Last week we started looking at how the Mets bullpen was shaping up for 2013. The sample size was small, of course, and Spring Training statistics are generally not thought to be worth much when deciding which players should make the team. The lack of certainty seemed to mean that Spring stats might take a more important role, though. This week we have a larger sample size but a smaller pool of candidates, as the following pitchers have been reassigned to minor league camp:
–Darin Gorski
–Collin McHugh
–Elvin Ramirez
–Carlos Torres
No real surprises here, as Gorksi and McHugh are probably slated to start in AAA. Ramirez needs more work in the minors and Torres…well Torres was just not very good. The following statistics are through 3/16 and the list is ordered by innings pitched.
| PLAYER | THROWS | ERA | IP | HR | BB | SO | WHIP | 40-MAN? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremy Hefner | R | 2.93 | 15.1 | 4 | 3 | 15 | 0.98 | Yes |
| Greg Burke | R | 4.15 | 8.2 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 1.04 | Yes |
| Robert Carson | L | 5.63 | 8.0 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1.13 | Yes |
| Josh Edgin | L | 4.50 | 8.0 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 2.00 | Yes |
| Aaron Laffey | L | 0.00 | 8.0 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 1.25 | No |
| Jeurys Familia | R | 3.68 | 7.1 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 1.50 | Yes |
| Bobby Parnell | R | 3.86 | 7.0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 1.43 | Yes |
| Scott Rice | L | 3.86 | 7.0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 1.29 | No |
| Scott Atchison | R | 2.70 | 6.2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0.60 | No |
| Brandon Lyon | R | 1.93 | 4.2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0.64 | Yes |
| Pedro Feliciano | L | 3.00 | 3.0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1.00 | No |
| LaTroy Hawkins | R | 0.00 | 3.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1.33 | No |
Parnell got roughed up a bit this week, but is still an obvious lock for the roster. With Frank Francisco yet to throw in a game and likely to open the season on the disabled list, Parnell is currently slotted in the closer role. In fact, according to Mets pitching coach Dan Warthen, he will remain the closer even when Francisco returns. This season is really Parnell’s shot to break through and prove that he is indeed the Mets closer of the future.
Speaking of Warthen, it seems as though he really doesn’t like to take Spring Training stats into account when making roster decisions. He has a much more deliberate method, apparently. When asked how he forms his opinions on who will make the bullpen roster, he said: “I look at the back of the baseball card.” Fantastic. So it would appear as though the veterans the Mets signed this offseason have the inside track, regardless of Spring performance or 40-man roster issues.
That being said, reports out of camp indicate that Parnell, Edgin, Lyon, Hawkins, and Atchison appear to be safe bets to head north with the team. It’s been confirmed that Hefner will be replacing Johan Santana in the rotation and no Francisco means there are one or two spots up for grabs.
Mets manager Terry Collins has stated he’d like to have two lefties in the bullpen. Edgin makes one and the second would appear to be Feliciano’s to lose. However, Feliciano’s velocity still appears to be a bit low so his inclusion is no sure thing. Carson most likely needs more seasoning in AAA, so Laffey could be the one to make it. The second lefty spot is fluid, though, so it’s difficult to predict. The team could even elect to go with one lefty.
For the final righty spot, the Mets like what they have seen from Familia so far but Burke is making a strong case. Again, this one is hard to call right now.
Last week the list of likely relievers was Parnell, Francisco, and Hefner. Two of the three are no longer on the list. The situation is becoming clearer but is far from settled. As of right now, it appears that the following pitchers are a lock or have a great shot at making the team.
1. Parnell
2. Edgin
3. Lyon
4. Hawkins
5. Atchison
Bullpen Watch is a short series that will be updated every Sunday until the end of Spring Training (or until the members of the bullpen have been solidified). Please feel free to sound off in the comments section on who you think, so far, has earned the right to be a part of the 2013 Mets bullpen.
I think the more interesting question is what will the bullpen look like when Santana and Francisco return from the DL?
Good question. By the time they come back, though, the situation may have resolved itself due to performance (or lack thereof).
The bullpen situation is becoming much more clear, and i think injuries have sorted things out a bit.
I’d like to point out Laffey is (finally) being stretched out and will be given a start soon due to Santana and Meija’s recurring injury bug. I would think this takes him out of the 2nd lefty discussion.
All your selections look good on the stats side. I have no idea if they are looking that good because i haven’t been watched many ST games.
Right. As of right now, the rotation is Niese, Marcum, Harvey, Gee, and Hefner. It seems that Laffey is being stretched to be the next in line to fill a rotation spot should the need arise.
Does that take him out of the running for a spot in the BP? It might. I mean, they may want to send him to AAA as a starter. Or maybe he becomes the long man out of the BP. Honestly, I’m not sure where that puts him at this point.
I really like Burke because he gives the bullpen a different look! I believe he will make the
mets but when Frankie is ready to pitch it might effect Burke or another pitcher like Latroy?
What do you do if and when Santana’s ready with Hefner if he’s pitching well? I was against
signing Marcum because Hefner looked good as a starter at the end of last year and would have
made a good fifth starter!! I don’t think TC & Warthen should pick our bullpen based only on bubble gum cards!!
… Are you seriously suggesting that Hefner is better than Marcum?
It seems so hard to vouch for Hawkins making the cut when he’s thrown just 3 innings this winter.
I agree. It was reported that he had the inside track. However, Metsblog reported today that Bobby Parnell, Brandon Lyon, Scott Atchison, Josh Edgin and Greg Burke have the inside track as of now. It really is that dynamic.
The Mets still claim that the cutswill be based on the back of the baseball card but that seems to be opposite of the 2013 plan. The injuries to Santana and Fransisco have me believing that two vet non roster relievers will make the team. I just don’t know who the third roster cut will be. (Havens, Hicks and ?) Parnell, lyon, Edgin, Burke, Familia , Atchison go north. Competition is between Hawkins, Laffey and Rice for the final spot. Heffner is a starter. Still murky and hopefully some of the vets will stick around in the minors for insurance.