The latest hot stove news reported by mlb.com involves New York Mets right-handed relief pitcher Aaron Heilman and his wish to either move to the starting rotation or move to another team.
Heilman, tired of his role in the Mets bullpen (and who wouldn't be sick of being a part of that train wreck?), has asked Mets ownership for a chance to start next year. If they're unable to reach some kind of agreement, he will ask to be traded.
The article reports that Heilman, a starter for the Mets from 2003-05, wants to return to the role in which he was originally drafted.
- B/R Ticket Guide
Though he struggled in a starting role when he had his chance, posting a 5-13 record and a 5.93 ERA, he believes his performance in Spring Training 2006 is more typical of what he can do when toeing the rubber in the opening innings.
In those 14 Grapefruit League innings, Heilman pitched his way to a 1.29 ERA with 11 strikeouts compared to zero walks.
The Rockies have long been discussed to be in the running for the 30-year-old righty, even going back to trade talks before the 2008 season. MLB Truth & Rumors on si.com has also mentioned the Rockies as potential suitors.
While nobody in the Mets bullpen pitched particularly well in 2008, Heilman quietly had himself a solid season in 2007, posting a 3.03 ERA in 81 games.
Scouting reports on Heilman say that he has a biting split-finger pitch with a fastball in the low to mid-90s. Improved command on his slider and changeup will make him a better asset in the bullpen, and he is also able to work effectively on short rest.
If the Rockies were to pick him up, he would more than likely be another candidate to compete for the two spots in the back of the rotation alongside newly acquired Greg Smith, Jorge De La Rosa, Franklin Morales, Greg Reynolds, and Jason Hirsh.
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about 1 month ago
I say give the man a chance to start. I heard the reason why the Mets don't want to make him a starter is because of his delivery type which is very prone to injury for starters, but I don't know if its true. He also only really has full command of his fastball and change up, which wont be effective second and third time through the order as teams start timing his pitches.
I do, however, remember Heilman pitching 8 shut out innings as a starter and I think that he could develop into a solid starter and mirror Pelfrey's maturation if given the chance to start. I really feel bad for Heilman. I've never heard fans boo one of their own players that loudly before. L-Cast is the one who deserves the Boos.
Heilman's luck is only gonna go even further south if he goes to Colorado. He gives up 500 foot Jacks in shea stadium, imagine Heilman pitching full time in the rockies? haha he may hit a couple airplanes.
The mets should give him a chance to start! But I doubt it's gonna happen and he probably wont be with the club next year.
Check out my Oliver Perez article!
from about 1 month ago
Yeah I'm not sure I'd agree with the move if the Rockies were to make it. He'd be in a long line for a rotation spot and he doesn't want to pitch in the bullpen again, which is likely where he'd end up if he didn't crack the rotation. It doesn't seem like a smart move from the Rockies standpoint, but hey, that hasn't stopped their front office from making stupid moves before.
from about 1 month ago
I don't really get why fans hate Heilman so much. Mets fans seem to hate Heilman more than anyone, sometimes I feel like they hate him almost as much as they hate Jimmy Rollins.
I often feel like I'm the only one who has ever liked Heilman. He was a great reliever for 3 years (05-07), but it seemed like people hated him even when he was good! I just don't get it. I wouldn't mind hanging on to him if we couldn't get anything decent for him, but I also think that he won't be able to perform well in New York ever again. I think if he gets a change of scenery he will be good.
He actually threw a one-hitter as a starter against the Marlins (9 innings, 1 hit, 0 runs, 3 walks, 7 k's) and the lone hit was an infield single by none other than Luis Castillo(he ruins everything!)
about 1 month ago
I'd get rid of Heilman. He hasn't been happy with his current role for a few seasons and has come up short in several big situations. Let somebody else have him while he still has good value.
about 1 month ago
Oh please, oh please, oh please! If we can actually get something of value for him, even better! Definitely addition by subtraction.
from about 1 month ago
You guys want Willy Taveras? I'd take a kick in the kidneys for the guy, but if we can get Heilman instead of that, I'd be more than willing. No need to mention that Taveras is basically an outfield version of Luis Castillo. Let's just let the chips fall as they may.
about 1 month ago
Willy Taveras is not gonna fit in the mets outfield because we have Beltran, Church, and maybe a platoon of Tatis and Murphy. We are willing to take Huston Street because we need bullpen.
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