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The Poison Pen, 2011

Edgy DC Dec 01 2010 10:41 AM

The thread in which we look at the possible alignment of the Mets' bullpen. The current favorites look like[list=1][*]Manny Acosta,[/*:m] [*]Sean Green,[/*:m] [*]Ryota Igarashi,[/*:m] [*]Pat Misch,[/*:m] [*]Bobby Parnell,[/*:m] [*]Oliver Perez, and[/*:m] [*]Francisco Rodriguez.[/*:m][/list:o] But that's about as deceptive as possible as (1) may or may not have found new life last year, (2) is non-tender fodder, (3) had only brief bouts of success (and waves of failure) under high hopes from Jerry, (4) is a AAAA starter trying to find a role that sticks, (5) finished last year on the DL, (6) has known the bullpen to be more of a safe-house than an assignment, and (7) is facing criminal charges and accompanying derision. Also on the roster is Manny Alvarez (doomed to be one day conflated with Manny Acosta, but with little experience above AA), and Tobi Stoner (whose chief claim to fame is being the second ever German-born Met). Jenrry Mejia could return to the pen, and the team just signed potential situation lefty Michael O'Connor to a minor league dealio, but there's a lot of gray area here. Into that grayness, I want to toss Dodger George Sherrill. Sherrill is looking at a non-tender posssiblity as (1) the Dodgers are cuttin some costs these days, and (2) his ERA ballooned almost impossibly from 0.69 to 6.65 last season. Desipte that ugliness, he still dispatched lefties with aplomb (.192 / .286 / .288 // .573). So if you don't expect too much from him, you might not be let down. Look at that arm angle. Can't you see Ryan Howard bailing?

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 01 2010 10:57 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

If he comes to the Mets he will fix that douchy hat of his.

Frayed Knot Dec 01 2010 11:03 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

and Mike O'Connor

Edgy DC Dec 01 2010 11:06 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Whoah, I don't think Michael O'Connor is particuarly douchey to the point where he needs to be "fixed."

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 01 2010 11:24 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Igarashi was and is a real mystery. He had a poor spring training, then several pretty good outings in the early going until he hurt his leg fielding a bunt. Not quite the same after that, way too many walks and too many XBHs. I don't think Jerry ever thought much of him, he clearly thought Takahashi was the better of his two Japanese weapons, so much so I think after a while he crossed up their backstories. Igarashi was the "bigger name" with more success in Japan and he got the bigger contract, etc. There was a weird moment last season when one of the writers passed along Warthen's comments on what Igarashi had to do to be successful and he said, "He needs to calm down." There was more to it than that, but I never got the sense of what, exactly. The other dynamic at work was Jerry's dumb pressure to have a designated 8th inning guy and what if anything it meant to Igarashi not to get that role. Thoughts?

metirish Dec 01 2010 11:29 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

I thought Igarashi had great stuff and at times looked great , maybe something weird happened to him when Takahashi had success and he didn't , never looked good after the injury and seemed to give up a big bomb when thrust in to a big spot by Manuel. Then he looked like he was overthrowing the damn ball.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Dec 01 2010 11:32 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Randy Choate (2.34 FIP/2.90 xFIP, 9.17 K/9 vs. lefties last year... career OPS of .598 agin' em) and Dennys Reyes (weirdly abberant, reverse-splitty 2010 season, but sub-.300 OBPs vs. lefties for each of the preceding three seasons) are interesting, cheap options there, too. What I really want is a Takahashi-type, matchup-wise. Not a swingman, necessarily... but something like a reverse-LOOGY (or ROOGY, but it's hard to find screwball/changeup-featuring bullpen righties). A lefty who's slightly-to-very-much better at getting out righties... like recent-vintage Dennys Reyes, only sustainable.

