Once promising hard throwing reliever Vic Black has seen his days with the New York Mets come to an end as he elected free agency today. Black was a bright spot in the Mets bullpen combining for a 2.83 ERA and 1.298 WHIP in 47.2 innings covering the 2013-2014 season.
Black was traded to the Mets on August 29th, 2013 along with second baseman Dilson Herrera from the Pirates for Marlon Byrd and John Buck. Vic was hampered by numerous injuries this season including shoulder tendinitis, herniated disk in his neck and a groin issue. He was activated by the Mets on June 7th but immediately optioned to AAA Las Vegas.
Black struggled for the 51’s allowing 32 hits, 26 walks and a 7.09 ERA in 26.2 innings pitched at the AAA level this year.
Brandon Allen (1B/OF) played for Las Vegas for the second straight year and elected free agency as well, he hit .273/.350/.478 with 16 homeruns and 68 RBI for the 51’s.
Veteran utility guy Brooks Conrad has also chosen free agency after betting only .194/.280/.319 with six homeruns and 40 RBI in 83 games for Las Vegas.
Pitchers Darin Gorski and John Church both pitched in AAA this year and will now be minor league free agents. Gorski, 28, was 10-8 with a 5.52 ERA and 1.657 WHIP in 28 appearances (27 starts) for Las Vegas in 2015. Church, 29, had a strong season pitching to a 4.06 ERA and 1.197 WHIP with seven saves out of the 51’s bullpen.
Five Binghamton Mets players have also elected free agency and they are Gilbert Gomez (OF), Joe Benson (OF), Vince Belnome (UT), Jonathan Galvez (UT) and Albert Cordero (C).
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