Dennis asks…
One of my favorite prospects is Jack Leathersich. Is there any chance that he makes the bullpen? Josh Edgin seems to have lost his edge and we do need a second lefthander to go with Scott Rice.
Joe D. replies...
I love Leathersich and he has a bright future ahead of him, but he’ll likely be listed among the first wave of cuts the Mets make next week. The Mets love Jack too and that’s why he was invited to big league camp to spend time with some of his future teammates and get to know the major league coaches.
You’re right about Edgin and it’s not just his control that is worrisome, it’s the loss of velocity. The Mets are not in a good place when it comes to lefthanded relievers.
One dark horse candidate is Adam Kolarek who could make the jump from Double-A to the Mets, not counting his two appearances in Las Vegas.
Kolarek keeps climbing up every level and just keeps getting better. Last season, Kolarek posted a 1.71 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 63.0 innings pitched, striking out 63 and walking only 22. This young southpaw misses a lot of bats and it’s tough for sluggers to get around him. He allowed just three home runs in 2013.
Right now, I’d say he has the best chance to win a job, unless the Mets do something crazy and throw John Lannan into the bullpen – assuming he doesn’t win the fifth starter’s spot. I wouldn’t put that past them.
