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We Have The Technology: Bullpen 2009

Valadius Dec 09 2008 08:14 PM

Well, we've got Frankie Rodriguez anchoring our bullpen. Now to rebuild the rest of what's cost us the last two years. Setup man? Long relief? What must we acquire?

Willets Point Dec 09 2008 08:35 PM

I think the first place to look is with relief pitchers the Mets already have. Who among the veteran relievers has been most reliable over the past 2-3 seasons, is most reliable and durable? Who among relievers who appeared for the first time last season or in the minors is ready to step up? Once 2-4 pitchers from this group are added to K-Rod, then look to see what holes can be filled by trades and FA. At least I hope Omar's looking at it that way.

Valadius Dec 09 2008 08:41 PM

You know, now that we have Rodriguez, is Eddie Kunz expendable? Or can he become a setup man?

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 09 2008 09:03 PM

Rodriguez isn't going to influence Kunz in any way. Kunz will influence Kunz. I'd keep Smith and an open mind about anyone and everyone else.

Nymr83 Dec 09 2008 09:09 PM

I'd keep Schoenweis OR Feliciano as the LOOGY but don't keep them both on the staff because having both of them around forces the manager to use them against righties which they suck at.

metirish Dec 10 2008 04:45 AM

I would think Stokes has a good shot at being in the pen.

Rockin' Doc Dec 10 2008 06:16 AM

I agree that either Feliciano or Schoeneweis needs to be move in a trade. They are redendant in a specialists role. One of their spots could be better utilized by a my versatile pitcher. The other person that I think must be moved is Aaron Heilman. I don't see him ever being an effective pitcher for the Mets again. He is relentlessly booed as soon as he enters a game and the fans reception for him generally turns uglier with each opponent that reaches base. I believe he has the capability to be a pretty good pitcher once again, but I think he would definitely benefit from a fresh start with another team.

mario25 Dec 10 2008 06:39 AM

Hopefully they can check back in on that Huston Street for Heilman and Feliciano deal... I would jump on that because it also gives us a viable option if anything happens to K-Rod

smg58 Dec 10 2008 06:51 AM

I'd like to see at least two more guys brought in. I agree with Frayed Knot that the Mets and Heilman would both be better off separated at this point, and that at least one of their LOOGY's needs to go. Revisiting the Heilman/Feliciano for Street deal is certainly an option, but there might be others too. Like I said yesterday, I wonder if the Red Sox would part with Manny Delcarmen to get Schneider. I also wonder if the Yankees would look at Endy or Ramon Castro as a fair price for Brian Bruney. Either of those moves would actually free payroll if they're doable (although we might wind up needing a catcher). I'd ask the Giants what they'd consider a fair price for Sergio Romo, who's been lowered a few notches in their pen with the signings of Affeldt and Howry, or what the Dodgers would want for Hong Chi Kuo, who was great in long relief last year. Speaking of the Dodgers, there's a real chance that they'll non-tender Takaishi Saito. He'd have to pass a physical, to be sure, but he could be a steal if he's healthy most of the year. The back of the bullpen looks fine to me, especially since we look to have enough talent at AAA this year (Kunz, Parnell, Stoner, Vargas if he doesn't make the team to begin with) to cover our bets.

metirish Dec 10 2008 06:58 AM

From Adam Rubin ] Minaya isn't done with the pitching, however. The Daily News has learned that Aaron Heilman and Duaner Sanchez were in Port St. Lucie on Monday to demonstrate they were healthy - an obvious prelude to attempting trades. The Mets hope to part with at least two relievers from the group of Scott Schoeneweis, Heilman and Sanchez. They would like to acquire an eighth-inning specialist with closer's experience such as the Rockies' Huston Street. According to a Colorado source, Minaya recently offered Heilman and a prospect to the Rockies for Street, but when Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd called back, Minaya had reduced the offer to an unappealing Heilman-for-Street straight-up swap.

