At the end of May, it was announced that David Einhorn would pay $200 million for a 33 percent stake in the Mets. The deal appeared to be a win/win for both parties, Einhorn being a lifelong Mets (/Brewers) fan and the ball club’s finances getting to the point where they were considering passing around a collection plate during games. Seven weeks later a contract is yet to be signed, the sticking point seeming to be what percentage the Greenlight Capital founder will be able to increase his stake to, when, and for how much. While the negotiations remain open, people familiar with the matter stress that “Einhorn considers the deal on track” and for their part, The Mets said in a statement “We are in exclusive negotiations with David Einhorn and continue to have positive and productive discussions regarding David’s ongoing interest in an investment in the Mets.” Which is why it was interesting to hear that the management has been running around town with not one but three more potential suitors and then leaking it to the press in some sad sack attempt to get Einhorn to put a ring on it A-sap.

According to the Journal, Fred Wilpon and Saul Katz have been “talking” with, among others, Ray Bartoszek, a former Glencore trader, as recently as yesterday morning. Were the Mets actually considering giving the stake to Bartoszek et al over Einhorn, they would’ve just done it. Instead, they’re just using him to try to show DE they’ve got “options.” Obviously, these people have no idea who they’re dealing with, as Einhorn 1) is a man of principle who’s not going to simply back down from what he believes is right because you’re slutting it up all over town in the desperate and entirely transparent hope of looking desirable and 2) can spot a bluff a mile away. You’re going to get a reaction from him, alright, just not the one you were angling for. In fact, we suggest one of three responses. Einhorn:

1) Starts taking meetings with the Brewers
2) Demands 85% of the team in 3 years
3) Waits patiently for you to give him exactly what he wants, all the while ignoring your amateur hour antics entirely, i.e. THE NUCLEAR OPTION.

Let us lay some serious truth on your asses: 7 year-old David Einhorn did not dress up as Dave Kingman for Halloween so 35 years later he could be taken for a fool. He’s been planning on owning this team since before he could ride a bike. He’s 15 moves ahead of you Wilpons and can predict everything you’re trying to do, laughing at your trash. If you think he’s sitting at his desk thinking “oh, no, a commodities trader, better double my bid,” you are sorely mistaken. The sooner you realize that, the better.

The Mets Play Hardball With David Einhorn [WSJ]

Comments (21)

  1. Posted by Texashedge | July 21, 2011 at 2:53 PM

    Clearly, it’s time to go to WAR

  2. Posted by PasteSpecialFormats | July 21, 2011 at 3:01 PM

    4) Einhorn kidnaps Mr. Met, starts mailing Wilpon fingers from mascot, and demands 51% of the team immeadiately.

  3. Posted by Guest | July 21, 2011 at 3:02 PM

    That’s a Stevie move, not an Einhorn move. Let’s be realistic here. Know your hedge fund managers.

  4. Posted by Guest | July 21, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    I vote Bess as lead counsel for DE in the negotiation room

  5. Posted by Brian1284 | July 21, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    I will take a dime on DE and the over.u00a0

  6. Posted by Happy Gartman | July 21, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    I knew that baseballs were hard before baseballs knew they were hard. nnSabremetric Gartman

  7. Posted by Guess | July 21, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    Ugh Wilponzies need to GTFO

  8. Posted by Jealous | July 21, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    Bess, I think you are in love with David Einhorn.

  9. Posted by guest | July 21, 2011 at 3:34 PM

    jusssssssssssst a bid outside

  10. Posted by Guess | July 21, 2011 at 3:41 PM

    everyone is when freddie coupons and jeff wilponzi are your other option.

  11. Posted by Guest | July 21, 2011 at 3:45 PM

    Bess in a pants suit……sploosh

  12. Posted by Dark Star | July 21, 2011 at 3:55 PM

    Either the exclusivity ran, and Einhorn should have walked hard then, or it hasn’t, and there’s a breach of contract. u00a0u00a0nn– Guy who doesnt have a more entertaining comment at this moment

  13. Posted by Guest | July 21, 2011 at 4:07 PM

    FW’s Shrink: “All session you’ve looked conflicted Fred…distant…you want to talk about it?”nFW:u00a0 “Ok, well,I’m having a hard time here.u00a0 Steve Cohen,u00a0sure he had lots of money, but wasn’t the looker the David is, and David’s got a lot of money too”u00a0nFW’s-S: “Sou00a0what’s the problem?”nFW:u00a0 “I think I’m actually in love with Ray”u00a0nFW’s-S (glancing at watch): “Hey look at that…we’re out of time.u00a0 What do you say we pick this upu00a0next week?”

  14. Posted by Guess | July 21, 2011 at 4:18 PM

    exclusivity lapsed a couple weeks ago. nice handle….bringing the headiness to DB

  15. Posted by Soul Guest | July 21, 2011 at 4:38 PM

    War! u00a0What is it good for? u00a0Absolutely nothin’. u00a0(Say it again, y’all.)

  16. Posted by Lloyd | July 21, 2011 at 4:39 PM

    “Moneyball” was going to be our motto but…well…you know…..

  17. Posted by Joe Don Baker | July 21, 2011 at 4:41 PM

    “Walkin’ Hard” was the title of the director’s cut.

  18. Posted by Dark Star | July 21, 2011 at 4:47 PM

    many worlds I’ve come since I first left home

  19. Posted by early hominid | July 21, 2011 at 4:55 PM

    Or he could just cut off his chonson.u00a0

  20. Posted by Guest | July 21, 2011 at 5:26 PM

    I know you rider

  21. Posted by Guest | July 21, 2011 at 6:42 PM

    had to hit reply because I liked what Not One person did and didn’t want to ruin the perfect picture.nnSeriously Bess should give this guy a salary (if Matt “Moneybags” Levine hadn’t demanded such a high signing bonus, j/k Matt is pretty good)

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