but in order to facilitate entry there would be an E-Z Pass lane for those who opt to bring in their tags with them.

Apple reporter Larry Smith attended but it was difficult for him to hear everything Omar was saying over the noise of the vendors hawking cold beer and peanuts.  Apparently the team also has a new deal in place with Aramark which makes them the official concessions provider at all press events.

In essence, Minaya made it clear that ownership will allow him to increase payroll as needed. When asked whether the team had plans to release the seemingly useless Oliver Perez, Omar stated emphatically that Ollie does have a role on the team.  Being the pitcher for the 15th inning of games.  He pointed out that the Cardinals end up using position players when their games get real long but that Jerry Manuel has it always planned out to have Ollie ready to go when the games get very very long.  A reverse closer of sorts.

The conference broke up after 20 minutes when it was announced that all further questions would be charged for at the rate of $5 per question.

All articles featured on The Apple are fictitious. No Mets were harmed in the writing of this story. Written by Larry Smith and Randy Medina.

Pin It