So, Who Closes in 2012?

Interesting article this week, concerning several quotes attributed to our GM Sandy Alderson, regarding our potential closer for 2012 and beyond. Among other comments, Sandy stated that the 2012 closer was not on the current roster.

What does that mean? On the surface, does that mean the current pitchers in New York, or does that extend to any pitcher in the system, or even on the DL? It is pretty obvious that none of the current pitchers auditioning for 2012 are taking the opportunity and running with it. Bobby Parnell has the tools and the repertoire to be a closer, but he lacks the ability to translate that to the ninth inning, at least right now. He is way too inconsistent to trust with the job full time.

What about Manny Acosta? He has looked pretty good down the stretch and he even closed two ballgames in one day, yesterday. Something that hasn't been done for the Mets since 2000, by the former closer Armando Benitez (damn, that name still angers me.......if he closes out Game One of the World Series against the Yankees, I still think we win the whole thing, but I am not supposed to live in the past, right?). Acosta is a nice bullpen piece, but I don't think he has the goods to be the closer on a regular basis.

What about Pedro Beato? A nice Rule V addition to the bullpen, thanks to Sandy and Co. Pedro is still young and he has a nice arsenal of pitches. For some reason, his results are always a bit less then you would expect, with his talent. Maybe he just needs more time, or perhaps he is just tired? It is a long season and this is his first year as a full time major leaguer. I like Pedro and I think he is a valuable piece going forward. Is he the closer? I don't see it, long term. Valuable bullpen arm, but not the closer.

Jason Isringhausen wants to close again, next year. I love the guy and he definitely had the ability to be a closer in the past. Unfortunately, it is 2011 and not 2001. Jason can't even stay healthy this year, so how do you trust him for all of 2012? Plus, by all accounts, 2012 will be more of a rebuilding year, so why would you employ an aging closer who will not a part of our future, when things are finally turned around in 2013 and beyond.

No, Parnell, Acosta, Beato and Isringhausen are not the solution. They can, and probably will form part of the core of our 2012 bullpen, but they will not be the closer. Isringhausen may not even be back, unless you value his ability to mentor the younger pitchers (however, that was supposed to be his job this year and the results are mixed at best). I would rather let him move on and give the slot to a younger pitcher with more upside (and rumor has it that John Franco may be given a teaching role next year for the future closer).

So, we can go the free agent route, the trade route or stand pat and wait for one of the young pitchers in the minors to develop (Mejia or Familia being the most likely candidates if you listen to the scouts and the experts).

I think it will be a combination of the above. Sandy was referring to the current crop of relief pitchers on the active roster, when he said the future closer is not on the roster. Beato, Parnell, Acosta and Byrdak are the core of the bullpen going forward. We need to go outside the organization for a closer, at least for 2012.

The Mets are stockpiling minor league talent, so I don't see a trade coming for a closer. But, it would not surprise me to see the Mets sign a veteran closer in free agency, to a short term deal (say two years). That pitcher will hold down the fort until the rebuilding process is complete and Mejia or Familia are ready to come to Queens and assume the role long term.

The interesting question is who do they sign? Could be someone like Brad Lidge (ugh) or Jonathan Broxton (huge question mark), or dare I say K-Rod (extremely doubtful)? I think that market will become clearer after the season ends and options are picked up or declined, etc.

I just hope they find someone more consistent for 2012. The bullpen has been the biggest reason we didn't finish higher this season and it will be our biggest void going forward if it is not addressed.

Lastly, a couple of random thoughts.

-Did Angel Pagan really hit himself in the head with his bat? I like the guy, but I have always questioned the mental side of his game (base running mistakes, horrible fielding gaffes). I think we can do better in 2012.

-Adding another playoff spot in 2012 or beyond, is intriguing. A second wild card would add excitement and offer hope to more teams. But, is Bud Selig seriously considering a one game playoff between the two wild card teams? So, you play 162 games and you earn the top wild card slot based on a season's worth of wins, efforts, etc. All of that is on the line in a hokey one game playoff with the second wild card team? One bad night and your season is over?

I don't care for that, at all. Not to mention, if you win and move on, you just wasted your top pitcher for the next round, further weakening your chances.

Add another team, but make the opening round a three game series, or don't do anything at all.

-I know the games are irrelevant, but don't you love watching the Phillies lose? I hope it continues into the playoffs and that bunch of smug ba#@%rds get sent home!