Tom Brennan - OH WHAT A RELIEF IT IS

Tom Brennan - OH WHAT A RELIEF IT IS

We've seem our share of flammable relief pitching from the Mets - you know, sprinkle gasoline, light a match,  and games go up in flames.  But help is coming. 

Five guys appear ready to help right away in September, although it is doubtful we will see more than 2 or 3 of them.

4 others show superior promise, but need more seasoning.

Here goes - see if you agree:

TYLER BASHLOR, RHRP, AA

Why?  Fireballing Tyler started out with St Lucie this year; now at Binghamton, and has fanned 80 in 47 innings.  He had a few shaky outings for St Lucie 2 months ago, but then went dominant with 6.1 innings of 12 K ball, and afterwards, since his promotion to AA, in 10 outings, he has impressively thrown 12.2 innings, allowed 5 hits, 2 walks, no runs, and fanned 19.  Has 12 of 16 saves this year.  Lack of AAA experience may hold him back.

DREW SMITH, RHRP, AA

Why?  Acquired by the Mets in late July, the former 2015 3^rd round pick is 3-2, 2.08 in 13 IP, with 13 Ks in AA.  They probably will hold him off until 2018, to get him more seasoning, though, since he has no AAA experience.  Mostly in High A ball this year, he is 4-4, 1.71, 0.93 WHIP, 7 of 11 in saves.

JAMIE CALLAHAN, RHRP, AAA

Why? 1-1, 2.00 in 9 innings with Vegas since acquired. 65 Ks in 51 innings in AA and AAA this year. Callahan was a 23 year old 2^nd rounder with Boston in 2012.  Throws hard.

KYLE REGNAULT, LHRP, AAA

Why?  Only lefty in the bunch.  Also, quite a year, mostly in AAA this year.  7-0, 2.56 ERA in 44 games, 63 Ks in 63 IP.  5-0, 3.00 in 33 games with Las Vegas, which warrants him a medal.  Control was an issue for him earlier in 2017, but no longer: in his last 10 outings spanning 18 innings, he fanned 18, but walked only 1.  The 28 year old is only in his 3^rd minor league season.

JACOB RHAME, RHRP, AAA

Why?  The 24 year old former LAD 6^th rounder has high levels of experience: 99 outings in the PCL over the past 2 years, and this year has fanned 66 in 54 innings with a 1.19 WHIP.  With Vegas so far, a dominating 6.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 11 K.  He's the most ready of the 5 relievers listed here.

HONORABLE MENTION – FINE, BUT NOT READY YET:

ADONIS UCETA, RHRP, AA

Why?  He has allowed 3 runs in 3 innings in AA, but at 2 levels of A ball this year, in 54 IP, he fanned 66 and allowed just 28 hits, and overall in 2017 is 5-0, 1.39 with 13 of 13 saves – but he needs more experience.

TIM PETERSON, RHRP, AA

Why?  Spectacular in AA this year (39 outings, 5-3, 1.18, 7 of 9 saves, 8.5 K/9 innings).  AAA experience was brief and not kind: 2.2 IP, 5 runs.  He needs to prove his mettle in AAA in 2018 before arriving in Queens.

GERSON BAUTISTA, RHRP, HIGH A

Why? He throws 101, that’s why.  But his control before the Mets acquired him was poor – since acquired, though, he has a 1.59 ERA with 3 saves in seven outings for St Lucie, and in 11.1 IP, has walked just 3 and fanned 15.  We need a person like Gerson.

MATT BLACKHAM, RHRP, FULL A

Why? Superb year for the hard thrower returning from TJS. 38 games, 4-2, 1.48, 7 of 9 saves. Has fanned 79 in 55 IP.  And getting better – July and August, ZERO earned runs in 25 innings with 36 Ks with a 0.60 WHIP.  That is true quality.  2018 could be a critical year for Matt, maybe arriving in Queens at some point.

AUSTIN MCGEORGE, RHRP, HIGH A

Why?  Stunning season, that's why.  This 22 year old 7th rounder from 2016 has thrown 47 innings in Columbia and St Lucie, with a 1.72 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 64 Ks. Perty danged good, ain't it, Paw?

Some other solid relievers in minor league full season leagues, too, like Ben Griset and Ryder Ryan, but they’ve got a lot of competition now. 

A whole lot, as reading about the above 10 should tell ya.