Edgy DC Dec 01 2010 11:39 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Igarashi was and is a real mystery. He had a poor spring training, then several pretty good outings in the early going until he hurt his leg fielding a bunt. Not quite the same after that, way too many walks and too many XBHs. I don't think Jerry ever thought much of him, he clearly thought Takahashi was the better of his two Japanese weapons, so much so I think after a while he crossed up their backstories. Igarashi was the "bigger name" with more success in Japan and he got the bigger contract, etc. There was a weird moment last season when one of the writers passed along Warthen's comments on what Igarashi had to do to be successful and he said, "He needs to calm down." There was more to it than that, but I never got the sense of what, exactly. The other dynamic at work was Jerry's dumb pressure to have a designated 8th inning guy and what if anything it meant to Igarashi not to get that role. Thoughts? Jerry had him as the "eighth-inning guy" (may I never hear those words again) when he got hurt. When he came back, Manuel was asked what role he envisioned, and answered (more or less), "Same as he was when he went down... eighth-inning guy." When he got bombed in his first appearance, Jerry responded with (again, I paraphrase), "He's entitled to a freebie, he needs to get the rust off, but he's the eighth-inning guy." I like to think shedding Manuel would mean a world of good for the guy, but that's desperately over-simplistic.

Vic Sage Dec 01 2010 11:41 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

i'd prefer to have like 6 or 7 guys who can, you know, get people out. Just a pet theory of mine.

Ceetar Dec 01 2010 11:42 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

I can no longer remember if Manuel referring to any situation in the bullpen in any other way than "We gotta have our eighth inning guy."

Edgy DC Dec 02 2010 07:28 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Mike Silva is pushing Roy Merritt, a Rule V-eligible 25-year-old lefty who held lefty batters to a .228 average in 2010, mostly at Bingo.

Ceetar Dec 02 2010 07:44 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Edgy DC wrote: Mike Silva is pushing Roy Merritt, a Rule V-eligible 25-year-old lefty who held lefty batters to a .228 average in 2010, mostly at Bingo. granted we could protect him, but they haven't, so it's silly to pencil in him for a job no? When's the rule 5 draft?

Frayed Knot Dec 02 2010 08:08 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Ceetar wrote: Edgy DC wrote: Mike Silva is pushing Roy Merritt, a Rule V-eligible 25-year-old lefty who held lefty batters to a .228 average in 2010, mostly at Bingo. granted we could protect him, but they haven't, so it's silly to pencil in him for a job no? When's the rule 5 draft? The Rule 5 draft is usually the last thing on the agenda during the winter meetings which start next week I believe - so we're probably talking about Wednesday or so.

Edgy DC Dec 02 2010 08:09 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Nobody is suggesting he be penciled in for a job. Mike Silva is implying that he might be a worthy candidate, among others, for consideration. No need to round out the roster until you have to. I'm still waiting for some team to claim Blake McGinley.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Dec 02 2010 09:17 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Merritt's a lefty submariner, IIRC-- like, Bradford-brand. His overall stats look like crap, and the arm's not blow-your-doors off, so he could sneak by Rule V. THAT could be funky.

seawolf17 Dec 03 2010 02:57 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Ryan Rowland-Smith, non-tendered by Seattle. Was dreadful as a starter in 2010, but is only 27 and a lefty. Only made $440,000 last year, so I'd think he'd come reasonably cheaply. I'd throw him some ST innings.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Dec 04 2010 03:10 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Tweetin' Dave Lennon wrote: Alderson on Mejia: "We don't want him in our bullpen this year. Our goal is not to use some good arms ... on stopgap basis." #mets 2:59 PM Dec 3rd via TweetDeck This is a nice, good thing.

Benjamin Grimm Dec 06 2010 02:06 PM Dan Wheeler?

