Mets Bullpen Still Has Questions and Options

As the season begins in just days now, the New York Mets still are trying to work out the kinks. One of those kinks is the bullpen. Specifically the set up reliever to Rodriguez. In a two month attempt to do so, the Mets failed to sign Joe Beimel. They have auditioned several others for that role, but with mixed results.

The team is still seeking an answer. The two latest possibilities that they have been suggesting are both unique and similar. First, they are rumored by multiple sources to be interested in pursuing the recently released Chad Gaudin. Second, they are considering promoting current specialist reliever, Pedro Feliciano, to the position.

In Gaudin, the team would have a reliable option out the bullpen. He finished well down the stretch for the Yankees last season with a 3.43 era in 42 innings, including 6 starts. He is versatile and reliable. Unfortunately for him, he is looking for a job since the Yankees are a little packed in the pitching depth and had to push someone out.

His recent stint with the defending champions, should make him a hot commodity. His experience will make him in demand. I see another Joe Beimel situation potentially brewing. May the highest bidder win. It probably won't be the Mets. They have shown that they are concerned with putting money into veterans who are often injured.

Pedro Feliciano could be a good option in this spot, but it raises a few concerns. First, how will he handle the switch from facing lefties primarily to being the dominant guy in the eighth inning against both sides. He has a career average of .272 against righties and the addition of a cutter may help, but it is hardly an established pitch for him yet.

Even if he does make a solid transition to the role, this brings up an even more puzzling question. He was the reliever to go to against the premier lefties in the game, namely a few Phillies. With him in a new role, who will be the one to replace him in his old role. Takahashi? Igarashi? I think I'm turning Japanese. I really think so.

Seriously, the pitcher that replaces him must have not only the type of stuff to handle a Ryan Howard, but the experience not to be frazzled by facing a Ryan Howard. This is the intangible that Feliciano brings into the fold.

This is the attitude that he offers that is so vital to success as a reliever in this league. If he is chosen to make this move, it would be a surprising move to say the least for this over conservative management. However, it would be a mistake in my opinion.

He is capable of establishing himself as the bridge to K-Rod, but no one else so far is capable of bridging the gap against the lefties that he would dominate. It is a tough decision to make. Let's hope they make the right one.