New York Mets: Who Should Get a Shot to Close If Frank Francisco Falters?

The New York Mets have gotten off to a fast start in the 2012 season, winning their first four ball games in all sorts of fashions. They've won a couple of pitchers duels, they've won a more offensive game, and they've won on a walk off. Something that has remained pretty constant in those games, however, is the bullpen.

The Mets bullpen has been fantastic so far this season, from top to bottom. The only run the 'pen has given up so far has been a meaningless home run by Brian McCann off of Manny Acosta.

Frank Francisco has looked particularly impressive so far, becoming the first Met to ever save the first three games of a season and he did so in impressive fashion. However, there are concerns surrounding Francisco. He had some knee problems in late spring and he did struggle for a decent chunk of last season.

I personally think that Francisco will succeed and can be a very good closer for the Mets, but let's take a look at who can possibly fill the hole if Francisco does have problems.

Bobby Parnell

The good: Parnell throws smoke, with the ability to get the ball into the upper 90's with regularity. However, this season he has been dialing the fastball back, in order to get more command of it, and it's been working. Parnell also has great "stuff," throwing a good changeup and a new knuckle-curve that has looked impressive in the early going. Parnell used this new repertoire to have a very impressive spring training, in which he didn't give up a run. 

The bad: Parnell got a shot at closing last season, and to say he struggled would be an understatement. Parnell was 6-for-12 in save ops and a 50 percent save rate is not something that you want out of your closer—not even close.

Ramon Ramirez

The good: Since he's been in the major leagues, few relief pitchers have been more consistent than Ramon Ramirez. He doesn't get much praise for what he does, but he continuously gives whatever team he's pitching for 60-plus innings and a sub 3.0 ERA. Ramirez has a full arsenal of quality pitches and can throw each for strikes and also get batters out with all of them.

The bad: Like Parnell, the few opportunities that Ramirez has gotten to close, he hasn't exactly performed. He has quality pitches, but some pitchers just aren't mentally capable of closing. I'm not saying that's Ramirez, but he wouldn't be my first choice to step into the closer's role.

Jon Rauch

The good: Like the rest of the Mets bullpen, Rauch has looked very impressive so far this year, granted it's only been four games. Rauch hasn't allowed a hit in his first three appearances and has simply dominated the opposing hitters. Rauch also has experience closing and has performed well in that role.

The bad: Rauch has looked good so far this year, but didn't pitch great last season. In 52 innings pitched, Rauch had a 4.85 ERA and WHIP of 1.35, which is higher than what you'd want from a closer.

My Pick

Jon Rauch. He has experience closing and has proven to be capable in that role. He has also performed very well so far this season and looks to have everything in order. Again, I don't think Francisco will have a problem holding up this role for the Mets this year, but just in case, I think Rauch would be the guy.