After one of the most thrilling Super Bowls in recent memory, the early parts of the baseball season have now begun. While many continue to criticize the lack of a shortstop or the lack of a decent manager, the Mets roster is pretty much set- with the exception of one spot. That spot is the final lefty in the bullpen to compliment Josh Edgin and satisfy Terry Collins’ unnecessary need for another LOOGY. Even though this obsession with a second lefty seems irritating at times, the options this season are actually pretty intriguing. Without further ado, here are the top five options for the final role.
Clearly the frontrunner for the role at this point in time, Gilmartin has certainly gathered quite a reputation for retiring left-handed batters. Originally drafted by Atlanta in 2011, Gilmartin has never quite put everything together as a starter. That being said, the highest batting average in a season he has allowed versus left-handed batters was .219 back in 2012. With a career 7.4 strikeout rate per nine innings in the minors, Gilmartin has certainly been able to rack up a couple of strikeouts while maintaining a fairly low walk rate (2.5 BB/9). He remains the frontrunner for the job, not only because of his skills, but because he was selected in the Rule V draft and must stay on the roster or he will return to the Minnesota Twins. If Gilmartin demonstrates his ability to retire lefties, he will make the roster. However, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him out of a Mets uniform after 2015.
Percent Chance of landing the job: 80%
This left-handed strikeout machine stands as the primary dark horse candidate for the job. Posting video game numbers for strikeout rates ever since his arrival in the Mets organization, he has always been a part of top prospect lists. So why hasn’t he reached the major leagues? You guessed it, his walk rate. To go along with his 15.2 K/9 rate is his 4.9 BB/9 rate, which frightens the front office. What remains interesting about Leathersich are his actual splits versus lefties. In 2012 and 2013, Leathersich fared much better against righties (.162/.181 batting average in 2012/2013) while actually somewhat struggling against lefties (.267/.329 batting average in 2012/2013) before having a more even split in 2014 (.217 righties versus .235 lefties). While these numbers are somewhat inflated because of his rough stints in Las Vegas, it still remains an issue. The sky is the limit for Leathersich, if he can limit his walks and become a tad more effective versus lefties he will become a bullpen mainstay.
Percent chance of landing the job: 10%
One advantage that Alvarez has over the previous two candidates is his actual appearance in the major leagues. While not a memorable or impressive one, he was able to retire four batters in the big leagues. Alvarez is not very young as he enters his age-26 season, but he completely shut down both righties and lefties in the minor leagues in 2014 to the tune of a combined .193 average between the two. His strikeout total in 2014 was 14 K/9 with a 2.1 BB/9 and 1.10 ERA. It remains unknown what the actual organization thinks of him, but it must be positive enough to jump from AA. It is extremely unlikely he will get the job with other options being far more interesting and a few years younger even though he might actually deserve it.
Percent chance of landing the job: 5%
From Pedro Feliciano to Tim Byrdak to Rice, the Mets have a brief track record of completely ruining lefty specialists. Rice was actually the most interesting considering it only took one season to break down the 31-year old rookie. It remains a shame how quickly the fans and the front office turned on Rice. Does he deserve the job? Probably not. However, there is something to be said for a guy who doggedly took ten years to achieve his dream. In the end, Collins might actually be dillusional enough to look past performance and reward a story like this- even if Rice struggles.
Percent chance of landing the job: 4%
The most overlooked player in the entire minor league system may be Gorski. After an electrifying 2011 season in which he 2.08 ERA in 138.2 innings, he has continued to improve and has thrived in AA while struggling in AAA Las Vegas. He has never really stood out in retiring lefties and has always walked a tad too many players. Gorski has certainly shown he can strike people out and be effective. At times it seems as if the front office doesn’t even know he exists and at this point it seems like a crime. It remains clear that Gorski will not get the job even if he strikes every batter he faces during Spring Training. Perhaps they should just trade the kid just so he can live his dream of making the majors.
Percent chance of landing the job: 1%
I mentioned this prior, but I could see the Mets signing Joe Beimel and giving him a shot at the spot as well. He was on the Mets radar a few years ago but did not sign. He did have Tommy John and missed 2012 and most of 2013. He did however comeback strong in 2014. It was one of his best seasons he has had. He is getting up there in age turning 38 in April. He held lefties to a .188 batting average last year and he could benefit by only being used sparingly as a LOOGY letting Edgin be more of a conventional relief pitcher. I’m not saying he should be a frontrunner, but maybe given a shot and adds a bit of leadership to a young bullpen.
I like the idea in spirit, but think of all of the times that Alderson has brought in a veteran:
Jon Rauch
Frank Francisco
Brandon Lyon
Jose Valverde
Kyle Farnsworth
The list could go on and on. While it seems like a great idea to do this, I think they should stick to internal recourses for the bullpen.
If the Mets believe that they really need another lefty in the pen then I offer it to Beimel as a NRI over the names on the list. If TC could be cured of his lackaleftyphobia then the best pitcher will earn the spot no matter which hand he throws with.
Alvarez spent 61 innings mostly in Savannah, A ball. He threw 6 innings in St. Lucie, A+ ball, and 6 innings in AA, and, he’s 26. Gorski’s chances should be better.
Let me remind you that Alvarez actually pitched in the majors last year. While Gorski should have the advantage, he still remains off Alderson’s radar while Alvarez is apparently on some kind of radar.
Alvarez already was on the 40. Now, why he remains on the 40 is another issue because at 26 to be in A ball is surprising, but he’s a lefty…
It would be great to see Gorski get the shot because he has pitched close to 400 AA innings and there is nothing left to prove there.
I guess spring training will reveal Gilmartin’s fate, but looks like it’s Gee’s spot right now.
I think they’ll sign another non-flashy veteran NRI to compete too and try to catch lightning in a bottle like when they brought in Atchinson, Valverde, etc.
I’m left handed….hmmmmm…..
Hell, if Scott Rice could do it, go for it Chris.