Matthew Cerone wrote: Matt Pignataro of 7 Train to Shea says the Mets interested in signing RHP Dan Wheeler, according to sources. Wheeler had two saves in three chances and 3.35 ERA in 64 appearances for the Rays last season, during which left-handed batters hit .154 against him. He has a terrific slider, which is perfect in relief and crushes left-handed hitters. He’s the perfect set-up man. Wheeler is a Type A free agent, but was not offered salary arbitration, so his new team will not need to surrender a compensatory draft pick. Nevertheless, I still see no way the Mets allocate roughly $4 million for a set-up guy, let alone give a two-year deal, considering they were unwilling to do so for Takahashi. That said, he certainly describes the ‘right-hander who can retire left-handed batters,’ which I wrote about this morning. The Mets traded Wheeler to the Astros in 2004 to clear a spot on their roster for RHP Jae Seo, who had been promoted from Triple-A for a spot start.

Edgy DC Dec 06 2010 02:08 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Traded him for Adam Seuss.

metirish Dec 06 2010 02:10 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

There's a guy in Wheeler who never looked like he was enjoying himself.....every pitch seemed to be laborious.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Dec 06 2010 03:41 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

metirish wrote: There's a guy in Wheeler who never looked like he was enjoying himself.....every pitch seemed to be laborious. Yay! (Actually, I'm all in favor of this.)

Benjamin Grimm Dec 08 2010 07:33 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

David Waldstein, N.Y. Times wrote: The Mets also spoke to Alan Hendricks, the agent for the right-handed reliever Chad Qualls, on Tuesday afternoon, thinking he could be an underpriced option who could flourish at Citi Field. He'd be the first Met with a last name beginning with the letter Q!

bmfc1 Dec 08 2010 12:27 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Terry, today: --Collins expects Bobby Parnell to be his eighth-inning guy. Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/mets/#ixzz17YACnb76

Edgy DC Dec 08 2010 12:33 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

(Head explodes)

Ceetar Dec 08 2010 01:22 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

talk is cheap. collins make comments the other day, in which he inferred that the "8th inning guy" could very well be the "game needs to be won in the 6th inning" guy. Hopefully all he's doing here is giving Bob a vote of confidence as the second best reliever.

Vic Sage Dec 14 2010 08:41 AM Bullpennies of 2011

As of now, our 7-man pen looks like this: F-Rod (r) - CL Parnell (r) - setup/CL Carrasco (r) - middle/setup Beato (r) - rule V ROOGY O'Connor* (L) - LOOGY Misch -or- O.Perez (L) - middle/long/spotSP Igarashi -or- Acosta -or- Stoner -or- Manny Alvarez*-or- BBonser* (r) - setup/middle/long * not on 40-man roster Or, as my father used to say: "Oy."

metirish Jan 14 2011 01:07 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Igarashi clears waivers says Rubin.

Vic Sage Jan 15 2011 12:53 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

F-Rod (r) - CL Parnell (r) - setup/CL Carrasco (r) - middle/setup Acosta (r) - middle/setup Buchholtz (r) - middle/setup/spot-starter Beato (r) - rule V ROOGY O'Connor(L)* / Tankersley*(L) - LOOGY * not on 40-man roster the "oys" still have it...

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 17 2011 12:20 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Ceetar wrote: talk is cheap. collins make comments the other day, in which he inferred that the "8th inning guy" could very well be the "game needs to be won in the 6th inning" guy. Hopefully all he's doing here is giving Bob a vote of confidence as the second best reliever. Pretty much. Take heart, kiddos-- Collins discusses pen usage. It's just words, yes... but nice ones.

Edgy DC Feb 17 2011 12:26 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

I'm not sure. If the game can be won by the "eighth-inning guy" in the sixth, then it can be won by the "ninth-inning guy" in the seventh, but that sure doesn't appear to be on the table. The fact is, almost any game can be meaningfully impacted by shutting the other team down in the sixth and seventh. That sort of logic is helpful, but not going through it and beyond can lead to more of Jerry's everyday use of his number-two reliever.

