The Rich Get Richer and The Mets Bullpen Gets Weaker

The New York Mets have had bad news early on this spring training. Now comes the news that one of their free agent signings, Kelvim Escobar, is contemplating retirement. This isn't by itself too surprising, but it is a little troubling.

Not to sound completely alarmed, but this was supposed to be the move that secured the bullpen for the ball club. His contract is not all that big, so it will not be a financial hit, like say, Oliver Perez, but it still is a hit nonetheless. It does three things that I can tell from my vantage point.

First, it thins out the bullpen even more. If he does retire, they have to rely on the younger and unproven players to replace that roster spot. I think that Igarashi could be a good bridge, and Escobar's decision would possibly open the door for him. However, he still is unproven and needs the proper time to adjust to the majors. That is something you don't want in a setup man.

Second, just as Escobar's initial 'weak arm' report may have made the team more desperate to sign Beimel, this may add to that desperation. There are still established free agent relievers available, but the well is drying up. This coming out now, puts Beimel in an even more advantageous position that may lead the club to overpay for another player.

Finally, this may cause the team to rush Jennry Mejia. They have already been so impressed with Mejia's performance and rightfully so. He has been remarkable thus far. With this story developing, if Escobar doesn't strengthen and come back, they will surely be tempted to keep Mejia up. This may be good, but it may not.

Only time will truly tell with Mejia, but it is my belief that they must keep him in the minors for at least a little while. Bring him up in July, maybe September, if they can afford to. More time in the minors will only be more beneficial to him. He can build his repertoire and his confidence even more. He can gain valuable experience of in game situations.

This is not the NBA or NHL. You can't just play a kid that young in this sport. Baseball requires experience or the inexperience will shatter a young player's confidence and render him a bust. While I am not surprised by Escobar's contemplation, it does beg another, still unanswered question.

I asked this when they first signed him. Why spend the money, even though it's not a tremendous amount in comparison, on a pitcher with so many questions when there are more established and healthier relievers available for just a little more? It's boggling to my mind how misuseful the organization is with their scouting, decision making and spending.

Overall, this may be another bad move that makes the team look like bumbling idiots. I realize that they already are perceived in the league as unprofessional and irresponsible. This only stresses that point of perception. I have read many columnists and GM statements to verify that opinion across the board.

Why then do they continue to bargain hunt at thrift stores when newer merchandise is available at Wal-Mart for just a few dollars more? This brings up a whole new line of questions that I will reserve for another time, but I will say this. If they don't learn from their mistakes, they will be destined to repeat them. That should be the mantra of this current administration.

Learn from the history of the franchise and don't make dumb moves like this one. If Escobar retires, it's no big loss. How can you miss what you didn't know? But it can mean two things, poor judgement for not seeing this in the first place, or seeing this coming as an option and still wasting the money. Either one is unacceptable and they must be held accountable for such decisions.