According to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, before John Lannan was added to the Opening Day roster, the Mets had the southpaw sign an “advance consent” waiver.
That means Lannan pre-authorized the Mets to send him to the minors at any point during the first 45 days of the season — which also would negate receiving his full $1.5 million big-league salary, which otherwise would have been guaranteed.
The collective bargaining agreement states that a player with more than five years of MLB service cannot be sent to the minors without his consent.
So far this season, Lannan has made three appearances and has collected just three outs. In that one inning of work he’s allowed four hits including two home runs, plus a walk.
During the spring, Lannan pitched in seven games and was 0-2, with a 4.91 ERA, but he won a spot on the opening day roster to relieve after losing the fifth starter competition. This is his first stint as a reliever.
Terry Collins explained his ineffectiveness as follows:
“One of the pitches that makes him so effective is his change — and his slider. And when he comes in against lefties, he’s basically falling behind to where he’s been unable to use those pitches sometimes. You’ve just got to hang with him because it’s a new role. One of the reasons why we thought he could do this job was because he throws strikes. When you start to nibble and fall behind out of the bullpen, it’s tough duty for you.”
The bottom line is that this team cannot afford long leashes on poor performers. Give Lannan another 2-3 appearances as reliever and then reevaluate. If he needs to go, then send him to Vegas where he can get some more work in his new role. We have plenty of solid young options who are craving an opportunity to succeed out of the pen.
