Alderson: 'Big fundraiser tonight for gas money'

NEW YORK (AP) - Even Mets general manager Sandy Alderson can't resist pointing out the team's financial difficulties.

The team tweeted Thursday afternoon that Alderson had started a Twitter account (at)MetsGM.

Alderson's first tweet: "Getting ready for Spring Training-Driving to FL but haven't left yet. Big fundraiser tonight for gas money. Also exploring PAC contribution."

Mets spokesman Jay Horwitz said Alderson was playfully responding to a New York newspaper that pointed out the GM was driving to Port St. Lucie - Horwitz said Alderson drives because he takes his dog.

Alderson then added in a second tweet: "We're driving to St. Lucie because our dog (Buddy) doesn't like to fly. His complaint: Where I sit, no lights and no stews."

Coming off their third straight losing record, the Mets have cut payroll by about $25 million since the start of 2011. A trial is scheduled next month on the lawsuit filed by the trustee seeking to recover money for victims of the Bernard Madoff Ponzi scheme. He is seeking $386 million, claiming the team's owners were net winners from their investment.