The state of the New York Mets pitching staff, mostly due to injuries, has been well chronicled, but it remains a mystery why they haven’t done anything about it. There’s still a chance to correct that, but the window is closing fast.
On Thursday, all teams get a reprieve of sorts when rosters expand to 40. Nearly decimated pitching staffs get bolstered by the arrival of fresh faces, though not necessarily fresh arms (remember, these arms have been pitching all season too). Nevertheless, teams like the New York Mets may be helped, but they sure as heck shouldn’t be counting on it.
Judging by their inaction, or worse maybe even their disinterest, the Mets are rolling the dice and seem to standing pat with only two pair in a game with at least five other players. The Mets need pitching help and they need it now.
In the bullpen you have two guys (Jeurys Familia and Addison Reed) who have logged more than 60 appearances already pushing them towards the top of the major league leaderboard in that department. If things keep going as they are, it’s not out of the realm of possibility they each could wind up having to pitch in half of the Mets games all year.
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The New York Daily News is reporting today that the Mets had discussions with Philadelphia when they were in town last weekend regarding Jeremy Hellickson, but that talks broke down for undisclosed reasons. Perhaps, Sandy Alderson should consider calling the Phillies back to see if anything has changed because, while Hellickson is not destined to be a game-changer, you at least can count on what you’ll be getting from him – and that’s innings.
But the other intriguing name that’s surfaced now is that of David Robertson, who currently is with the White Sox but not for long if Chicago can help it. Robertson reportedly cleared waivers, but then the White Sox pulled him back in hopes of making a deal with another team.
The Mets could really use Robertson right now. For one, he’s pitched here before with the Yankees and was a big part of their bullpen before they let him go to Chicago as a free agent. He knows what it’s like to play under pressure. For some reason, he’s not as good as he was, but he’s still good enough.
The problem though with Robertson is that he’s owed a bucketful of money. Supposedly, the White Sox are willing to eat some of that. But here’s where the Mets usually crash and burn in a deal. We all know this team’s history when it comes to (not) spending money. But this is a real chance to solve a problem without giving up the farm. All it will take is Johnny Doe in Double-A and a few bucks.
Sandy can probably work a deal with the White Sox, but first he’s got to work one with the Wilpon brothers. Haven’t we been down this road before……..
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