With spring training just around the corner, the roster for the 2014 Mets looks to be rounding into shape. Although all the roles on the team have not yet been defined, the team still looks to be lacking in veteran bullpen arms. The Mets as much as any other team should know the value of quality arms in late innings due to the plethora of long extra innings games they enjoyed last season. Bobby Parnell looks to be ready come reporting time, but other than him, the staff lacks experience in relief. Carlos Torres’ 181.1 IP are by far the most of the remaining middle relief returning this season. If the Mets hope to contend by winning close games, it might be prudent to reel in some reliable arms to compete in spring training, perhaps one who served them well last year, David Aardsma.
Bullpen construction usually is not priority one going into an offseason, the 2008 Mets notwithstanding. Sandy Alderson will still continue to monitor the market for Ike Davis and Stephen Drew, but hopefully his eyes are scanning the availability of some bullpen help. Aardsma had a nice, comeback season after having the previous two stalled due to his recovery from Tommy John surgery. While he didn’t perform like the 30 plus save caliber pitcher he was in the past, he still showed flashes in his appearances by proving he can still amp his fastball over 90 MPH. He struck out 36 in 39.2 IP, but more importantly stranded all 19 inherited runners, a vital stat for a relief pitcher. Now more than two years removed from surgery, perhaps he’s ready to unleash that fastball like he did closing games for Seattle. That track record of finishing games is an asset no returning players outside of Parnell own.
Depth on a pitching staff is integral, and while many view their starting pitching as deep, they still have questions in that bullpen. Many times it takes a few months for roles to be developed amongst a pitching staff, but the team as of now doesn’t have a lot experience in the back if the waves of injuries occur as per usual in a 162 game season. Josh Edgin and Jeurys Familia have a history with injuries, and Gonzalez Germen and Vic Black are still very green at the major league level. At the very least, a few minor league contracts should be divvied out to a few pitchers to come and compete for a roster spot. Last spring, bringing in journeyman LaTroy Hawkins worked out wonderfully for the Mets as he became a key component to the bullpen. It’s up to the front office to finish the offseason strong and find some seasoned ingredients to a hopeful bunch of young arms. David Aardsma would be a nice start.
The only thing that worries me with Aardsma is that from the end of July on, his walks skyrocketed, his strikeouts dipped, and he was much less effective. Maybe that was just fatigue from having missed so much time with injuries, but that has to be a concern. I have no problem bringing him back on a minor league deal to compete for a spot in the pen in spring training, but I don’t think that he should be guaranteed a spot in the majors.
FWIW – he gave up four walks in his first two September appearances. In his last nine games of the month, he gave up two walks.
The walks are a concern but I’d live with them if he doesn’t give up the gopher ball.
Aardsma is one year stronger and healthier from a long-term recovery. I think he’s posed to have a great year if given the chance.