HahnSolo Feb 17 2011 02:45 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: Ceetar wrote: talk is cheap. collins make comments the other day, in which he inferred that the "8th inning guy" could very well be the "game needs to be won in the 6th inning" guy. Hopefully all he's doing here is giving Bob a vote of confidence as the second best reliever. Pretty much. Take heart, kiddos-- Collins discusses pen usage. It's just words, yes... but nice ones. I think "I truly believe" has the potential to become Collins' "You know what I'm sayin'?"

Vic Sage Feb 17 2011 09:28 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

F-Rod (r) - CL Parnell (r) - setup/CL Carrasco (r) - middle/setup Acosta (r) - middle/setup Buchholtz (r) - middle/setup/spot-starter Beato (r) - rule V ROOGY Byrdak (L)*- LOOGY * not on 40-man roster

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 25 2011 10:44 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Beato's got a live fastball. But Izzy's got a half-decent changeup? Between this and the praise of the last few days... interesting. If he can impress a little as games begin, he might be much, much more than a sentimental favorite. I'd rather have someone of Isringhausen's pedigree/ability to handle both lefties and righties than, say, a straight-arrow-fastball walk machine like Acosta.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 21 2011 12:25 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Somewhat unexpectedly cut from the Twins and Indians, respectively: formerly damn-good Chad Bradford-y Pat Neshek and 27-year-old bullpen stalwart (2.97, .215 BAA last year) Jensen Lewis. Worth a look... or more?

John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 21 2011 12:43 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Somewhat unexpectedly cut from the Twins and Indians, respectively: formerly damn-good Chad Bradford-y Pat Neshek and 27-year-old bullpen stalwart (2.97, .215 BAA last year) Jensen Lewis. Worth a look... or more? We bought our couch from that guy.

seawolf17 Mar 21 2011 12:59 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Neshek claimed by the Padres. Seems like a really good dude; old, though.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 21 2011 01:02 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Fart, just saw that. He's not old, though, less'n you think 30's old. (It's not, dammit.) /Turns baseball hat backward, adjusts belt at mid-thigh //Practices saying "for real" with Queensbridge-ish accent

Frayed Knot Mar 26 2011 07:22 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

2 more scoreless + hitless innings for Beato yesterday (1 K; 1 BB) End of the game so it probably wasn't against a murderer's row of Florida Marlins ... but still.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 26 2011 07:45 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

That plus Misch's performance probably spells curtains for our intrepid lefty long-man.

Edgy DC Mar 26 2011 08:26 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Carrasco is our new longman/emergency starter. Just did a four-innign stint to prove it. Mischie will go down and probably go unclaimed.

Benjamin Grimm Mar 28 2011 07:09 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Latest buzz suggests that the last bullpen slot is between Boyer and Isringhausen, which seems to imply that Acosta is out of the running.

metirish Mar 28 2011 07:14 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Rooting a little bit for Izzy here , saw him interviewed last night and seems like a cool guy(not why I am rooting for him but it doesn't hurt) , his experience could be a good thing for some of the younger guys too.

Frayed Knot Mar 28 2011 07:19 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

They'd almost certainly lose the one they don't pick. Izzy because he says he's retiring if he doesn't make the team; Boyer because he has an out-clause and you figure will attract the attention of some team.

Benjamin Grimm Mar 28 2011 07:20 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

I worry that Izzy's heart isn't fully into it. (A lot of talk about how he misses his wife and kids.) I have a hunch that he'll quit at the first sign of adversity. (I'm getting bit of a David Cone 2003 vibe.) As much as he's a feel-good story, both because of the medical comeback and the return to his original team, I wonder if he's worth losing a younger player for, a player that could conceivably be around for a lot longer than Isringhausen would.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 28 2011 07:20 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

I'd guess Boyer makes the club with Izzy hanging around St. Lucie for a few weeks on extended ST. Hopefully Acosta sneaks through waivers, he hasn't done anything to suggest he also wouldn't belong. One other consideration I haven't seen yet and therefore is prolly unrealistic is to leave Capuano down until they need a 5th starter. I'm kinda iffy on him anyway, and though they say he'll be in the pen, I'd be surprised if they'd really need him.

