There Are Many Gaps to Plug
Simple math comes into play regarding the 2023 bullpen, utilizing a little differential diagnosis.
Goes like this:
The Mets’ relievers threw 560 innings last year.
Mets had16 bullpen arms that threw 10 or more innings in 2022. Those 16 threw almost all the pen innings in 2022.
Diaz (62 innings in 2022) and Smith(46 IP) are still here.
But Joely Rod Sox (50 innings) is gone.
But Seth Lugo (65 IP) wants to start somewhere else.
But Ottavino (66 IP) hasn’t agreed to return, at least yet.
But Trevor Williams (51 relief innings for the Mets in 2022) will want bigger starter money in free agency, so he may not be back.
But Trevor May, Tommy Hunter and Chase Shreve (74 IP) are very unlikely to provide 1 inning in 2023 in Citifield.
But Givens, Holderman, Reid-Foley, Lopez, Holderman and Medina - 82 innings that aren’t coming back.
But Peterson and Megill (21 relief innings) might move to the starting rotation to fill big gaps there.
Lots of buts.
Steve Nogosek (22 IP) will likely have a bigger role.
That said, there is an enormous bullpen innings deficit to plug in for 2023, a huge differential diagnosed and in need of repair.
It seems Bryce Montes de Oca will plug in some pen innings if he can reduce his wildness, and a few marginal arms were picked up recently. Maybe some help can be had there.
Eric Orze may or may not be ready to help in 2023.
John Curtiss likely will pitch in, to handle pen chores, to an undetermined degree.
All told, I hope Billy Eppler has lots of spackle for the gaping holes.
Simply put, the bullpen is a mess.
ReplyDeleteDiaz is gold, Smith is okay, and the rest are steak knives.
I expect this to be formed in spring training with a bunch of new names...
Or...
If the Mets sign at least two more starters, either Megill or Peterson could pitch here.
My darkhorse is Luccesse
The Mets will be OK. It's way too early to panic
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know when the Mets select ( order number) in the rule 5 draft? Should be toward the end depending upon what teams already have 40 players on their rosters. One possible place to select a relief pitcher.
ReplyDeleteD Jm I am not sure on Rule 5 order - one would think it is similar to draft order, but hopefully not penalized by Lux tax considerations.
ReplyDeleteMack, I forgot about my pal Joey, and he should be the Joely Rod replacement, one would hope.
ReplyDeleteRay and Mack, I have another article coming up in a few days that hints that it may not be quite as bleak as we think in the pen as presently constituted.
Trevor Williams posted this hilarious ad on Twitter yesterday, let’s re-sign him! “ BLACK FRIDAY FREE AGENT SALE! TODAY ONLY! 2 for 1 Deal: Buy one Trevor Williams the RHP and also get Trevor Williams the LHH Corner Outfielder! (deal expires at midnight EST)”
ReplyDeleteLove a sense of humor. I still don't get how lightly regarded TW was and why no QO on Taijuan Walker with the pitching mkt so valued.
ReplyDelete