Bobby Parnell Cleared To Pitch

According to ESPN reports, Bobby Parnell has been cleared to resume pitching following his surgery this past September to correct a herniated disk in his neck.

This is terrific news this early in the winter, giving Parnell plenty of time to rebuild his arm strength and put muscle back on in advance of opening day. Parnell will most likely return to his position as the closer for the Mets, and he had been the steadiest hand in the Mets bullpen next to LaTroy Hawkins last season before hitting the DL.

Also, this gives the Mets an opportunity to use up and coming young reliever Vic Black outside of the closer role. Still including him in the bullpen, and potentially using Black and Parnell as a potent 1-2 punch late in the game, could convert the team's bullpen from a huge question mark to a potential strength for the upcoming season.