13
2013
It’s Parnell’s Time To Shine As He Takes Over Mets Closer Role
An article by 
Updated by Joe D.
According to Mike Puma of the NY Post, after telling reporters that Frank Francisco has been shut down due to inflammation in his right elbow, Mets manager Terry Collins told Puma that “he wants Bobby Parnell to take over as the team’s closer.”
“We keep talking about 2014 … why not get a head start?” Collins said. “I’m not panicking, but you’ve got to get somebody ready, and Bobby to me is that guy.”
Adam Rubin of ESPN New York quotes pitching coach Dan Warthen, who says:
“His last 11 outings, he didn’t give up anything. I thought his maturity changed. I thought he and [Jon] Niese both had breakout years last year. And I think he’s there. I think he’s ready to close.”
Not surprising news, but big news nonetheless.
The Mets developing their own homegrown closer? This is unheard of, somebody pinch me! 
I would love to see Parnell grab this opportunity and run with it.
I want to see him succeed and earn a big, huge paycheck next season as a top shelf closer – hopefully, still with the Mets of course.
Take the bull by the horns, Bobby… This your time to shine…
Original Post 2/8
Frank Francisco told the New York Post yesterday that he is the Mets’ closer.
Sure, he might have been signed last offseason to be the Mets’ closer, but it’s not like he went out last year and was stellar on the mound.
In fact, his numbers (5.53 ERA and 23 saves) were pretty poor for a closer.
So while he “thinks” he is this team’s closer, nothing is set in stone.
The Mets today agreed to a contract with another veteran reliever, Brandon Lyon. He’s been mostly a setup man in his career, but he does have experience closing. He may push Francisco for save opportunities.
In a perfect world, Francisco, who will earn closer’s money at $6.5 million in 2013, will have a great season and cement his role as the closer early on. Meanwhile, the veteran bullpen options like Lyon, Scott Atchison and LaTroy Hawkins will push youngsters Bobby Parnell, Jeurys Familia and Josh Edgin in spring training to pitch at a high level.
But nothing in this world is perfect.
With the expectations low for the Mets this season, the organization needs to have a short leash with overpriced veterans. If Francisco tanks, get him out of there. He’s not part of this team’s future, so the Mets should just bite the bullet on his salary if necessary.
I’d rather see Parnell, Familia and Edgin, as well as a few others, get the chance late in games rather than run a struggling Francisco out there. Leads will be precious for the 2013 Mets, so the most qualified relievers – not the highest paid – should get the first crack at saving games.
Again, maybe the most qualified relievers this season will in fact be Francisco and Lyon. They’ve shown in their careers that they can be effective late in games, so it’s certainly possible that they can be productive.
But as far as Francisco claiming that he is the Mets’ closer before spring training has even started, that’s a little much.
I’m glad that he’s confident in his abilities, but he should have said that he’s willing to work super hard to rebound from a poor year last year in order to re-earn his spot.
He could have said, “I am this team’s closer, and I am going to prove that right from the start of spring training.”
The key word here is “prove.” It’s not like Francisco is Mariano Rivera. Even with Rivera coming off an injury, his track record suggests he’ll be just fine.
Francisco’s career has been middling at best, and with Parnell waiting in the wings, Francisco’s job should be far from safe.
About the Author: Jim Mancari
Jim Mancari hails from Massapequa, N.Y. He recently earned a Master's degree in Journalism at Hofstra University. He is a devout Mets fan and takes pride in his team, despite their lack of success over the last few years. Like all Mets fans, Jim has plenty of hope. He also writes as the sports reporter for the Brooklyn Tablet newspaper and the senior editor of metroBASEBALL Magazine. Click my name to view my personal website.
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NL East Standings
| Team | W | L | Pct. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braves | 22 | 18 | .550 | - |
| Nationals | 22 | 19 | .537 | 0.5 |
| Phillies | 19 | 22 | .463 | 3.5 |
| Mets | 15 | 23 | .395 | 6.0 |
| Marlins | 11 | 30 | .268 | 11.5 |
Last updated: 05/17/2013
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not going to get too excited about this. Just based on a theoretical off-season depth chart, and the fact that he was the closer last year, sure he is going to be going into ST as the nominal closer. But the job is certainly up for grabs if he doesn’t do something to prove he deserves to keep it.
