Takahashi Up, Fossum Down for Mets

After pitching 2.2 innings of mop-up work, Casey Fossum was designated for assignment. Fossum allowed two inherited runners and one of his own runs to score before settling down and pitching two scoreless innings. Fossum has made three appearances for the Mets and today was his first earned run. His down fall came because in two of the appearances he allowed inherited runners to score.

Fossum has spent most of his career as a starting pitcher and seemed to do fine starting an inning with the bases clear, however; he seemed to struggle as a reliever in cleaning up others' messes. With the state of the rotation, hopefully the veteran lefty makes it back to Buffalo because I'm betting were going to need spot starters.

To replace Fossum the Mets called up Ken Takahashi, the 40 year old left hander is a veteran of the Japanese leagues. Takahashi has been both a starter and reliever throughout his career, coming off a very good season in Japan, he decided to take his chances in America.

I'm not sure what Omar sees in this guy, his career numbers are mediocre and most reports say he isn't that good, but Omar pursued him most of the off season and signed him when the Blue jays let him go. According to the scouting reports I read, he is a ground ball specialist against righties but is that rare lefty reliever who struggles against left handed hitters.

There is some speculation that Ollie's next start could be skipped and they could move him to the pen, but I can't see them using Takahashi as a spot starter.

"As the Mets continue to mull over what to do with Oliver Perez, they did make one move after today's 8-1 loss to the Nationals. They designated Casey Fossum for assignment. Fossum allowed three hits and one run over 2 2/3 innings in relief of Perez. Team officials immediately gathered after the game to talk about their next roster move and that could involve skipping Perez's next turn before demoting him to the bullpen. source Newsday "