Jan
25
2011

Will Bobby Parnell Step Up In The Setup Role?

An article by Joe D

Bobby Parnell has been given a great task this season as he assumes the job of being the setup man in the Mets bullpen this season.

The young right-hander who regularly throws in excess of 100 mph, is hoping to show the Mets that he can become an important late-inning reliever that the team can rely on as the bridge to closer, Francisco Rodriguez.

Our own Jim Mancari, who has done an outstanding job covering the Mets at various functions for our site, spoke to Bobby Parnell at a Mets event last week, and it’s quite obvious that he aspires to be a closer for the Mets in the future and is up for the task.

“That’s where I want to be,” said Parnell. “I know K-Rod has the role, and he’s well-deserving of it. If he’s healthy, then by all means I’ll do everything I can to help him get as many saves as the team can get him. If he comes in hurt, I would definitely like to help the team in that role until he gets healthy.”

Jim also asked Parnell about what he needed to to work on to become even more dominant late in the game.

“That’s always a big thing with me in being consistent with my delivery and my pitches and staying in the strike zone and attacking the hitters,” said Parnell. “If all of that falls into place, I’ll be good to go for the rest of the season.”

Parnell is only 26 and is exuding with confidence. He knows exactly what he needs to work on in order to elevate his performance and become a dominating force in the National League. He is not afraid to challenge hitters and can be a very intimidating presence on the mound when he fires one of his 100 mph fastballs to the plate.

Parnell is basically a two-pitch pitcher relying mostly on his fastball 80.8% of the time, with his slider (18.0%) being his main secondary pitch. Two plus pitches is more than enough variety to be a solid closer in this league.

This season will be a great learning experience for Parnell in terms of his development. If he has success early in the season, I wouldn’t hesitate giving him some save opportunities, if only to minimize K-Rod’s chances of having his option vest.

Among the many important and exciting things to watch for season – keep your eyes on Parnell who could be the Mets closer in 2012. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a homegrown player in that role and I’m looking forward to it.

About the Author: Joe DeCaro

I'm a lifelong Mets fan who loves writing and talking about the Amazins' 24/7. From the Miracle in 1969 to the magic of 1986, and even the near misses in '73 and '00, I've experienced it all - the highs and the lows. I started Mets Merized Online in 2005 to feed my addiction. Follow me on Twitter @metsmerized.

10 Comments + Add Comment

alwaysnextyear January 25, 2011 at 12:19 pm

FB and slider was enough for Lidge. As long as it is an unhittable slider!

probably Parnell could use a 3rd pitch to deal with lefties. cutter or change up?
- Chris January 25, 2011 at 3:47 pm
  
  I would say either continue to solidify the slider, or a cutter. he says he’s been working on a splitter too. I don’t think the change-up really works for him. throwing that hard you need something thats going to break into lefties hands, not away.
Donal January 25, 2011 at 12:28 pm

Change up. Easier to learn and can also use it against righties.
- Nester January 25, 2011 at 12:33 pm
  
  I agree with you. The funny thing is that parnell had a changeup but for some reason he discontinued using it last season. I dont know if that was something the Mets had him do or if he took it upon himself. he would be much more effective if they had him bring it back.
  - Chris January 25, 2011 at 3:49 pm
    
    he threw it the least he ever has, and had his best season and best walk rate and K/BB. Don’t know why you would want him to go back. Changeup is not the pitch for Parnell.
Bayonne Mets Fan January 25, 2011 at 12:38 pm

Parnell is going to be one of the more interesting people to watch in what is going to be a very interesting spring training…may be more interesting than the season itself!

Ever notice that when Frankie is put into a save situation after some time off he gets the job done? But when used a lot he seems to lose his effectiveness? It certainly seems that way to me.
He needs the work, yeah right.

Parnell is going to be the guy that will save Sandy from paying Francisco (I need the work) Rodriguez’ vesting option.
BryanNYC January 25, 2011 at 1:58 pm

If Buchholz is healthy and pitching the way he can then Parnell will be bumped down to the 7th inning.
- alwaysnextyear January 25, 2011 at 2:01 pm
  
  you can conceptualize anything you want at this point, but BPs are notoriously unstable (as are RPs in general!), so it is very possible that guys step up or fall flat and roles shuffle around.
  
  Buchholz was a dominant set up guy a few years ago. Iggy could still be one. Who knows, if they both kick butt early in the year and parnell struggles, they certainly could take over set up chores.
- Chris January 25, 2011 at 3:54 pm
  
  If they’re both pitching up to ability I don’t think it would matter who is where. I would think if the Mets view Parnell as the closer of the future they would want to keep him in the higher leverage 8th inning to groom him for the 9th.
sarge January 26, 2011 at 3:52 pm

This is the year that Bobby needs to step up and show us how valuable a piece he will be for Mets this year and the coming years as well.
Confidence and control is all he needs.

NL East Standings

Team	W	L	Pct.	GB
Braves	23	18	.561	-
Nationals	23	19	.548	0.5
Phillies	20	23	.465	4.0
Mets	16	24	.400	6.5
Marlins	11	31	.262	12.5

Last updated: 05/18/2013

MMO Mets Chat

Need Tickets To The Mets Game?

Check Out These Great MLB Links!

For wholesale prices on New York Mets gifts and equipment, check these stores out!
Mets Autograph Signings
Mets Fan Apparel
Mets Autographed Baseballs
Baseball Card Supplies
Baseball Equipment

For the best seats and lowest MLB ticket prices, go to PurchaseSeats.com. Get your Mets Tickets now and follow them on the road with Yankees Tickets, Phillies Tickets, Nationals Tickets and Braves Tickets!