Of course the only big news of the day, is the breaking story that the Mets are on the verge of signing free agent closer, Francisco Rodriguez.
Wow… I love the sound of that… Try saying it out loud a few times, and you’ll see what I mean…
Now, let’s take it one step further.
Imagine this if you will…
A totally revamped Mets bullpen that will feature the all time single season record holder for saves in Francisco Rodriguez…
And, the all time career saves leader in Trevor Hoffman…
What a story that would be, and don’t think for one second that it can’t happen.
The Mets made it a top priority to meet with Trevor Hoffman on Monday, and the word was that it was a great meeting. I got a hunch, that Omar and his posse, spoke more to Hoffman about the possibility of being a setup man, rather than coming on board as a closer.
I don’t believe for one second, that the Mets were ever considering Hoffman as one of their top closer candidates. It was plainly clear that K-Rod was the top priority, with Brian Fuentes and then Kerry Wood as the fall-back options.
I just couldn’t fathom a scenario where after last season’s second collapse, that the Mets would bring on a 41 year old closer to fill such a vital role. I think Omar has learned his lesson with relying on aging veterans in a key role, especially after what happened to Moises Alou, Pedro Martinez, Damion Easley, Orlando Hernandez, and of course Billy Wagner.
The only other reason that the Mets had for meeting with Trevor Hoffman, is that they envision him as the key setup man for their newly signed closer, Francisco Rodriguez.
Talk about bridging the gap from the starter to the closer!
Imagine this…
It’s the top of the eight inning, with the Mets up 3-2 and Jimmy Rollins just led off the inning with a single. Jerry Manuel slowly walks toward the mound, motions to the bullpen, and as the haunting sound of “Hell’s Bells” fills the stadium, a raucous crowd erupts as Trevor Hoffman makes his way to the mound at Citi Field.
Can you picture the scene?
Just the thouhgt of it gives me chills…….
I’m crossing my fingers.If the Mets could get both,their closer and set up man without a trade,that would be great.Hoffman is a true pro,he would definately help the young guys(kunz,parnell).So if the Mets sign a guy like Garland,they would be in a strong position,looking to trade for a 4th or 5th starter.
Hoffman is 41, not 37.
That said, I too think having him at set-up would be great. I think he can be reasonably be promised save opportunities as well as I don’t believe K-Rod should pitch three days in a row and would benefit by some rest in other circumstances as well. His violent delivery is concern so nurturing that arm is important and also guarantees some closing opportunties for Hoffman should he decide to sign for chance for championship and stint in NY before retirement.
I’m still all for trading for Street as well. Three new arm in the pen all of whom can close. But two new arms is workable considering that Smith, Parnell, Feliciano/Schowenweiss, and two more is doable. Amongst those two, Stokes is good to go as long man and spot starter.
I brought up this exact point at least a month ago when Hoffman wasn’t resigning with the Padres. I would LOVE to see both of them on this team.
I hope if they do sign Hoffman and K-Rod,they trade Schoeneweis,and Heilman for a starter.Maybe Jackson or Sonnanstine.I would love too trade them for Street,but think we should get a Tampa starter and sign Garland.
any more rumors about heilman to the rockies for street?
What about K-Rod and Wood. Wood is a little younger and we know how well Older Players and the Mets go. They are like oil and water
I dont think they want to pay 9mil,for a set up guy.I think they want to spend 4-5mil on a guy like Hoffman,or go cheap and sign Cordero.
I think K-Rod to the Mets has been a foregone conclusion for some time now. The Mets were the only team needing a closer and willing to pay close to what he wanted. That being said, I think Hoffman would be an awesome set up guy…but has he said he would accept that role? If not the Mets would do better to try for Huston Street. Heilman wants to star AND he sucks so I don’t care if he goes. I suppose if Feliciano has to go to get it done thats ok…
That would be sick. Make a trade with Colorado for Street, and give them Heilman and Schoenweis. then sign Joe Beimel.
Smith
Feliciano
Sanchez
Beimel
Hoffman
Street
K-Rod
Maybe Chad Cordero as well. Maybe try Jon Niese in the pen and see how he works, but if not then get another lefty.