Edgy DC Mar 28 2011 07:21 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Plenty to root for there with Iz. But choosing him over two younger, healthier guys with far more road ahead of them is quite the gamble. I remember when Scott Erickson hurt himself during his warmups to start game two of the 2004 season, prompting Lunchbucket (then Wide BeeGee) to exclaim "Scott Erickson! What were we thinking?!" Which I guess is my way suggesting that buyer's remorse could come fast.

metirish Mar 28 2011 07:32 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Edgy DC wrote: Plenty to root for there with Iz. But choosing him over two younger, healthier guys with far more road ahead of them is quite the gamble. I remember when Scott Erickson hurt himself during his warmups to start game two of the 2004 season, prompting Lunchbucket (then Wide BeeGee) to exclaim "Scott Erickson! What were we thinking?!" Which I guess is my way suggesting that buyer's remorse could come fast. and Boyer's remorse when he's not around

John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 28 2011 08:31 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Plenty to root for there with Iz. But choosing him over two younger, healthier guys with far more road ahead of them is quite the gamble. I remember when Scott Erickson hurt himself during his warmups to start game two of the 2004 season, prompting Lunchbucket (then Wide BeeGee) to exclaim "Scott Erickson! What were we thinking?!" Which I guess is my way suggesting that buyer's remorse could come fast. and Boyer's remorse when he's not around That was pretty awesome, Irish. Meantime, Tracky says: Blaine Boyer is in Collins' office, door shut.

Edgy DC Mar 28 2011 08:35 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Yeah, Irish is stretching beyond his comfort zone there. Good show. And a sweet scoop for the slumping Tracky Fedoriani.

seawolf17 Mar 28 2011 12:18 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Edgy DC wrote: Yeah, Irish is stretching beyond his comfort zone there. Good show. And a sweet scoop for the slumping Tracky Fedoriani. Because he's in there too, disguised as a hat rack.

Edgy DC Mar 28 2011 12:32 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

"Blaine, you've worked real hard and I just wanted to lay out what the situa.... Just a second. Do you hear that? It's sort of the ... sound of... synthetic pants. 'Vvvvt-vvvt-vvvvt.' Somewhere in this room."

Benjamin Grimm Mar 28 2011 08:24 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Mets Ask Isringhausen to Remain in Florida By DAVID WALDSTEIN Published: March 28, 2011 PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The Mets have asked the right-handed reliever Jason Isringhausen to remain in extended spring training for a week or two to increase his arm strength and reassure them that his elbow is healthy. Isringhausen, 38, had been against the idea, but he told the Mets he would consider the possibility. He has said he will not pitch in Class AAA once the season starts. The Mets have also discussed the idea of asking another right-handed reliever, Blaine Boyer, to accept a minor league assignment. He has an opt-out in his contract that would allow him to become a free agent if the Mets do not put him on the 25-man roster. Both Isringhausen and Boyer have pitched well this spring. But the Mets are particularly intrigued by Isringhausen because of his experience as an elite closer, and because he reached 92 miles per hour on their radar gun Sunday in his last outing after experiencing soreness in his elbow last week. They also see him as someone who could provide guidance and leadership to younger relievers, especially Bobby Parnell. The Mets, who are likely to open the season with 12 pitchers, including seven relievers, are trying to figure out a way to keep Manny Acosta, too. Their goal is to keep as many pitchers as possible, and they know if they put Acosta on waivers, he will almost certainly be taken by another team.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 28 2011 09:51 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

They also see him as someone who could provide guidance and leadership to younger relievers, especially Bobby Parnell. Especially since his Adoptive Internet Dad was such a deadbeat.

