Billy Wagner's Injury Really a Problem for the Mets?

Kevin Van Bell — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:09:44 -0400

As an outside viewer—perhaps someone who just looks at the box score, or maybe just watches the game highlights—you may think that Billy Wagner being on the DL, and possibly being out for a long time, is a setback for the Mets. But is it?

As an avid Mets fan, it's hard for me to understand why so many people are in a state of distress over the wounded closer.

I too am familiar with watching the highlights on ESPN. They go something like this: the Mets get off to a great lead, the starting pitcher pitches a shutout, bullpen issues, then we see Wagner close out the game with a strikeout, and the Mets win 4-2.

But what you don't see is the walk, double, and two loooong fly balls that Wagner routinely gives up.

In save situations, Wagner has saved 27 for the first place Mets, but has blown an unacceptable seven games. This makes for the second most blown saves in a single season in his career (he blew nine in 2000 with Houston). From a supposedly "high-caliber" closer like Wagner, you would expect only two, maybe three, blown saves.

I wouldn't mind the blown games and the generally terrifying appearances of Wagner if he weren't hailed as such a great closer. That is why I don't mind no-names coming out of the minor leagues, or other reject Mets pitchers (cough—Heilman—cough) trying their hand at closing.

Maybe Jerry Manuel or Omar Minaya will finally discover someone who can close well for the Mets within the organization, or maybe they will finally wake up and make a deal over the winter for someone new. But please, let this new guy be a winner. Ever since the Armondo Benitez era, I haven't felt secure in leads less than seven runs.

I like to think that most Mets fans are with me on this one. And to you outside viewers, remember this the next time you see the highlights on ESPN—he's not as good as you think.

Mets and Phillies Battle in Crucial Series

Kevin Van Bell — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:09:05 -0400

The final three games between the Mets and the Phillies begin tonight at Shea Stadium with the post-All Star game ace Brett Meyers (8-10, 5-1 since break) versus Mets righty Mike Pelfrey (13-8).

With the Phillies only three games back of the Mets, they are poised to rise again in the East.

The Mets however could put a division clinch in sight.They are coming off of a sweep of the Brewers, helped by hot bats and solid starting pitching.

However, neither starting pitching or batting are the question of the game tonight, but it is whether the beaten and marred bullpen of the Mets can keep up late in the game.

On the bright side for Mets fans, Pelfrey has pitched two complete games out of his last three starts and has won 11 out his last 13 decisions.

In the other dugout, the Phils have got to be fired up to take the Mets down for the second year in a row, and they can't complain about starting the series with Brett Meyers.

The only question is, will we see the pre or post-All Star break Meyers? With this in question, the Phillies need to get their bats going like they can, and if they knock Pelfrey out early, they can easily start this series off with a win.

On a final note, Mets' fans may or may not be relieved to know that Billy Wagner is still out of commision and won't be apprearing at all in the series. The fact that the bullpen hasn't given up a run in 15 and two thirds innings is also comforting, but its certainly something that Jerry Manuel won't want to test.

Other pitching matchups in this series include Jamie Moyer versus Pedro Martinez tomorrow, and Cole Hamels against Johan Santana on Sunday.

Bleacher Report - Articles by Kevin Van Bell

Billy Wagner's Injury Really a Problem for the Mets?

Mets and Phillies Battle in Crucial Series