Jul
21
2011

Mets Opt To Keep Izzy As Mentor, Won’t Trade Him

An article by Craig Lerner

According to Jon Heyman of SI.com, the Mets have decided that they want to keep Jason isringhausen rather than trade him before the deadline, despite some interest from other teams including the Cinicinatti Reds.

The reasoning behind it is that the Mets feel that Izzy’s experience will serve to mentor yound relievers like Bobby Parnell and Pedro Beato, both of whom will be groomed to be end-game relievers.

Considering the many years of experience as a closer including in the post season, and the comeback season Isringhausen is having this year, it’s a little surprising to not see the Mets try and get something serviceanble in return for him.

It also makes one wonder if they have intentions of asking Izzy to return next season.

In last night’s 6-5 win over the Cardinals, the 38-year-old reliever shined in a two inning stint and earned his second win of the season. He has not allowed a run in his past five appearances.

About the Author: Craig Lerner

I'm a data analyst and researcher for a leading news agency who loves life and is hooked on the Mets. I love following the Amateur Draft and have a particular fondness for the Mets Minor Leagues who I follow each day. Give me a cold beer, a summer day, and a Mets game, and I'm good to go.

12 Comments + Add Comment

alex68 July 21, 2011 at 12:19 pm

2 games after the krod trade parnell has put 6 men on base allowing (luckily and thanking jose reyes) 1 run to score which was last night with the game tied 4-4 (that’s called being clutch or uncluth) in only 2 innings!!!!!!
so ofcourse they won’t trade him, they need him to solidified the bullpen, can you imagine having acosta, carrasco, parnell and byrdak on the roster at tu same timr.. ohhh.. wait..
- jessep July 21, 2011 at 12:46 pm
  
  Probably worth mentioning KRod has allowed 5 runners on base since the trade and given up 2 runs, including a blown save.
  
  And I think we both know Laird’s bunt against Parnell which gave up the lead… wasn’t Parnell’s fault. We both know that… right?
  - darth minaya July 21, 2011 at 1:11 pm
    
    Of course not. Murphy was playing in shallow left field at the time.
    - t agee July 21, 2011 at 2:23 pm
      
      The Brewers shoddy defense and K-Rod’s 1.50 WHIP is not a good combination in a pennant race.
  - Kay July 21, 2011 at 9:00 pm
    
    As well as having a run in with the media after his first blown game with his new team.
    
    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/21/k-rod-middle-finger-video_n_905837.html
    - any July 21, 2011 at 9:08 pm
      
      I didnt miss him when they announced the trade, and don’t now.
      
      was happy to see him go.
    - Des July 22, 2011 at 10:59 am
      
      The Puffington Host has an agenda which perhaps you’re not considering, Kay. They selectively attack perceived anti-misogynist personalities. I wish they would be consistent.
Donal July 21, 2011 at 12:25 pm

So, Heyman says the Mets have decided to keep Izzy? I hope he enjoys Cincinnati.
- tomterif July 21, 2011 at 12:31 pm
  
  Good one, Donal. If you’re right, I’ll never read Heyman again.
Brandon Butler July 21, 2011 at 2:34 pm

Im glad. Izzy is still a great pitcher, and he really is a mentor to guys like Beato, and Parnell. So i am glad he is staying. I wonder if the outing last night probably made Alderson back off on trading him?
Sach C. July 21, 2011 at 10:12 pm

I can understand both sides of this, but I think it would have been better to trade him, because some team will always pay for relief pitching.

Oh well, wonder what the chances of him coming back next year are? I can’t imagine he would be too expensive.
Metsie July 22, 2011 at 10:06 am

Well I hope they do not trade Izzy and not because he is the future closer of this team because he is not!

Business says you SHOULD trade Izzy, There is still the risk he won’t finish the season, You can get something (anything) for him which means your bought a kid for peanuts and having him really doesn’t guarantee wins…

BUT…

Look at all the names that have been mentioned as possible trade bait.
Izzy is the ONLY one who went to Sandy and actually said “Please do not trade me I want to stay!”

Beltran has not done that…
Neither has Reyes…
K-Rod even offered to make it EASIER to trade him!

You know while a kid might be good for the future, its still only a lottery ticket and Izzy isn’t going to get you a promising one at that.
So I think we would be gaining more by keeping a guy that clearly wants to stay to the point of going and begging his boss to keep him.

If Reyes or Beltran had done such a thing then we would not be talking about trading them right now!
We would be in negotiations to re-sign both!

NL East Standings

Team	W	L	Pct.	GB
Braves	42	28	.600	-
Nationals	34	35	.493	7.5
Phillies	34	37	.479	8.5
Mets	25	40	.385	14.5
Marlins	22	47	.319	19.5

Last updated: 06/18/2013

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