metirish Mar 29 2011 10:17 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Amazin Avenue The Mets announced today that righty ground ball machine Blaine Boyer will make the Opening Day bullpen, beating out Manny Acosta for one of the last remaining roster spots. Manny Acosta, a very different pitcher from Boyer, has been designated for assignment. We covered Boyer a bit when the Mets signed him, and Sandy Alderson mentioned the Boyer-Acosta battle during our conference call with him last week: "[Y]ou've got a couple of guys, [Blaine] Boyer, Manny Acosta, who are very, very close in terms of overall results, but they get there in different ways. Boyer is basically a ground ball pitcher. Acosta has the livelier fastball and is more of a strikeout guy, maybe a little more command, but occasionally gives up a three-run homer as he did yesterday." Meanwhile, Jason Isringhausen has been asked to remain in Port St. Lucie for extended spring training while the Mets figure out what to do with him. There's some concern about his elbow as well as his age, and while a couple extra weeks in PSL isn't as bad as riding the bus in the minors, it's not what Izzy was hoping for.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 29 2011 10:21 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

I guess Boyer said "no." They both walk guys more than you'd like. Between the two, I'd rather have the strikeouts.

smg58 Mar 29 2011 10:29 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

I'd have offered one to Baltimore for the full rights to Beato. That way you only lose one (assuming Izzy ultimately stays). I still think that Acosta's track record beats Boyer's though.

Edgy DC Mar 29 2011 10:52 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Parking Izzy and DFA-ing Acosta gives them a slot for Beato, for now.

Ashie62 Mar 29 2011 10:53 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Bay to go on DL, Paulino too?.... Saves Evans [url]http://www.nj.com/mets/index.ssf/2011/03/mets_outfielder_jason_bay_side.html

Benjamin Grimm Mar 29 2011 10:56 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Very misleading post there, Ashie. The article says that Bay could begin the season on disabled list. He has not been assigned to the DL, it's just a possibility. (Or maybe a probability. Who knows for sure?)

Ashie62 Mar 29 2011 11:00 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Very misleading post there, Ashie. The article says that Bay could begin the season on disabled list. He has not been assigned to the DL, it's just a possibility. (Or maybe a probability. Who knows for sure?) Thats why I put the question mark.

Benjamin Grimm Mar 29 2011 11:31 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

The question mark appears to apply to Paulino, not to Bay.

metirish Mar 30 2011 09:21 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011 Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Mar 30 2011 10:18 AM

Izzy agrees to wait in PSL an extra two weeks.....but as Rubin notes if another team approaches him in those two weeks the Mets need to call him up or let him walk.....

Valadius Mar 30 2011 10:16 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Very gracious response there by Izzy.

TransMonk Mar 31 2011 09:37 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Per Rubin via Metsblog, Misch has accepted a minor league assignment as well. It looks like we may not lose any of our "too many" pieces this spring (Acosta pending).

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 05 2011 11:40 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Whattup, Stosh? The luggage-style Stanley tool chest, a concept brought to the Mets by the new bullpen coach Jon Debus and enthusiastically endorsed by the pitching coach Dan Warthen, contains a variety of items, like nail clippers, bug repellent and a yo-yo. The responsibility of taking the box to the bullpen each game will for now fall to the rookie Pedro Beato. A sewing kit to repair a torn jersey, superglue to fix a glove, and sunscreen will be in there. Stosh has spare sunglasses, sunglass cleaner and, of course, a bottle of Rolaids. For Debus and Warthen, who just might comprise the most humorous pitching coach staff in the majors, the chest is an essential component of the Mets’ renovated bullpen. Among the most important items in it is a Magic 8 Ball, the hand-held toy that purports to predict the future. The purpose of the game depends on the user and his belief in the supernatural. It could serve as a mere diversion, or a portent, as Debus demonstrated recently by grabbing it out of the chest and asking it a question. “Debo, am I going to pitch tonight?” he asked it, pretending to be one of the Mets’ seven relief pitchers. Debus shook the ball and read the response as it popped into the small window: “It is decidedly so.” He looked at it again and asked, “Am I going to get fired for this interview?” The ball’s response: “My sources say no.”

