Sep
9
2011

John Delcos: I’m All For Bringing Izzy Back In 2012

An article by John Delcos

Jason Isringhausen told ESPN he’d like to pitch next year, and I’m all for giving him a one-year deal. Nothing longer. Isringhausen pitched well enough to warrant attention from teams looking for a veteran presence in the bullpen, but I don’t see anybody, the Mets included, signing him strictly as a closer.

However, he showed the capability of getting the job done when he had to. Isringhausen saved seven games after Francisco Rodriguez was traded, and overall showed his fastball still has some life with 44 strikeouts in 46 innings.

The Mets are hoping Bobby Parnell will win the job, but he’s far from a certainty. There’s nobody else that jumps out, either. I don’t believe Isringhausen has enough left in the tank to be a fulltime closer, but he’s a great influence to have in what figures to be a young, and likely, inexperienced bullpen, next season. Parnell could do a lot worse than having Isringhausen around as his mentor. So could most everybody else in what has arguably been one of the Mets’ signature weaknesses this season.

The Mets exceeded expectations this year and should take another step in 2012. Isringhausen could get some attention from contenders, but his biggest influence still could come in Flushing. I am all for giving young guys a shot, but I’m against cutting loose veterans who still have something to offer. It’s not as if the Mets’ bullpen is loaded with fireballing, young arms with pinpoint control.

The bullpen can be a chatty place, and relief pitching is one position on a team most ripe for a younger player soaking up information regarding pitch selection, location, how to work to various hitters, and to retain one’s composure.

The man must know something with 300 career saves. Conversely, Parnell doesn’t even have 180 career innings pitched.

About the Author: John Delcos

I am an active member of the BBWAA and have covered Major League Baseball in several capacities for over 20 years, including ten in New York working the Mets' and Yankees' beat. I covered the Baltimore Orioles for eight years and the Cleveland Indians before that. I currently serve as an editor and senior staff writer for Mets Merized Online. Follow me on Twitter @jdelcos.

8 Comments + Add Comment

NJstuckinTX September 9, 2011 at 11:59 am

I see where you are coming from, but he’s stated he’s not coming back for peanuts. i can’t see spend 2 million on a 38/39 yr old closer with an injury list longer than Fmart’s. I read that he has issues with his back that is causing numbness in his right foot (need to check to confirm that). While he’s been a nice story, and I’m happy he got 300 saves, unless he’s coming back for 750K with a bonus loaded contract, I’d be fine with parting ways with Izzy.
- any September 9, 2011 at 12:40 pm
  
  I think it is worth investing a little extra for a solid, veteran presence in the pen, if it is mostly otherwise going to be low experience guys.
  
  For him, the idea of incentives makes a ton of sense.
Steve S. September 9, 2011 at 12:50 pm

I would rather spend some money ($7.5 million or so) on Peralta, Francisco, and Byrdak.
Brandon Butler September 9, 2011 at 12:56 pm

I have to say this to Clayton (Collier) regarding Izzy.

I TOLD YOU SO….. Clayton and I were on Justin Silberman’s show awhile back, and i argued that he will return in 2012. Clayton was on the other side of the court with my statements, so i have to say TOLD YA SO!!!! LOL
Metstheory22 September 9, 2011 at 1:37 pm

Keith Hernandez & Gary were discussing this a few games ago and Keith actually said Izzy needs to lose about 20 pounds if he did return.
alex68 September 9, 2011 at 1:53 pm

people here killed omar minaya for bringing alou for the second year, granted at the moment it seemed as a good idea (not me), but it backfire and alou being an old broken man like he was, he only played in 14 games. why would we wanna push our luck and bringing this guy in?? explain what has he done for anybody to really say “omg, we should bring him back”?
if he signs with the mets it’d be a pure saving more money move
- any September 9, 2011 at 3:28 pm
  
  no, a money saving move would be using a guy making minimum wage instead.
theonlymaskman September 10, 2011 at 9:56 am

Bring him back if you are striving for mediocrity. If you are actually looking to win some games, say goodbye and bring in someone else. He helped out this year, but next year he will be less effective and we should be striving for a better staff with pitchers who have the promise of growth and development not over the hill remnants. I would hope we are striving to upgrade not continue the descent to the bottom of the pile.

NL East Standings

Team	W	L	Pct.	GB
Braves	42	30	.583	-
Phillies	35	37	.486	7.0
Nationals	34	36	.486	7.0
Mets	27	40	.403	12.5
Marlins	22	48	.314	19.0

Last updated: 06/19/2013

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