|
Written by Eric Stashin
|
|
Wednesday, 17 December 2008 |
There’s no doubting the tremendous work Omar Minaya has done over the
past week. He took the Mets biggest concern and in the blink of an eye
transformed into a huge strength. However, this isn’t the first time
the Mets have looked to a former closer to transform into their primary
set-up man. Does anyone else remember Billy Taylor?
Now, there’s no doubting that J.J. Putz is a significantly better pitcher then Taylor ever was. It really is no comparison, to be honest, but it still is worth mentioning. In 1999 the Mets, looking to make the playoffs, acquired Taylor from the Oakland Athletics in an effort to sure up their bullpen. At the time, while he wasn’t overly impressive, he had posted 3.98 ERA en route to saving 26 games. The prior season, he had saved 33 games while posting and ERA of 3.58.
Exactly what did he do as a member of the Mets? How about a 13.1 inning (18 appearance) performance where he posted the dazzling ERA of 8.10? Like I said, we all know Putz has significantly more talent then Taylor, but history is history.
Want a more contemporary comparison? How about the Red Sox acquisition of Eric Gagne in 2007. As the Rangers closer prior to the trade he had saved 16 games while posting an impressive 2.16 ERA. After the trade shifted him to eighth inning duties he was awful, posting a 6.75 ERA over 18.2 innings.
Even Putz has not been the same pitcher outside of the closer’s role. Yes, he was still a good pitcher, but he didn’t fully develop until thrust into the pressure situations. Maybe he just hadn’t matured yet… Maybe he just didn’t truly find himself as a pitcher until 2006… Facts are facts, however, and it certainly is worth noting.
I’m not trying to be a buzz kill here. I am as excited as anyone about the Mets new 1-2 punch at the back of their bullpen, with Francisco Rodriguez and Putz hoping to become the next John Wetteland and Mariano Rivera. That truly is how good they have the potential to be.
With the history we know and the comments from Putz’ agent, who said something along the lines of Putz wanting to be a closer, you do have to wonder exactly how this experiment will play out. Could it be as dynamic as we all hope and pray? Absolutely, and it quickly could wipe out the memories of the disappointments of the past few seasons.
Still, the Mets should not rest on their laurels. Another import, a true set-up man, is needed to sure up this bullpen. Maybe it’s a revival of Duaner Sanchez, but outside of that I just don’t see the answer on the roster quite yet.
Pedro Feliciano is a great specialist…
Sean Green has potential, but I’m far from ready to trust him in a pressure situation…
Scott Schoenweiss, let’s not go there…
Carlos Muniz is a possibility, but the Mets have already shown an unwillingness to trust him…
Bobby Parnell is someone I’d much rather see starting, as we’ve already discussed…
The truth is, in order to make all Mets fans feel secure that the bullpen has been fully resolved heading into 2009, one more pitcher is needed. Maybe they can find someone from free agency who has a chance to be a vital player in the bullpen. Maybe it’s another minor trade, like the deal that brought Sanchez to the team a few seasons ago.
The Mets are obviously in a much better position then they were just 1 week ago, but I don’t think they should simply sit on that and call it a day. One more piece is needed. One more pitcher for the bullpen. Then, if something were to happen, if one of their bullpen aces were to go down or struggle, they’d still be in the position to dominate the backend of ballgames.
Eric Stashin is a new contributor to Gotham Baseball. You can read more of his work at
RotoProfessor.com
|
|
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 17 December 2008 )
|