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 05 2011 01:16 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Waldstein gets the stories that no other writer gets. That's awesome.

metirish Apr 05 2011 01:19 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Waldstein gets the stories that no other writer gets. That's awesome. brilliant Among the most important items in it is a Magic 8 Ball, the hand-held toy that purports to predict the future. The purpose of the game depends on the user and his belief in the supernatural. It could serve as a mere diversion, or a portent, as Debus demonstrated recently by grabbing it out of the chest and asking it a question. “Debo, am I going to pitch tonight?” he asked it, pretending to be one of the Mets’ seven relief pitchers. Debus shook the ball and read the response as it popped into the small window: “It is decidedly so.” He looked at it again and asked, “Am I going to get fired for this interview?” The ball’s response: “My sources say no.”

TransMonk Apr 07 2011 12:21 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Acosta cleared waivers and is heading to Buffalo. With all of our "too many guys without options" problems in March, we didn't lose anyone via waivers.

Edgy DC Apr 07 2011 12:32 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

I suspect we also might end up exposing Boyer in attempting ro farm him out and activate Izzy.

smg58 Apr 07 2011 12:41 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Given the sellers market for relief pitching in the offseason, I'm flat-out shocked we didn't lose Acosta. Again, as was the case with Evans, I'm not complaining. Boyer had a horribly unlucky 5th inning last night. I hope that whatever happens when Izzy is healthy is not unfairly influenced by that.

The Second Spitter Apr 13 2011 12:23 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Martino thinks Bobby's been unlucky Parnell's underlying numbers suggest hope: He has struck out seven in 4-1/3 innings, and allowed a .417 batting average on balls in play. The latter statistic demonstrates that he has been unlucky this year, and the trend will not likely continue. Long bow? He also notes his fastball is MIA this year.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 13 2011 12:52 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

CORRECTED: All other peripherals being unchanged, his high BABIP suggests that Parnell has been unlucky this year. I think I prefer people using half-understood "advanced" stats to buttress their arguments, rather than dismissing them outright. But the gap is narrowing.

Vic Sage Apr 13 2011 01:13 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

well, half-smart is half-stupid. and half-assed is a guy who ends up sliding into the toilet. or something. never mind. nothing to see here. move along.

metirish Apr 13 2011 01:44 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Boyer has gone and cleared waivers and has chosen to make himself a FA rather than report to dull and uninspiring Buffalo.

Ceetar Apr 13 2011 01:45 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

metirish wrote: Boyer has gone and cleared waivers and has chosen to make himself a FA rather than report to dull and uninspiring Buffalo. So will he come crawling back when no one wants him...or will he end up on the Phillies?

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 13 2011 01:47 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

MFYs are looking for relievers now that Pedro had a setback and Ayala hit the DL. (heh) Go apply there, Blaine.

Gwreck Apr 23 2011 10:01 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Whattup, Stosh? The luggage-style Stanley tool chest, a concept brought to the Mets by the new bullpen coach Jon Debus and enthusiastically endorsed by the pitching coach Dan Warthen, contains a variety of items, like nail clippers, bug repellent and a yo-yo. The responsibility of taking the box to the bullpen each game will for now fall to the rookie Pedro Beato. A sewing kit to repair a torn jersey, superglue to fix a glove, and sunscreen will be in there. Stosh has spare sunglasses, sunglass cleaner and, of course, a bottle of Rolaids. For Debus and Warthen, who just might comprise the most humorous pitching coach staff in the majors, the chest is an essential component of the Mets’ renovated bullpen. Among the most important items in it is a Magic 8 Ball, the hand-held toy that purports to predict the future. The purpose of the game depends on the user and his belief in the supernatural. It could serve as a mere diversion, or a portent, as Debus demonstrated recently by grabbing it out of the chest and asking it a question. “Debo, am I going to pitch tonight?” he asked it, pretending to be one of the Mets’ seven relief pitchers. Debus shook the ball and read the response as it popped into the small window: “It is decidedly so.” He looked at it again and asked, “Am I going to get fired for this interview?” The ball’s response: “My sources say no.” This toolbox was destroyed as an attempt to turn the team's fortunes around.