I like Sandy’s approach to the bullpen this offseason- in general, a bunch of low cost, possibly good rewards with Atchison, Burke and Perpetual Pedro even if Sandy had to give Lyon approx. 5MM with bonuses included. Frank-Frank is still unable to throw off a mound and his elbow surgery coupled with his horrid performance last year as a closer and you simply had to have Plan B for a closer. Plus, Lyon is probably flexible and willing to pitch in set-up relief too. I also feel that both Familia and Carson are still too raw and both of those guys need more reps and development strictly as a reliever at AAA. I think Sandy thinks so too which is why he brought in so many possible options for the pen.
Frankie should stop talking and start pitching….
and stop eating.
Well I figured the eating would be solved by the pitching and the need to wear a glove!
Idle Hands do the devils feasting you know….LOL
Not sure, he was pitching before and had no problem eating evidently.
You call that Pitching? LOL
We did use him less towards the end oft the season remember…
Someone had to support the food vendors!
Nah – he can eat and talk all he wants. Just kindly stay off the mound.
I’m normally not this sinister, but after getting hosed on Santana, Bay, Perez & Castillo’s contracts, its probably a good thing that elbow inflammation is keeping Francisco off the mound because a good percentage of the salary is likely to be covered by insurance. Oh, the things the Wilpons will never tell you…
Okay, so here we go…
25-Man Roster: Parnell, Lyon, Atchison, Burke, Hawkins, Edgin, Carson.
40-Man Roster: Familia, Mejia, Hefner, Laffey, Feliciano. Gorski, Leathersich and, eventually, Byrdak.
We have a deep bullpen that is deep in young, lively arms. Sandy did an excellent job with what he had to work with.
Covered by insurance? Where do you get that? Salaries are insured against a player having to retire due to an injury. A trip to the DL doesnt get a team compensation.
Beg to differ. If FF cannot fulfill the balance of his contractual obligation to the NY Mets because of a persistent elbow injury, I believe that event could invoke coverage. But who knows – neither of us have seen FF’s contract & insurance rider, if any.
If I had to pick a sleeper to take over that closer spot it is Familia. His stuff from all accounts is that good.
Can Edgin still be considered a sleeper? If so that’s my pick.
Well you can consider him a sleeper but I believe Collins said today he will get some 9th inning looks so he at least has that going for him.
Either one of them works for me.
I like Parnell, but I don’t have a lot of confidence he’ll ever be that 9th inning guy.
Don’t think Edgin can do it. His OPS against RH hitters was .837 vs .591 against LH hitters. And the same trends plagued him in the minors.
SOMOS……….FAMILIA!!!!!!!!!!! 98 MPH heat… yes, gimme familia….
Once he gets control of his stuff down packed, he’ll get further consideration. Velocity is only half the battle (See: Parnell, Bobby).
Indeed. And once Parnell realized that the job is not to actually throw the ball through the catcher and backed his stuff down a notch his control increased.
His final 17 appearances last year:
17 2/3 innings pitched
BA .196
ERA 0.51
Record 3-1
I’d go with Parnell. He’s got the stuff and the way he finished last year was pretty impressive.
no, no, no…. Leave parnell at the 6th or 7th inning…
LOL, I have to agree. I am fine with Parnell in the 6-8th but not too hot on him in the 9th. I really like Edgin though.
I think the only think Collins will afford Parnell is the 1st crack at the job but until I see otherwise I have to believe Parnell will be on a very short leash in that role based on his past experience in those opportunities.
Sorry meant, “I think the only thing”.
Familia’s not a bad call. He looked as if he could outright over-power hitters with very nasty heat. Best not to throw him in over his head, so he’ll have to pitch to that level – remember when Mariano Rivera set up for John Wettland?
