As reported by Brian Costa of the Wall Street Journal this morning, Mike O’Connor was sent to Mets minor league camp. The bullpen is continuing to be shaped out, and the lone two lefties that still remain in the contest are Tim Byrdak, who also has a clause that states if he isn’t on the 40 man roster by today, March 25th then he can opt out to free agency and the out-of-options Pat Misch.
This almost assures Tim Byrdak will be the lone lefty in the Mets bullpen, at least for the beginning of the season with the Mets hoping Pat Misch can clear waivers and hold the fort in Buffalo.
With all of the news from the conference call throwing the bullpen creation logic into a more difficult decision, even predicting who makes the bullpen may be difficult. Bobby Parnell, who seemed to be a lock for the pen may just be in Buffalo for a short amount of time, since he has minor league options remaining. Jason Isringhausen’s shoulder pain may have cost him a spot in the bullpen, and this may be the end of the road for Izzy. Beato, Acosta and Boyer seem poised to grab the 3 bullpen spots not occupied by K-Rod, Buchholz, Beato, Byrdak and Carrasco.
Alderson did mention the possibility of breaking camp with 12 pitchers, but with so many players on the line to have to be exposed to waivers, this may force Alderson’s hand for the moment and possibly hope maybe he can stash one of them on the DL.
Mike Silva also mentioned that the Mets, with K-Rod coming off the inactive list, would make the 39th roster spot with Willie Harris, who has been torrid this spring, Tim Byrdak and Blaine Boyer all needing to be added to the 40-man roster. Clearing up two spots may be difficult, but if reports have been going right, Nick Evans and possibly Josh Stinson or another Met on the 40 man roster may be exposed to waivers. In the case of Evans, it will probably be farewell, as another team will be likely to take a guy who can play the 4 corners and mashes lefties.
Stay tuned for more Mets news as the season nears.
Lets Go Mets
