Tony Sipp
Position: Relief Pitcher
Bats: Left — Throws: Left
Born: July 12, 1983 (Age 32)
A I’ve mentioned in many of my recent articles, I believe the most glaring and pressing need for the New York Mets this offseason is bolstering the bullpen – and more specifically – acquiring a left-handed reliever. The two best lefty relievers on the free agent market this Winter are Antonio Bastardo (MMO Profile) and Tony Sipp.
Sipp has long been an effective major league reliever, pitching for the Cleveland Indians and Arizona Diamondbacks, before really coming into his own in the last two seasons for the Houston Astros. Pitching since 2009, he has a career 21-16 record with a 3.50 ERA and 1.201 WHIP in 363.0 innings, striking out 392 batters and walking 165 (9.7 K/9 and 4.1 BB/9).
Last season, was by far his best, posting a 3-4 record with a pristine 1.99 ERA and 1.010 WHIP. Sipp exhibited an improved K/9 (10.3) and a much improved BB/9 (2.5) in 54.1 innings, sporting a 2.93 FIP.
While he is very effective against left-handed hitters, he is arguably a little better against righties:
RHH: .190/.245/.374, 4 HR, 6 2B, 38 K, 7 BB
LHH: .220/.287/.306 , 1 HR, 5 2B, 24 K, 8 BB
As you can see, left-handed hitters manage to get on base more often, right-handed hitters tend to display a little more power. Basically, Sipp is exceptional and effective against both, making him a nice commodity to have.
Sipp could provide the Mets with the effective reliever they need against lefty batters, while still being very effective against righties. Depending on who else the Mets sign, he could be a solid 7th or 8th inning man in front of closer Jeurys Familia.
Contract: Sipp is projected to fetch a two-year deal for roughly $10 million dollars.
Recommendation: Sign Him. There are other options I think the Mets should pursue before him, such as Antonio Bastardo, however I would be very happy if they acquired Sipp. He is effective against righties, but more importantly, he can get lefties out.
