Aaron Heilman the Hero? Either Way, New York Mets Bullpen Needs One

Redemption is a story in sports that never gets old.

You know the drill. Player is a bust/disappointment. Fans want him gone. Coaches loose faith in him. Player looses his self-confidence.

But then, it happens. Mr. Bust/disappointment is thrust into action at a key moment. Maybe one of his teammates is injured. Maybe the coach decides to play a hunch. Maybe there’s no better alternative. For whatever reason, he gets an opportunity, and Mr. Bust/disappointment comes through. All is right with the world. Everyone lives happily ever after.

Well, why can’t Aaron Heilman be that guy? Granted, the odds of Heilman redeeming himself for all the bad performances this year are slim. But the chance is there. He’s got the first part of the scenario locked up already: He’s been a disappointment. A major disappointment. A 3-7, 5.40-ERA (including a 10.24 ERA in August), nine-home-runs-allowed-in-68-innings disappointment. Actually, disappointment isn’t a strong enough word. He’s been terrible. Awful. Horrible. Disgraceful.

But here’s the thing: When it was discovered that Billy Wagner may miss the remainder of the season, Heilman became the most talented pitcher in the Mets bullpen. Think about it, which Mets reliever has better stuff than Heilman? Two years ago it would have been Duaner Sanchez. But shoulder injuries have robbed him of his fastball. Joe Smith and Pedro Feliciano are situational guys, and it seems like every pitch Scott Schoeneweis throws is the same. Heilman, on the other hand, still throws his sinker in the low-90s with good movement, features a changeup that falls off the table, and has added a slider this season that, while inconsistent, shows promise. Right now, he isn’t very good. But that doesn’t mean he can’t be.

While Jerry Manuel has stated he will go with a “closer by committee” approach, the reality is only one pitcher can take the mound at a time. There will be situations late in games when Pat Burrell is at the plate, with runners on base, and the game on the line. Or maybe it's Dan Uggla. Or Derrek Lee.

Manuel will have to make a decision. Who in his 'pen will get the big out? Not necessarily the save, but the most important out of the game. Maybe Manuel goes to Aaron Heilman. And maybe Heilman throws all the ugly numbers out the window. Maybe he doesn’t fall behind in the count. Or hang his changeup. Or leave his fastball up in the strike zone. Maybe he actually comes through this time, and turns a season full of boos into cheers. Maybe…