The New York Mets desperately need left-handed relief help, but Joe Beimel is not a consideration, a team source confirmed to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York.
Another team source told Mike Puma that the Mets are not likely to add another lefty reliever before opening day.
So basically, what we have to work with is whatever’s in camp.
March 23
Left-handed reliever Joe Beimel has just been released by the Texas Rangers, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
Interestingly enough, this move comes on the same day that Adam Rubin of ESPN New York reported that the Mets brass are underwhelmed by the current lefty relief candidates in camp.
Rubin further reports that “They might acquire someone from outside the organization before Opening Day. Baltimore Orioles southpaw Brian Matusz is one potential option. A waiver claim on a lower-tier reliever also is possible.”
Beimel certainly fits the mold of the latter possibility. Despite posting a 33.00 ERA (yes the decimal is in the right place) and 5.000 WHIP (albeit in just four games) in Rangers camp, Beimel has a proven 12 year long track record as a successful LOOGY. In fact, last year with Seattle, he held lefties to an impressive .188/.217/.288 slash line against the rest of the high powered AL West offenses.
Even at an advanced age and despite a horrendous spring, Beimel could still be a worthy gamble for the Mets to make in their hopes of stabilizing the bullpen with an effective lefty. His track record of success coupled with the Mets’ dire need automatically make him a good and logical fit.
Thoughts from Joe D.
Beimel, 38, was one of the best against left-handed batters in 2014, holding them to a .188/.217/.288 batting line in 85 plate appearances with just 15 hits and only four of them for extra-bases. Right-handed hitters fared much better against Beimel, batting .282/.367/.424.
Beimel was signed just a few weeks ago to a non-guaranteed major league deal, but has been awful this spring, allowing 14 runs in just three innings over four games. Given his track record, he’s certainly worth a look.
