New York Mets Pitcher Tim Redding on His Way Out...or Not?

When looking back on the disaster that was the 2009 Mets season, Mets fans can look back on the signing of Tim Redding as one of the precursors to  the team’s downfall.

In 2008, Redding was the rock in the pitching deprived Washington Nationals staff. He even managed to win 10 games with a team that only won 59 total. This prompted the Mets to sign him for a $2.25 million contract, which is one of the larger deals they handed out last offseason.

Unfortunately for the Mets, the signing did not work out and the results were disastrous. Not only did Redding suffer an injury setback in spring training, but he also was unable to pitch effectively in the big leagues even when healthy.

In 13 games with the Mets this year, Redding pitched to a 7.22 ERA and gave up 68 hits in only 55.1 innings pitched.

Those were not the numbers the Mets were looking for from the No. 5 starter they envisioned in the offseason.

To make matters worse, Redding told Newsday that due to his struggles, “half of the guys won’t even talk to me”.

Over the weekend, Adam Rubin of the Daily News reported that the team was prepared to deliver Redding his pink slip following the Sunday night game against the Braves.

However, once starter Fernando Nieve went down with a leg injury those plans have since changed and now it appears that Redding will hang on for a little bit longer and resume pitching in long relief.