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Wheeler to the Bullpen

Centerfield Feb 21 2018 03:01 PM

I think the move was more or less assumed once they signed Vargas. But it looks like it's the way they're going. http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseb ... -1.3832120 What this does now is give the Mets four bullpen arms that can realistically be starters. Wheeler, Lugo, Gsellman and Montero. We've already seen Montero out of the pen, and he's not very good. As for the other three, it'll be interesting to see how they handle this situation. The dream is that one of these guys turn into Wade Davis. Middling starter who turns unhittable in small doses. Out of the three, I'd wager on Gsellman. From what I read, he has the best overall stuff of the four. But I'm holding out hope that maybe Wheeler can be that guy too. Was also surprised to see how bad Wade Davis was as a starter. In 2013 Wade Davis made 24 starts, was 8-11 with a 5.32 ERA and a WHIP of 1.68. The next year, working out of the pen, ERA of 1.00, WHIP of .85. Wheeler last year: 5.21 ERA, WHIP of 1.59. What. It can happen.

Ceetar Feb 21 2018 03:06 PM Re: Wheeler to the Bullpen

*checks* it's 2/21. there are like 6 weeks to Opening Day. even longer to the 5th spot's start. I mean, I hope this is true because it basically means no Spring Training injuries. Does this mean Wheeler isn't going to start this Spring, or are they going to stretch him out anyway just in case and then decide on 3/28?

Lefty Specialist Feb 21 2018 03:10 PM Re: Wheeler to the Bullpen

Wheeler apparently doesn't like it, but I imagine Callaway doesn't like starters who throw 25 pitches an inning either. And yeah, he'll get his chances eventually.

Benjamin Grimm Feb 21 2018 03:16 PM Re: Wheeler to the Bullpen

I think because of his unrepaired injury, the Mets don't want Lugo in the bullpen where he might have to pitch more frequently. The buzz is that he's more likely to be in the Vegas rotation.

Vic Sage Feb 21 2018 03:22 PM Re: Wheeler to the Bullpen

i haven't heard how they'll use Wheeler in ST, but it does seem that there really is no open competition for slots... guys can pitch themselves out of a starting slot during ST, but they're coming in with preconceived roles. This is what i expected. They signed Vargas to start behind Syndy and deGrom, and Callaway was brought in to fix the other guys, with 2 of Harvey, Matz and Wheeler filling out the rotation. Since Wheeler has the least amount of success as a starter, with greatest track record of injury, he would seem the odd man out at the outset. Could he pitch his way back into the rotation? I guess, but i think one of the other guys will have to pitch their way out, too. And Callaway has said it will be based on "approach", not "production". So he's looking for guys who'll be aggressive in the zone. That's not Wheeler. That was never Wheeler. Could Wheeler become Wade Davis? I suppose. He's got great stuff (he's always had great stuff), but his control issues continue to hinder him. Davis had similar problems as a starter, but not as pronounced as Wheeler.

Edgy MD Feb 21 2018 03:38 PM Re: Wheeler to the Bullpen

It sure seems silly to me, making a call now, even if it's the sensible one (from today's perspective). There's like a 75% chance that at least one of the six guys goes down during the spring, even greater if you count the possibility of a somebody not quite coming up injured but being demonstrably ineffective. Best to let it play out and start talking about final decisions a month from now.

Ceetar Feb 21 2018 03:49 PM Re: Wheeler to the Bullpen

It's spring. there are always open starting spots. there are split squad games and Callaway has already told guys like Nimmo that he might toss him into a minor league game if it's warranted (he wants Nimmo to face lefties, so if the minor league opponent is throwing a bunch of lefties, he can get Nimmo 3-4 AB that way)

Ceetar Feb 21 2018 05:07 PM Re: Wheeler to the Bullpen

This rumor has legs. Wheeler will start the first game on Monday.