MFS62 Dec 10 2008 07:12 AM

If Sanchez is healthy, I'd keep him. He didn't just have TJ surgery two years ago, he had surgery that had never been performed on a pitcher up to that point in time. They didn't even know if he would ever be able to throw again. Last year, he actually showed flashes of his old form until he wore down late in the year. I still think he can be a pleasant surprise to the Mets this year. But I'd give the name of his taxi driver to Luis Castillo. Later

Edgy DC Dec 10 2008 07:14 AM

="smg58":ij9ymk5q]I agree with Frayed Knot that the Mets and Heilman would both be better off separated at this point...[/quote:ij9ymk5q] When did he post that? Vince Coleman Firecracker Dec 10 2008 07:38 AM Does anyone else think that Brad Holt could be a Joba/Papelbon-type setup man this year? It seems, to me, that scouts think his fastball is major-league ready, but his off-speed stuff is pretty far off. Considering the many relievers that have had success with one great pitch, might his fastball be good enough for him to be successful this year? Even if it is, might a year or two out of the bullpen retard the development of his secondary pitches? Might he get labeled a reliever and never get a chance as a starter? Any thoughts? John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 10 2008 07:48 AM ="Edgy DC":xh8l69rq] ="smg58":xh8l69rq]I agree with Frayed Knot that the Mets and Heilman would both be better off separated at this point...[/quote:xh8l69rq] When did he post that?[/quote:xh8l69rq] All them Seavers look alike. Pretty sure he meant Rock N. Dock. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 10 2008 07:55 AM ="Vince Coleman Firecracker":1ebr2siz]Does anyone else think that Brad Holt could be a Joba/Papelbon-type setup man this year? It seems, to me, that scouts think his fastball is major-league ready, but his off-speed stuff is pretty far off. Considering the many relievers that have had success with one great pitch, might his fastball be good enough for him to be successful this year? Even if it is, might a year or two out of the bullpen retard the development of his secondary pitches? Might he get labeled a reliever and never get a chance as a starter? Any thoughts?[/quote:1ebr2siz] I think the Mets would consider something like that, but as Plan X Y or Z. And probably not until Holt gets another season under his belt. Smith came fast but he was all about that delivery and they had conceived him do that particular job from the start. Rockin' Doc Dec 10 2008 08:56 AM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":2wsigl9v] ="Vince Coleman Firecracker":2wsigl9v]Does anyone else think that Brad Holt could be a Joba/Papelbon-type setup man this year? It seems, to me, that scouts think his fastball is major-league ready, but his off-speed stuff is pretty far off. Considering the many relievers that have had success with one great pitch, might his fastball be good enough for him to be successful this year? Even if it is, might a year or two out of the bullpen retard the development of his secondary pitches? Might he get labeled a reliever and never get a chance as a starter? Any thoughts?[/quote:2wsigl9v] I think the Mets would consider something like that, but as Plan X Y or Z. And probably not until Holt gets another season under his belt. Smith came fast but he was all about that delivery and they had conceived him do that particular job from the start.[/quote:2wsigl9v] Indeed, it was I that asserted that Heilman would be better off with a fresh start elsewhere. I think he has the potential to be a useful pitcher, but I don't think he will reach his potential with the fans booing him everytime he gets up to loosen his arm. Might as well use him to acquire a needed bullpen pitcher in a trade that could possibly be beneficial to all parties involved. Benjamin Grimm Dec 10 2008 08:58 AM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":2kzk8x9r]All them Seavers look alike. Pretty sure he meant Rock N. Dock.[/quote:2kzk8x9r] That's the main reason I'm not crazy about the forced avatars. I tend to glance to the left side of the screen to see who's posting, and when everyone's avatar looks the same it gets very confusing. Rockin' Doc Dec 10 2008 09:01 AM 286 more posts and i can have my own identity. Edgy DC Dec 10 2008 09:16 AM ="Rockin' Doc":cbekju86]Indeed, it was I that asserted that Heilman would be better off with a fresh start elsewhere. I think he has the potential to be a useful pitcher, but I don't think he will reach his potential with the fans booing him everytime he gets up to loosen his arm.