Over the first week of the season, the Mets bullpen has gone from a complete disaster to an average staff. Many find this a problem, and rightfully so, after seeing the 2011-2013 lose countless games because of an inexperienced bullpen- particularly in 2012. This was supposedly solved with an influx of relievers to begin Spring Training, but as usual there was a problem. The bullpen certainly improved in the series vs. Cincinnati, but for how long? The Mets are eventually going to need reinforcements from the minor leagues to fill holes for either struggling youngsters or established veterans. We all know the big two relievers: Jeff Walters and Jack Leathersich, but what about the hidden gems in the system? Here are four relief prospects that fly under the radar, but if given the chance, could make an impact this season.
As the sole lefty on this list, Kolarek heads into 2014 with a numerous questions about his future, but not his talent. Kolarek has dominated in his last two seasons across Savannah, St. Lucie, and Binghamton. He has the clearest path to the majors with Scott Rice struggling, Jack Leathersich still figuring out his command, and Josh Edgin falling off the map. If this southpaw can strikeout a few more batters per inning, he will make the majors in no time.
Originally a starter, Goeddel finally broke out this season in a big way posting 134 innings with a 4.37 ERA. He actually had a 3.83 ERA before taking a beating on his last game of the season and allowing 10 ER in only 4.2 innings. He has now been moved to the bullpen and has struggled in his second appearance. Goeddel should be able to adjust to the bullpen and eventually be able to come through with the major league roster.
Similar to Goeddel, Verrett had a breakout season in 2013 as a starter and actually still remains one. He was not necessarily an ace type pitcher last season, but what he does have is the ability to allow 4-5 runs and still have the poise to finish off the seventh inning. He may be converted to a reliever soon in order to limit his innings and this could come in handy for the Mets. Verrett has a very unclear future in this organization, but with his excellent slider and a workhorse demeanor he could pitch his way into Flushing.
Chasen Bradford
Bradford is not the sexiest relief prospect by any means. With a lower strikeout rate and a reasonably high H/9 he doesn’t provide eye-popping numbers. However, he does have a nice walk rate and has the ability to bounce back from a bad night and pitch in consecutive games. Bradford should be in Flushing soon enough.
The Mets bullpen has been a major problem the past few seasons and this was the year to break the curse. With the combination of top-starting pitching prospects, top relief prospects, and under-the-radar pitching this should be a successful season. In addition to relief pitchers that are close to the majors, there are an abundance of young relievers in the minors that will be up soon.
I think Bradford played in the Arizona fall league, right? Satterwhite is another reliever to watch.
In a young season, I can accept Valverde and Farnsworth as the back end of the bullpen but as the season goes on and if the Mets fall further out of contention then this front office should begin to force feed the young arms (Black, German, Edgin, Familia etc) into pressure situations and eventually closer and set up spots. They need to see what they have for 2015. Valverde and Farnsworth are not the future.
Which makes the failure to sign on Vin Mazzaro particularly damning for this club. We have three placeholders in the bullpen, and you could have brought in a 2.82 ERA, 73 IP guy for $900K.
Yeah, I agree there.
We need to bring in/up relievers with the best control. Much like with real estate, it’s “location, location, location.” Walks from the bullpen are unacceptable.