Collins is right to tap Parnell as the closer, to give him a clear shot and see if he’s really learned how to manage the 9th inning. Remember, he’ll have Buck out there to start the season, which will inure to Parnell’s benefit.
Brandon Lyon is a very respectable safety valve, and this is a topic that was likely discussed during his negotiation.
So, we’ve now subtracted Bay, Torres, Thole, Nickeas and Francisco from the 25-man roster. Five players. Not to be cruel, but have we not improved?
Fear not fellow Mets fans. I’m sure Alderson will go out and get us a closer.
HA! There’s a good one. Alderson will get us a closer. I cracky myself up
THSI^^^^^^^^^^^ but wait, i am sure people will say he got us a closer in yons or hawkins, even though they got like SIX saves combined between the 2 in the last 2 years
Wouldn’t be Mets baseball without someone on the DL already.
Well its nor Havens so consider that a moral victory.
Had I any morals, I might.
I dont think Havens has reported yet…give him time, he will be on the shelf before long.
Paarnell is going to be the closer. Thats what Collins said so this don’t matter. He’s a bum anyway get him outa here. I like the moves there making and think the Mets are going to have a really good season. Unfortunetly a good season for us now is about 500.
I’m hoping Murphy has a great season and turns some of those doubles into homers. It would be great if they could build his trade value. I’d like a mid season trade to me having Flores start at 2nd base would be ideal.
This is like the final evalustion year & then I think were going to have a winning team on a regular basis. DenDecker or Kapt Kirk could end up being our CF. Kirk seems to take a full year to adapt at every level & him hitting 280 this year and showing some power wouldent surprise me. DenDecker had a down year last year nut in AA he killed it they were talking about him making the jump straight to the Mets. It was because of injurys but he hit 340 with power and excellent defense. He could end up being a poor mans Born. The other guys Brown, Cowgill, Duda, Baxter, Valdespin & now Lutz. We get to evaluate all these guys and see if they stick. At very worst maybe we get a fourth & fifth Ofer.
SF Outfield in 2010 was: Aubrey Huff
Pat Burrell
Andres Torres
Cody Ross
Nate Schierholtz
Aaron Rowand
Anyone surprised by this? Like I said, Francisco is getting fazed out and eventually will be cut with the Mets eating the $6.5 million owed to him. As far as the closers role, in the following order, these guys have the best chance to win the closers role: Parnell, Edgin, Familia, Lyon, Hawkins. It’s now or never, Parnell.
The Mets pitchinh now is good. In the next couple of years it’s going to get sick. 2 years from now this could be our pitching staff:
1.Harvey 2.Wheeler 3.Niese 4.Syndergaard 5.Matz
or 5. Marcum, Gee, Fullmer, Montero, Mateo, Degrom or McHugh
Relievers
Parnell,Leathersich,Edgin,Mejia,Familia, Tapia
Studs on way
Lara,Robles,Mazzoni &Yona
Also everyone who pitched for Brooklyn. We have pitching for as far as the eyes can see. I see people who get excited the mets farm systen is ranked 12 or 14. Thats just silly in my opinion it’s easily top 10. The reason we grade out low is cause we have so much tallent at lower levers that dont have valid grades as of yet but we hav alot of talent. The Mets always seem to take a 2nd roungd pick in the first round which is stupid. But the Mets are coming so to all the haters get ready to hate.
Collins already said he wanted Parnell to close.
I’m excited for Parnell. But forgetting Brandon Lyon who will probably be gone after the season like all the pitchers we nurse back to health and onto a big payday, who would be the Mets setup man longterm with Parnell as the closer?
Leathersich. Simple as that.
As soon as 2014? You think? It would be awesome to have lethal 1-2 punch of Parnell and Leather. Two guys that can throw major league HEAT!
If Leathersich is not here sometime during the summer at the earliest, color me surprised. Edgin, Familia, Leathersich, and Parnell can be a nasty back end if all goes right.
Was always a big fan of Parnell who was rushed into the role a few times before in the past. Having him succeed as the closer would be a huge shot in the arm for the organization.