[/quote:cbekju86] Are you sure we can't trade the fans? Benjamin Grimm Dec 10 2008 09:21 AM I hope not. If I get traded to Kansas City I'm just going to retire as a fan. Edgy DC Dec 10 2008 09:22 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Dec 10 2008 09:58 AM You boo Heilman just for getting up in the bullpen? Is there any way I can trade you but retain the UMDB as intellectual property of Met fans? Benjamin Grimm Dec 10 2008 09:37 AM I don't boo Heilman but if some fans can be traded then I think we're all in jeopardy. Centerfield Dec 10 2008 09:49 AM Like we could get anything back for Grimm. You'd have to package him with a valuable guy like G-Fafif to even get teams to the table. Benjamin Grimm Dec 10 2008 09:50 AM Oh no you di-ent! Edgy DC Dec 10 2008 10:00 AM ="Benjamin Grimm"]I don't boo Heilman but if some fans can be traded then I think we're all in jeopardy. If you've been posting on baseball sites for ten years, and the CPF for five, you can veto a trade. Vic Sage Dec 10 2008 10:09 AM PLAY ME OR TRADE ME, DAMMIT! themetfairy Dec 10 2008 10:21 AM I have an iron-clad no-trade clause. You'll have to pay me off big time to get me to renegotiate! smg58 Dec 10 2008 11:58 AM ="Edgy DC":1occaizm] ="smg58":1occaizm]I agree with Frayed Knot that the Mets and Heilman would both be better off separated at this point...[/quote:1occaizm] When did he post that?[/quote:1occaizm] I guess I meant Rockin' Doc. So much for posting early in the morning. My apologies, Doc. Frayed Knot Dec 10 2008 12:46 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Dec 10 2008 12:49 PM BP's rumor mill has the Mets (and Cards) inquiring about Pirate reliever/closer [url=http://www.baseball-reference.com/c/cappsma01.shtml:x49legz2]Matt Capps[/url:x49legz2] Check out them walk totals! HahnSolo Dec 10 2008 12:48 PM ="themetfairy":1c7rc2k6]I have an iron-clad no-trade clause. You'll have to pay me off big time to get me to renegotiate![/quote:1c7rc2k6] I'm the utility guy nobody wants in a trade. I can be released, waived, or sent to Crane Pool triple A at any time. I'm just happy to be in the big leagues. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 10 2008 01:07 PM ="Frayed Knot":35lzm99m]BP's rumor mill has the Mets (and Cards) inquiring about Pirate reliever/closer [url=http://www.baseball-reference.com/c/cappsma01.shtml:35lzm99m]Matt Capps[/url:35lzm99m] Check out them walk totals![/quote:35lzm99m] Often when I have a vision of a guy as a Met killer, I find I'm way off. This time, not. Given up no runs and only 1 hit lifetime vs. em (7.2 IP). For somne reason he didn't pitch vs. us at all last year. Edgy DC Dec 10 2008 01:16 PM Capps is a cool guy to be looking at. One of my goals for 2009 is to avoid the annual Disastrous Heartrending Loss to the Pirates. Gwreck Dec 10 2008 01:35 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":1i8wym47] ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":1i8wym47]All them Seavers look alike. Pretty sure he meant Rock N. Dock.[/quote:1i8wym47] That's the main reason I'm not crazy about the forced avatars. I tend to glance to the left side of the screen to see who's posting, and when everyone's avatar looks the same it gets very confusing.[/quote:1i8wym47] That's why I don't believe in avatars. attgig Dec 10 2008 03:13 PM there's talk about smoltz interested with us. I would love to bring him in as a setup guy, but I'm guessing he wouldn't be up to that. I would also like to see pedro back as the spot starter/long reliever, but again. not sure if he'd be up for that. otherwise, it would be great to revisit heilman & someone for Street, or showenstein/jackson, though I'd prefer street because it seems like there are more sure options for the rotation in the free agent market. But yeah, I would love to see the mets putting out one year, close to closer offers for fuentes, smoltz, hoffman, and other closers who are jobless, to see if any of them would be setup guys. I know Minaya loves Cordero, and I'm kinda expecting him to sign, but I hate how he's coming off injury. Also, what's happening with Isringhausen? isn't he a FA? MFS62 Dec 10 2008 08:52 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":3cwukcsb]I hope not. If I get traded to Kansas City I'm just going to retire as a fan.[/quote:3cwukcsb] But what if the Mets can get a second baseman for you? Take one for the team, man. Later Gwreck Dec 10 2008 10:04 PM Rodriguez Putz Schoeneweis Feliciano Sanchez Stokes Green smg58 Dec 11 2008 06:01 AM An upgrade on one of our two lefties would be nice. Without Vargas or Collazo, we're short on lefties in the pipeline as well. Otherwise, no complaints.