Steve Mitchell-US Presswire
It is not a secret anymore in MLB that the one solid positive for the New York Mets in 2012 and going forward has definitely been the slew of quality pitching found in their minor league system. Keep in mind that all too many times, fans have witnessed quality starts from R.A. Dickey, Jonathan Niese, Jeremy Hefner, Matt Harvey and others while seeing this putrid offense become extremely offensive to behold. Now, as the season wanes, there are others who have stepped up and have begun to show they belong in their roles.
Josh Edgin, Robert Carson, Jeurys Familia, Elvin Ramirez and Collin McHugh have impressed at times and also been brought to reality in other times. These are just some of the names along the way. Tonight was the first start for young Jenrry Mejia this year, and although he is coming back from injury and was a late September call up, he has mostly pitched out of the bullpen in a limited role. Mejia showed against the Milwaukee Brewers tonight just why he should remain in the pen.
Mejia left after the third while allowing 5ERs, 6H, 5BB and no strikeouts and leaves many to wonder about his stock as a starter going forward. The Mets need to assess the over abundance of pitching that they have now found, especially with the return of Dillon Gee and even Mike Pelfrey next year. Yes, we can not forget about Big Pelf and the possibility of him having a role with the Mets in 2013. That leaves a starting rotation of Johan Santana, Dickey, Harvey, Niese, Gee, with Big Pelf, Jeremy Hefner, Familia and Chris Young vying for spots.
The Mets have to do something to bring in major league outfielders that can contribute at the plate and the only way to do this is to sell off some pitching stock. By showcasing Mejia as a starter, I believe they will undoubtedly lessen his stock. If he stays in the bullpen and does relatively well, then another team may be more inclined to fall in love with his “stuff” and come calling.
The Mets can afford to part with about three to four pitchers and still have plenty to open spring training with and maintain a top level staff. It will be interesting to see just how Sandy Alderson and Terry Collins plans to utilize the offseason, but something tells me that the wrong decisions will be made. A bullpen with Francisco, Carson, Jon Rauch, Mejia, Bobby Parnell, Edgin, and Hefner as a long man would actually be the start of a fine pen. Most bullpens are hard to piece together, but the Mets have the advantage of quality and quantity and I’m sure some teams will be calling once the season comes to a close.
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