Competition should fuel the Mets bullpen this spring

Baseball cannot come soon enough, at least for most die-hard fans who think the modest, four month offseason is excessive.  For the Mets, pitchers and catchers are slated to report on February 15^th, so it’s only natural for fans to prepare themselves for what is in store for the ensuing season.  While the games played within the Grapefruit League are less about winning and more about training/preparing, the competitive juices will no doubt be evident, especially for a select few.

The bullpen competition looks to be an intriguing battle.  Outside of Bobby Parnell and Carlos Torres, the track records of the remaining suitors are lacking, except for Kyle Farnsworth who is on a non-guaranteed minor league deal. The likes of Vic Black, Josh Edgin, Jeurys Familia, Gonzalez Germen, and Scott Rice appear to have the early inside track to make the opening day 25-man roster, but there will be others looking to make an impression.  Young prospects such as Cory Mazzoni, Jack Leathersich, and Jeff Walters, all coming off years where they had strings of extended success, will vie to catch the eyes of Sandy Alderson and Terry Collins.  The key for many of the aforementioned pitchers will be displaying control and command on a consistent basis, especially on back-to-back days.  If past seasons have taught Mets fans anything, it’s that the bullpen personnel is sure to get their work, especially in these modern times of expanded roles.  Farnsworth may be able to secure a spot due to the inexperience amongst the early favorites.  He has shown better control as his career has progressed and needs to continue that trend as he approaches the age of 38.  Edgin, Familia, and Germen all have shown inconsistency the past few seasons and do not have the security of Collins’ trust to rely on. If Alderson and Collins feel they need a more experienced long man, there may be a few more names thrown into the hat.  With eyes on the fifth rotation spot, Alderson signed John Lannan and Daisuke Matsuzaka to minor league contracts to compete with Jenrry Mejia and Jacob deGrom.   Mejia, the clear favorite after showing flashes of dominance last year, is no slam dunk due to his injury history.  While it’s doubtful Matsuzaka sticks as a reliever, Lannan could take a bullpen spot if the brass feels he can have success as a long man.  There will plenty of games given to show his worth this spring.

Spring Training does not move quickly and unlike past years, the veterans in the bullpen are no longer seasoned.  The Mets have had their share of struggling bullpens comprised of veterans and castoffs, but this year looks to be a model built more from potential.  Now going on the fourth year of the Alderson/Collins regime, the competitors for the pitching corps, starters included, will be constructed mostly from players they have seen at all levels of their organization.  These pitchers are no longer unknown and if they are worthy it’s those games in early March in front of small crowds that may in fact seal their fate for April playing time in New York.   Competition is a good thing for molding a consistent, reliable pitcher and the process will be intriguing to watch for Mets fans looking for success this year.