A Closer Look At The Mets Bullpen

With Brian Stokes being dealt to the Angels, my thoughts began to drift to the current makeup of the Mets bullpen. After examining the current members of it I concluded one thing: this makeup has the potential to be either be outstanding or absolutely horrific. Below you will find my expectations and predictions/thoughts about possible members of the 2010 bullpen.

The Shoe-In's:

1. Fransisco Rodriguez
K-Rod had a very up and down season last year, but finished with a respectable 3.71 ERA and 35 saves. I'm hoping that his second half struggles were just because of the team's lack of luster and not his diminishing ability...but i'm still worried. My guess is he will have very similar numbers in 2010 and be a solid closer for us.

2. Kelvim Escobar
Escobar is a microcosm of the rest of the bullpen. There is no question that if healthy Escobar can be a lights out set up man, and therefore will make the rest of the bullpen that much better. But, if he is hurt or ineffective my belief is that the rest of the bullpen will falter. Minaya took a gamble on Kelvim, but a worthy one. My hope is that he is that big time set up man we have been craving.

3. Pedro Feliciano
Pedro Feliciano will be effective if used correctly. Jerry started to toy with Pedro by using him more as a set-up man rather than a situational pitcher last season. If Pedro is used in the correct situations he is lights out and one of the best pitchers in his field. He will have something similar to his 3.03 ERA. He is a solid reliever.

4. Ryota Igarashi
The Mets signed this Japanese import to bolster the back end of the 'pen. I am skeptical, yet somehow excited to see how he fares. The Mets have not had good experience when signing Japanese born players (Kaz Matsui...) but for whatever reason I feel like Igarashi might be able to be an exception to this rule. In essence Ryota Igarashi is basically the same as Kelvim Escobar, you have no idea what you are going to get.

5. Bobby Parnell
Bobby has a ton of potential. That much is certain. For a time he seemed destined to become the Mets future set up man. However, the Mets continued to misuse the young hurler last year and he faltered towards the end of the year. But, he can throw heat and has the ability to get people out. But, unfortunately it looks as if the Mets rushed him, and he needs more time to develop. However, the Mets are desperate for arms in the 'pen, so Parnell is going to have to learn by doing. 2010 could be a solid year for Parnell, with the additions of Escobar and Igarashi this can move him to a less stressful 7th inning role. If the Mets play their cards right they could have a solid young reliever on their hands.

6. Sean Green
Green was very inconsistent last year. One moment he was horrendous, the next he was brilliant. However, towards the end of the year he seemed to be pitching well, which he credited to a change in mechanics. Green should be used solely as a situational pitcher.If that is done, he should be fine.

The Others:

1. Pat Misch
Misch was actually pretty good in 2009 after being picked up from the Giants. He excelled in a few of his starts, which makes him attractive as a possible spot starter in the pen. He is also a lefty, which the Mets need. Depending on how the rest of the winter pans out and how he is in spring training, you could be looking at the Mets second lefty coming out of the pen.

2. Clint Everts
Everts was signed to a contract this winter and I have to admit I really thought it was a good call on the Mets part. Everts posted a 1.65 ERA in the minors last season and had 68 strikeouts in 60 innings of work and has a career ERA of just under 4.00. Everts is a sleeper.

3. Fernando Nieve
Nieve was a feel good story for the Mets last season (until he was injured) and is very much in the Mets plans going forward. Nieve was once considered a top prospect in the Astros system, and in his starts with the Mets last season, we could all see why. He seems to be recovering well from his injury. Apparently he is excelling in winter ball. If one of our starters goes down, I think he is the guy the Mets call up from AAA.

4. Nelson Figueroa
Oh Figgy. Not much to say about Nelson, he is solid (usually) for the Mets but honestly I don't see him amounting to much more than the occasional call up from AAA. However, last year he did have moments where he made me reconsider him. But there are just too many other more enticing options for him to be a regular on the club.

5. Elmer Dessens
Dessens filled in admirably last year, and was rewarded with a contract this winter. He pitched surprisingly well down the stretch, but was used mostly in games that really didnt matter. Overall he is another body providing depth in AAA.

6. Jay Marshall
The Mets probably picked up Marshall from Oakland because of his funky delivery and the fact that he is a lefty. He started 2009 with Oakland's AAA affiliate, going 5-3 with seven saves and a 3.20 ERA. He did not fare so well in the big leagues going 0-2 with a 14.73 ERA in 10 appearances. Probably not going to make the big league roster, but an interesting option to have if needed.


Possibilities:

1. John Smoltz - His name has been linked to the Mets this winter, and with good reason. Despite his age, Smoltz continues to be solid. If he were to be signed to the Mets, I am sure it would be a cheap one year contract - which I would be fine with. Smoltz could add depth to the bullpen and make an occasional start or two.

2. Joe Biemel - Biemel is the guy I want the Mets to sign this offseason. He would be the perfect second lefty for the bullpen. He had a 4.02 ERA in Colorado last year, but a 3.40 ERA in Washington before being traded. He has proven himself to be a solid reliever.