Ashie62 Apr 23 2011 11:11 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

I thought I saw Beato with a loaded Barbie bag last night.

Edgy DC Apr 23 2011 11:43 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

This is pretty much how I think the depth chart looks. [list=1:1090lujb][*:1090lujb]Francisco Rodriguez [/*:m:1090lujb] [*:1090lujb]Jason Isringhausen[/*:m:1090lujb] [*:1090lujb]Pedro Beato [/*:m:1090lujb] [*:1090lujb]Tim Byrdak[/*:m:1090lujb] [*:1090lujb]D.J. Carrasco[/*:m:1090lujb] [*:1090lujb]Ryota Igarashi[/*:m:1090lujb] [*:1090lujb]Taylor Buchholz[/*:m:1090lujb][/list:o:1090lujb] Carrasco is probably seen as still a more effetive bet than Byrdak, but Byrdie will see higher leverage spots because of his leftie-ness. Similarly, Buchholz is probably seen as a stronger performer than Igarashi, but is viewed as the long guy. He's got a good chance to climb in the next few weeks, though.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 23 2011 08:31 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

You don't think Buchholz is at least coequal with Carrasco? Inning-for-inning, he's been the strikeoutiest dude hiding out in right-center, behind Parnell and Rodriguez... and he's been a lot less loud-out-prone than Izzy.

Gwreck Apr 23 2011 10:30 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Also, I thought Carrasco was seen as the long guy, not Buchholz.

TheOldMole Apr 24 2011 08:29 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Not any more.

Gwreck Apr 24 2011 09:17 PM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

You don't say? Regardless, I think the original point holds that Carrasco was seen as the long guy; and Gee has now replaced Carrasco in that long-man role.

Edgy DC Apr 25 2011 08:40 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

So it's like: [list=1:1bi19yk3][*:1bi19yk3]Francisco Rodriguez [/*:m:1bi19yk3] [*:1bi19yk3]Jason Isringhausen[/*:m:1bi19yk3] [*:1bi19yk3]Pedro Beato [/*:m:1bi19yk3] [*:1bi19yk3]Tim Byrdak[/*:m:1bi19yk3] [*:1bi19yk3]Taylor Buchholz[/*:m:1bi19yk3] [*:1bi19yk3]Ryota Igarashi[/*:m:1bi19yk3] [*:1bi19yk3]Dillon Gee[/*:m:1bi19yk3][/list:o:1bi19yk3] And they're moving toward the mean in league as far as relieving. The bottom of the barrell, interestingly, are Arizona and Houston.

Frayed Knot Apr 25 2011 09:42 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

The most important thing is that Beato, as the guy with the least amount of ML time, still has to fulfill the role of carrying the snacks out to the pen in the Barbie bag. And, really, does anything else match that in importance?

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 25 2011 09:53 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

The fact that they murdered an innocent bullpen toolbox? I guess that ain't important to nobody. Meanwhile, if it were a cute little white toolbox, EVERYONE would be up in arms.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 25 2011 09:55 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

So I didn't see any baseball for the last week, but does Byrdak still suck?

metirish Apr 25 2011 09:58 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: So I didn't see any baseball for the last week, but does Byrdak still suck? he may be sucking someone in the pen cos he rarely sees the mound, in fact his appearance this weekend was probably his first since you left.

Edgy DC Apr 25 2011 11:24 AM Re: The Poison Pen, 2011

Terry gave a hold opportunity to Chris Capuano rather than turn to Byrdak.