Heilman Gets Another Chance To Prove Himself
During a game in 2006, I saw him pick up a weak grounder back to the mound, and lollygag his way to first to toss the ball to Carlos Delgado. Well, the runner for the opposing team had different ideas, and he beat Heilman to first because he gave 100% effort the whole way.
I remember the intense loathing I felt towards Heilman when he blew the biggest moment of his career and gave up the game winning home run to Yadier Molina in Game 7 of the 2006 NLCS. Inside, I knew the entire team was to blame for the upsetting loss in this series, but I needed someone to pinpoint my frustrations on. Heilman was that guy.
I saw Heilman give up home run after home run during the 2007 season, often in big games and big situations. I vented my anger towards him each time by moving him up my “least favorite Mets of all time” list.
But, after professing my dislike for #48, I am also going to say that the Mets made a good deal in signing Heilman for another year. It might sound like I’m contradicting myself, but Heilman has for the most part (when he’s not giving up 3 run home runs) been a reliable arm in that mess they call the Mets bullpen. (Well, he’s better than Mota at least!)
His career ERA out of the bullpen is 3.03. Not bad when you consider what the other options are out there. The Mets could have easily signed a less talented pitcher for a bigger contract.
I’m ready to give Heilman another chance. But he’ll have to step up this year and accept that he IS a reliever. As much as he’d love to be a starter, he belongs in the bullpen. The sooner he gets over himself and gives himself to the role, I believe he’s got enough talent to be a steady set up man for the Mets in 2008.
Comments
I'm with you Tessa, I don't hate Heilman, I just don't necessarily like him either. He does belong in the bullpen.The truth is he wasn't as effective as a starter. The move to the pen probably saved his career with the Mets. But then again, how many times did Anthony Young get to start?LOL
Anyway, Heilman compared to Mota is no comparison at all.The Mets certainly could've done worse.I'm curious to see who the long relief guys are gonna be...
Theres Jorge Sosa and then...;)
Posted by: Adam Baker | January 20, 2008 11:02 AM
Heilman has been one of the best pitchers on the Mets for the last three years. I see no reason to dislike him at all. He may never repeat his 2nd half '05 dominance (check out those numbers please), but then again...maybe he will. At worst, Heilman is solid.
Posted by: C Dubb | January 20, 2008 11:12 AM
Good post. I feel the same about him. He should stop whining about parking spots in spring training and start thinking about his given role with the team. If he wasn't lamenting, he might be able to do the little things needed to win.
Posted by: joe | January 20, 2008 11:37 AM
Good post. I feel the same about him. He should stop whining about parking spots in spring training and start thinking about his given role with the team. If he wasn't lamenting, he might be able to do the little things needed to win.
Posted by: joe | January 20, 2008 11:38 AM
All the signing means is that the Mets avoided arbitration with Heilman. By no means does this mean that he has another chance, he can still very well be traded. He wasn't a free agent all this means is that his salary for 2008 is not determined, technically he was already signed.
Posted by: Christian (MetsMan) | January 20, 2008 12:22 PM
Good blog even though I'm totally indifferent with Heilman. He's really just a big ball of meh.
On a side note, I blamed Valentin and Willie for the Game 7 loss. I still can't figure out why Floyd was pinch-hitting in the 9th.
Posted by: Fred | January 20, 2008 12:36 PM
I meant to type "now determiend" not "not determined"... damn keyboard :o)
Posted by: Christian (MetsMan) | January 20, 2008 12:37 PM
Can we get a spell check on this thing, so maybe I can actually look like I can spell lol
Posted by: Christian (Metsman) | January 20, 2008 01:07 PM
Christian try firefox 2, it has a built in spell check. It can be pretty useful at times.
Posted by: James | January 20, 2008 02:43 PM
James - Yeah I know all about firebox, I have it on my desktop in Jersey. I live in Miami from December 28th till the first week of May and lazy me hasn't downloaded firefox on my new laptop yet.
Posted by: Christian (MetsMan) | January 20, 2008 06:06 PM
Great blog Tessa!
I don't blame Heilman for the NLCS. I blame Mota, and he's gone! The bullpen looks better already.
Posted by: Jessica | January 21, 2008 08:58 AM
I think Heilman is the best pitcher the Mets have. He is the true go to guy!
Posted by: Methater | January 21, 2008 12:51 PM
Yeah I hope he is traded...a first round draft pick isn't meant to turn out to be a decent reliever. He could probably realize his true potential elsewhere.
Posted by: Joe | January 21, 2008 02:32 PM
Heilman pitches like a girl. His emotional makeup is not suited for New Yorka nd he is syptomatic of what is wrong with Omar's Leadership. lose the losers and let's get going with winners.
Posted by: JOhn | January 22, 2008 08:47 AM