January 17, 2014
The Mets have avoided arbitration with Bobby Parnell, and agreed to a one-year, $3.7 million deal with him according to Joel Sherman. He can earn a $50,000 bonus if he appears in 60 games.
Parnell had 22 saves last season and posted a 2.16 ERA and 1.000 WHIP in an injury shortened season.
Yesterday during a conference call from St. Lucie, Parnell had this to say about his role in 2014:
“In my head, I feel like I’m still the closer,” he said. “I’ll go with that until told otherwise.”
That’s about as confident as one could get.
I answered a Mailbag Question on him earlier this week:
Ann Marie asks…
Are there any updates regarding Bobby Parnell and whether he will be able to close for us when the season starts?
Joe D. replies…
Parnell has been throwing since the start of January, according to general manager Sandy Alderson, who says that the Mets closer is on track to be ready for the start of Spring Training.
“Everything looks good. No restrictions. His weight is back. His muscle tone is there. The surgery is progressing nicely, so we’re very much reassured.”
He has been cleared to begin normal spring training preparation and has reported to the club’s spring training complex in Port St. Lucie, Fla to begin workouts, according to the Mets.
I’m sure we’ll hear more on how Parnell is progressing once he gets on a mound and starts throwing for Mets coaches and trainers.
But for now it appears that all the arrows are pointing up, and that Parnell will likely be in the bullpen come Opening Day and be ready to close.