On another note, Dan Warthen gets too little credit for what he’s done with this team.
I like the idea of giving Parnell the closer job.
Dont intend to come off as a mean person, but it wouldn’t bother me the least bit if I never saw Francisco again in a Mets uniform. I want a total and complete youth movement. I though re-signing Byrdak was a dumb move too.
Alderson needs to get on a plane, fly out to CA,, and strike a reasonable deal with Brian Wilson. Worst case scenario, he doesn’t bounce back and Mets eat a couple of mil in base salary. Best case scenario, he returns close to the beginning of the season, and Mets have a pen with several guys that can close, like several of their competitors in the NL east. The are still planning to compete in 2013, right Sandy?
Well, all the half ass, ‘one good day’ moves are over…i don’t want anymore excuses from the FO…Start augmenting the available young talent that’s here and and finish developing and evaluating the waves of talented pitching this team has in the pipeline. Identify whom you want to keep and who you will make available to infuse talent onto the Major league roster… If the young talent is there as the FO and states, and the money’s are available, let the run leading up to ’14 begin now. No more Anti/Pro Sandy garbage, or Omar vs. Sandy just Met fans ALL wanting to win…Go Parnell! LGM!
Bring it on!
There he goes again! Instead of TC making Parnell, Edgin, Familiar, and Lyons compete
for the closers job and lighting a fire under there ass he just gives the job to Parnell! I’m
not saying Parnell won’t do the job but why not have a competion and let the best man win!!
Since the mets didn’t get Bourne maybe SA has something up his sleeve like signing a
closer who is still available?
Parnell becoming de facto closer constitutes “breaking news”?
Get real…
Parnell has the heat to close, but not the guts. If you like a closer who gets the job done maybe half the time, then Parnell’s your man. He was one of the Mets I was hoping would have been traded. The season’s getting longer, and it’s only mid-February.
Fat Frank sucks, so I think we were out of options for a quality closer a while back.
Ugh!
The good news–in my very cheery Fat Tuesday mood–is that this may not be much of an issue as there’s a good chance there won’t be that many games to close.
They need frank in the pen regardless, but if there is going to be someone to step up and fill in the closer spot it should be Parnell. They need to know if he is gonna be the closer for the next couple of years or not. He would get the job right out of spring training and if he is successful when frank comes back he comes back as a set up man. If he is unsuccessful then you have Lyon and frank to take over and you know Parnell will never be a closer.
Last 17 2/3 innings pitched
BA .196
ERA 0.51
Record 3-1
That’s why he should get the chance, maybe he turned the corner
I love Bobby, and he has tools, but I dont think he has shown that he has the demeanor to be a closer.
I hope he proves everyone wrong, but I dont see it.
We have quite a few experimental options, but none of them can be considered a “shut down” closer….so where could we go to find that?
Sign Valverde or Ishringhausen?
Convince, & sign, either Oswalt, Penney, Pavano, or Lowe to be a closer?
Sign B. Wilson & wait till June….?
Make a trade…?
You can have a lot of fun in a New York minute
But there’s some things you can do outside those city limits
Ain’t no closing time, ain’t no cover charge
Just country boys and girls getting down on the farm
Tug’s son Tim McGraw
You gotta Believe (Keep the Faith)
Oh, how the game has change! Please, fellas…tell me this. Why do teams put up with players who are shut down late in a season, then have 4 months to rest, get physical therapy and yet show up to spring training with the same physical problems that they had in late August and September? And why do teams allow their players to go to the WBC to represent their countries when they should be at spring training?
If I am a G.M. of any baseball team, I do not give a player a contract unless he agrees to not play in these games or any off season activities not coordinated by his team.For he monster salaries received players should be responsible to their teams!
Parnell has been horrid in the roles of closer and setup man in his career. This is proven by his 11 blown saves in the past 2 seasons in 24 save situations. Terrible decision for an already weak team. What does TC care anyway…it’s his last season with the Mets.
I would hope Lyon will fill the closer role.