What to do with J.J. Putz

We all know that the Mets have a two headed monster in the bullpen with Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz. There would be many closers in which their ego's would get in the way of the situation being a harmonious union, especially for the guy playing second fiddle.

Without us knowing J.J. Putz's personality, some have speculated that maybe he's been assured that he won't be back, a sort of gentleman's agreement about his option next year. That speculation seemed to be fueled by comments made by Putz in which it didn't sound as if he expected to be here long.

"Do you still think of yourself as a closer? "Yes, definitely. I still think of myself as a closer. My job this year is to close the game out to get the ball to K-Rod." source Originally in a NY Paper but couldn't locate the article- became a thread at NYFS
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Whether the Mets made a gentleman's agreement with Putz or not, they will have a decision to make at the end of the season. Putz has a club option for next year, the Mets will either decline his option for $1M or pick it up for $9M.

Now $9M is an awful hefty salary for a set-up man but if the tandem is lights out, they might be tempted to pick it up.

Of course, they run into the risk of Putz souring on the idea of another year as the set-up man and by then Bobby Parnell might be ready for the spot at league minimum.

It also has to be taken into consideration what J.J. cost the team, I thought the deal was very fair, but if Putz turns into a one year rental player, will a draft pick be worth the five players we gave up.

The Mets sent major leaguers Aaron Heilman, Joe Smith, and Endy Chavez, along with prospects Maikel Cleto and Ezequiel Carrera in the three team deal that landed them J.J. Putz...

"The Mets eventually will face an interesting decision on right-hander J.J. Putz, whom they can retain for 2010 by exercising his $9.1 million option.

That's a high price for a setup man, though the Mets might be willing to pay it for one year. They also could seek to sign Putz to an extension, or trade him to a team in need of a closer during the off- season. The free-agent market for closers will be thin. source Fox Sports "