Signing an experienced starting pitcher was one of the Mets’ top priorities last Winter, especially in the wake of Matt Harvey‘s elbow surgery that would wipe out most – if not all – of his 2014 season.
Before his arrival to the Mets, Bartolo Colon was coming off three seasons – two with Oakland and one with the Yankees – in which the pitcher’s figures have steadily improved. His ERA fell from 4.00 with the Yankees, to 3.43 the following season with the A’s, and down to 2.65 during an incredible Cy Young caliber season in 2013.
With one half of the season already in the books, it’s safe to say that Colon has given the Mets exactly what they needed – a savvy veteran who gives the Mets quality innings and a chance to win whenever he takes the mound.
Additionally, he’s been a positive influence in the clubhouse and a great mentor for many of our younger pitchers.
While the odds seem stacked against the Mets making it to the postseason this year, nobody could blame Colon who has pitched like an ace and at age 41 is still proving to be a top major league pitcher.
In his last seven starts, Colon is 6-0, with a 1.58 ERA. On the season, he has a very impressive 77 strikeouts to 14 walks ratio in 102 innings pitched.
With numbers like that, some may be wondering if he’s now going to be jettisoned to a contender before the July 31 deadline.
Not so, says Andy Martino of the Daily News who believes Colon will remain in Queens.
After so many years of acting as sellers, the Mets do not see themselves in that role this year, several team officials have said in recent weeks. We mentioned that a few days ago in the context of Daniel Murphy, and it applies to Colon, as well.
Martino adds that the counter-argument of the Mets having a surplus of starters next season is a weak argument, especially when you consider pitchers who are underperforming, injured, or failing to meet expectations.
He may have a point there as Sandy Alderson himself cited those same exact reasons in an ESPN interview last month as for his unwillingness in trading an arm for a bat.
“One of the problems of trading pitching, regardless of how much you have, is that you can never have enough,” Alderson said.
Whatever does happen, suffice it to say that Colon is proving his value to the Mets in more ways than one.
