The Mets seemed set up for a great 2009 season. Not the least of their strengths would be their bullpen, which was overhauled during the off season. We signed K-Rod, and then made the big trade for JJ Putz, and even got Sean Green back in that deal which looked so good at the time. Returning would be Perpetual Pedro, and Bobby Parnell made the team out of spring training and looked sharp.
Everything looked good into June. K-Rod was a perfect 16 for 16 in saves until the “Castillo drop”, on June 12th. Afterward, he was never the same. Earlier in the season, Darren O’Day was released, and he proceeded to have a great season for Texas; 55 IP, 1.94 ERA, .98 WHIP, 54 Ks. Wow – I had no idea he had been that good. On June 6th, JJ Putz went on the DL, and would not return.
The 7th and 8th inning set up spots were up for grabs. Sean Green, walked too many, and had an inordinate number of HBP. Parnell, stepped up nicely for awhile, but was erratic. Misch, Takahashi, Switzer, and Dessens, were mostly forgettable.
Pedro Feliciano was the best and most consistent reliever all season long. Brian Stokes, throwing 96 MPH, was a pleasant surprise. Otherwise, as a whole, the Mets bullpen was a major disappointment.
You can view all of the final 2009 Mets pitching stats by clicking here. Below are some highlights from the bullpen.
- Feliciano – 88 Games, 3.03 ERA, .231 BA Against
- Stokes – 69 Games, 3.97 ERA, .267 BA Against
- K-Rod – 35 of 42 Saves, 1.31 WHIP, 38 BB in 68 Innings
- Green – 4.52 ERA, 36 BB and 9 HBP in 69 Innings
- Parnell – 3.46 ERA as a reliever, 7.44 K/9
For 2010, we’ll need to get some starting pitching and a left fielder; but it’s best not to forget the bullpen. Next week, I will discuss some Mets alternatives and options for the 2010 bullpen.
