All offseason I have been talking about how the Mets bullpen will hold the key to the 2010 season. But, between the recent additons the Mets have made and the strong showing of certain pitchers this spring, I actually think the 'pen may be a huge strong point for the Mets.
When we look at the 'pen as it is now, we know a few things. K-Rod will be closing out games, Feliciano will be in there, and Kiko Calero and Ryota Igarashi will both be shoreing up the middle relief. The Mets are currently talking to Free Agent left-hander Joe Biemel, whom I have advocated signing all offseason.
If all of those players are signed, or are not injured, that leaves about two or three spots left, with a large number of players competing for them.
Bobby Parnell, Sean Green, Fernando Nieve, Nelson Figueroa, Hisanori Takahashi, and Jenrry Mejia all are in the competition for the final spots, all of whom who have their pros and cons.
I hope Mejia is not rushed, and is sent to AA to continue to work on becoming a frontline starter. After hearing all of the talk about Mejia being "electric" and having amazing natural movement on his pitches, I cant help but salivate over the possibility of being a starter rather than a reliever.
Takahashi has impressed, as has Figueroa, however I don't think either of them will be making the Opening Day roster, and could be excellent depth options at AAA. However, I feel bad for Figgy, who continues to be solid as they come, and gets no recognition. As for the others, I believe Green is all but finished as a Mets, and will either be cut or sent down to AAA to forever rot. In the end, I think the Mets will continue to groom Parnell to be a future set up man, and Nieve will be the long man because he is out of options.
