Aug
26
2012

Are Mets Pushing It With Josh Edgin?

An article by Joe D

According to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, the Mets have a rule in the minors that prohibits pitchers from being used three straight days. Yet now, in the absence of Tim Byrdak, rookie left-hander Josh Edgin has been used in six games in a seven-day span in the major league bullpen.

Are the Mets using Edgin too much, putting him at risk of injury, like the excessive work that may have contributed to Byrdak requiring shoulder surgery? Or, at the very least, are they taking life out of Edgin’s arm, which might have a negative impact on his 2013 performance?

After all, Edgin has made 63 relief appearances so far this season between the majors and minors. That’s a jump from 49 last year in Class A ball and 20 in his first professional season, in 2010.

Had the 63 relief appearances all been made at the major league level, Edgin would be one shy of the National League leader, the Chicago Cubs’ Shawn Camp.

Edgin was drafted in 2009 but signed late and din’t start his pro career with the Mets until 2010 when he made those 20 appearances between Kingsport and Savannah. In 2011, Edgin was used exclusively as a closer and racked up 27 save in what was a significant increase in workload.

I don’t really get this philosophy of having just one lefty in the bullpen. It took a toll on both Pedro Feliciano in 2011 and Tim Byrdak in 2012. What is the benefit to having one lefty, because to me I think it puts the team and the manager at a clear disadvantage. And obviously it puts too much wear and tear on your reliever and potentially puts them in harm’s way.

Luckily, we should be seeing Robert Carson on September 1st and he will certainly take some of the pressure off Edgin who has shown some real ability out of the pen, but has also started to leave too many pitches up in the zone – a clear sign he’s getting fatigued.

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.

12 Comments + Add Comment

stick August 26, 2012 at 9:32 am

he should be getting more rest, but he also should be getting used as a set-up guy (pitching full innings, but getting regular days off). Not as a loogy.

at this point in the season, he should also be treated like a younger SP, and considered to have an innings (in this case, appearances) limit, and shut down early.

there is a huge difference between a young, developing pitcher with upside (potential to be a valuable set up guy, and possible closer) and an old guy that is hanging on simply because they throw with their left arm, and can pitch frequently (Byrdak). Those types (as with Pedro F) only have jobs because they can run out there frequently for a batter or 2. If they can’t pitch that often, they will be home on the couch watching on TV anyway.
- BadBadLeroyBrown August 26, 2012 at 4:19 pm
  
  Wrong Feliciano was more than a LOOGY…he faced Righties as well
VA Met Fan August 26, 2012 at 9:59 am

I think Carson is still on the 25 man, isn’t he?
JetsMets13 August 26, 2012 at 11:40 am

Had the 63 relief appearances all been made at the major league level, Edgin would be one shy of the National League leader, the Chicago Cubs’ Shawn Camp.

That is way too many appearances for him. What are they thinking? SMH
BadBadLeroyBrown August 26, 2012 at 11:43 am

How about we check the Mets track record.

The Last 2 go to Lefty relievers/LOOGYS theyve had on the team have both suffered career threatening injuries.

So what is the common denominator in both situations…………………..DAN WARTHEN!!!!!

He needs to GO!!!! He admitted he allowed Feliciano to pitch to the point where his arm fell off and also stated the reason they decided to not re-sign Pedro was because he was OVERUSED!!! Who was responsible for his OVERUSE!!!! WARTHEN…..

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/05/sports/baseball/05pins.html

His job is to assist the manager by managing the pitching staff……..Warthen is the same jackoff whom assisted Manuel in tearing up Mejia’s arms.

Who in there right mind wants this Bozo around to ruin the arms and careers of Harvey,Wheeler,Familia,Edgin,Montero,McHugh etc etc.

FIRE WARTHEN!!!!!
- Stick August 26, 2012 at 3:44 pm
  
  well, they were also both really old. And had been pitching since before Edgin was born.
  - BadBadLeroyBrown August 26, 2012 at 4:15 pm
    
    Stick,
    
    REALLY OLD???? Feliciano was 33 his last year with the Mets
    
    You are aware that under Warthen, Feliciano had led the National League in appearances the previous three seasons, setting a new record by appearing in 266 games during that span. He’s had the most appearances from 2007–2010. He pitched 344 relief appearances over those 4 years, which is a Major League Baseball record. He’s 2nd all time in Mets history in Games pitched behind Franco and he’s only played 7seasons with the team.
    
    ****Now here is the kicker…………In 2008 he led the majors in days pitched with “NO DAYS REST”, with “36 STRAIGHT GAMES”****
    
    That my friend has nothing to do with age…..but overused as Warthen stated in this comment below,
    
    “I feel badly that [Cashman] feels that way,” Warthen added. “That was part of the reason we decided to not re-sign [Feliciano] — because we knew we had USED him 270-some times in the last three years.”
    
    Heres a young guy Whom Warthen screwed up…….Jenrry Mejia
Mr North Jersey August 26, 2012 at 11:53 am

6 times in 7 days seems excessive I am more concerned with than than anything else. He will match his innings limit from last year his next 5.1/IP so the innings increase should not be much more by the end of season compared to last. Just have to monitor that they don’t over work him in short spurts.
- BadBadLeroyBrown August 26, 2012 at 4:17 pm
  
  MNJ,
  
  How about 36 straight games…which Warthen & company used Feliciano in 2008
  - Mr North Jersey August 26, 2012 at 4:29 pm
    
    BBLB you will have to show me between what dates that occurred. I am looking for it as I type this and I just don’t see this 36 straight games you speak of.
    
    The longest streak of consecutive games pitched is 7 from April 24 to May 2 in 2008 and there was 2 off days in between them.
    
    http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?id=felicpe01&t=p&year=2008
  - Mr North Jersey August 26, 2012 at 4:37 pm
    
    Oh BBLB I think I see the mixup. It is not 36 straight games with no rest but rather that in 2008 Feliciano had 36 instances where he pitched on 0 days rest overall on the season. You was saying games straight which I was like wow could that really have happened? Anyway I see what you I believe meant to say not 36 straight but 36 overall.
Des August 26, 2012 at 6:26 pm

Mets’ fans should thank their lucky stars that Rob Carson only threw one pitch today. That was a shot that found a Mets player. He’s a good kid who can’t miss the other team’s bats. Everywhere I’ve seen him pitch, beginning at Bingo, he’s been throwing batting practice.

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!