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I didn't see a thread where we track the candidates for the 10th, 11th and possibly 12th bullpen spots but its playing out before our eyes.
Here's some recent stuff--
Times on Iriki:
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In Every Language, Thumbs-Up Is the Same
By BEN SHPIGEL
WINTER HAVEN, Fla., March 8 — During Yusaku Iriki's bullpen session Sunday, as his off-speed pitches danced and fluttered around the plate as if controlled by a marionette, Rick Peterson, the Mets' pitching coach, repeatedly flashed him a thumbs-up.
Iriki, a native of Japan, is still learning about life in the United States, including how to command a baseball made of cowhide and what to make of the unpredictable Jose Lima, whose locker is near his. Not to mention the language.
But a thumbs-up in the United States means the same as it does in Japan: great job.
Although Iriki was disappointed by his three-inning effort Wednesday in the Mets' 7-1 victory against the Cleveland Indians, Peterson said that he had made progress, the spoken equivalent of a thumbs-up.
"He's a perfectionist," Peterson said. "When he pitched ahead of the count, he was outstanding. When he does that, he's exciting."
Iriki retired the first three batters on seven pitches, then issued five-pitch walks to the first two hitters of the second inning. He escaped that jam, but after walking the leadoff hitter in the third, the Indians soon scored.
Iriki throws five pitches — "They're all weapons," Peterson said — but said he had trouble controlling his slider Wednesday because he had not yet adjusted to throwing a different ball. Iriki is used to a ball made of horsehide, the preferred material in Asia. The Rawlings-made baseball in the United States has higher seams and is more slippery, Iriki said.
"I couldn't get a good grip on it," he said through an interpreter.
Nor, he said, could he get one on the opposition. Iriki said he did not know that much about the powerful Indians lineup, which included Grady Sizemore, Jhonny Peralta and Travis Hafner, but it presented a far greater challenge than the one he saw in his debut last Friday, when he dominated the depleted St. Louis Cardinals for two innings.
"I just don't know the batters too much right now," Iriki said. "It's tough."
Iriki presents an intriguing option for Manager Willie Randolph as he determines whether to keep 11 or 12 pitchers. Randolph said he would make a decision during the closing days of spring training.
"What, do you think I'd junk him?" Randolph said.
If chosen, the 33-year-old Iriki, who has experience pitching in Japan as a starter and as a reliever, could serve as insurance in case Pedro Martínez has a setback in his recovery from a sore toe.
Four relievers are guaranteed spots in the bullpen — Billy Wagner, Chad Bradford, Jorge Julio and Duaner Sanchez — and two or three spots are available among the right-handers Steve Schmoll, John Maine, Heath Bell and Henry Owens and the left-handers Matt Perisho, Darren Oliver, Royce Ring and Mike Venafro.
Iriki will get another chance, if not a few more, to impress. Before his next scheduled start, he will surely be in the bullpen, working on his command, waiting for another thumbs-up. |
What's interesting is that the Times article doesn't bother to mention Jeremi Gonzalez or Mitch Wylie, each included as real possibilities on MLB.com:
]Nine spots in what will be either an 11- or 12-man staff are virtually decided -- Pedro Martinez, Tom Glavine, Steve Trachsel, Aaron Heilman, Victor Zambrano, Billy Wagner, Duaner Sanchez, Jorge Julio and Chad Bradford.
Beyond that, you can throw a blanket over a dozen or so and wonder. Some left-handed -- Royce Ring, Pedro Feliciano, Matt Perisho, Mike Venafro and Juan Perez. Some right-handed -- Jeremi Gonzalez, Yusaku Iriki, Alay Soler, Steve Schmoll, Henry Owens, John Maine and, if he's healthy, Juan Padilla. And Wylie.
Gonzalez, Iriki and one left-hander -- no one knows which one yet -- appear to have the best chances, unless a vacancy in the rotation develops, in which case Brian Bannister would likely move up from Triple-A Norfolk. Otherwise, it's a dozen for one spot, and only one of them has Rule 5 as part of his ID.
"I guess that works in my favor," Wylie says. "It doesn't force them to do anything, but it kind of guarantees that I get a long look. |
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