I thought the Mets made a mistake when they decided they would put Bobby Parnell in the bullpen to start the season.
Boy was I ever wrong!
The more I see of this kid, the more there is to like.
I’ve heard his name in trade rumors all off season long and even this season as bait to get another bat or starter.
Let’s end that kind of talk right now. Pitchers like this you buld around, not trade them
Bobby Parnell is a keeper and I have 102 good reasons why…
Reason One: In his rookie season, the 24-year old Parnell has a 1.84 ERA and may now be the second best reliever in our bullpen behind K-Rod. He currently ranks 12th in the National League in ERA among relievers with more than 15 innings pitched.
The Other 100 Reasons:
Brian Costa has a great article this morning on Parnell in which he writes,
Parnell was the talk of the Mets’ clubhouse Saturday after reaching 100 on the radar gun during the eighth inning Friday at Fenway Park. His 2-2 pitch to J.D. Drew set a career high in velocity, and highlighted his perfect inning in the Mets’ 5-3 victory.
Parnell was not even assured of a spot on the big-league roster going into spring training, but he has since established himself as the Mets’ primary option in the seventh inning. And he gives them a formidable alternative in the eighth if J.J. Putz is unavailable or — when Francisco Rodriguez is unavailable — if Putz is slated to pitch the ninth.
“Anytime you can get the young pitchers to pitch in relief and find a good spot for them,” Mets manager Jerry Manuel said, “then the confidence level rises up for them, and then you really get the guy that everybody thinks he is, and I think that’s what’s happening to Bobby.”
Read Costa’s article for some great quotes from other Mets who have been impressed by Bobby P.
Parnell has now a vital part of this team. If and when J.J. Putz moves on after the season, he can easily take over as the team’s eighth inning setup man. Heck, he can take over right now if you asked me.
