The New York Mets have found a way to self-sabotage themselves over the past couple of seasons. Injuries to their core players used to be their poison of choice. However, they combined their previous experiences with a new method for destroying their own work. New York’s bullpen has turned into their new boycott crew.
Their bullpen ranks 27th in the league. It is easy to see why if you look at the stats. The Mets’ bullpen has a 5.26 ERA, they have allowed 78 runs and given up 57 bases on balls. While they are not doing well right now, it is still early in the season and there is a way to fix it. Here is how:
Get A New Doctor
Athletes are at constant risk of injury. Baseball players are no exception to the rule. Injuries for the Mets, however, are a plague rather than a risk. The season is barely a month old and reliever Drew Smith is already done for the season with an elbow injury. Jeurys Familia was placed on the IL as well due to shoulder soreness. Injuries like these are unacceptable given how little work has been done on the mound. Hire better trainers, doctors, physicians, and/or whatever it takes. Take care of your arms.
No More Saves For Familia
Speaking of Familia, he has left much to be desired so far this season. The injured closer seems to have developed a strange condition. He is unable to pitch effectively during the ninth inning. The Dominican pitcher has come out for the save in six games this season and has failed in every one of them. Familia gets hit for a .333 batting average. He has given up 6 earned runs and issued 12 bases on balls.
It is clear he should not be in charge of getting the final three outs. Give the baseball to someone else.
Make Some Moves
The Mets have one more way to fix their bullpen. Trading for a reliever does not sound like a bad idea if they want to remain competitive this year. The Marlins’ Nick Anderson would be a good fit for them. Anderson has proven to be good coming out of the bullpen in short shifts. He has pitched 13 innings in 13 games and has struck out 27 batters. Furthermore, he has allowed only a single run so far this season.
Take It Or Leave It
The Mets have to do something about their bullpen, there is no doubt about that. Even if the plans written above fail, Craig Kimbrell is still available. He would probably work for peanuts by now. We have offered our help Mets. Take it or leave it.