Parnell Returns A Day Early

If you decided to take in yesterday's afternoon game between the Mets and the Braves, you got to see more than a spring training victory.  You also go to see the return of team closer, Bobby Parnell.  Originally scheduled to throw a side session on Sunday and make his first Grapefruit League appearance today, Parnell talked his way on to the mound yesterday.  The result?  Parnell threw one inning, giving up one hit and an unearned run.

Parnell was seemingly happy with the outing, stating after the facts:

"I thought it went well. I felt like I was in the zone, especially there at the end. I think

 it went really well."

Terry Collins echoed that statement:

"To see him out there for the first time and really see him let loose. He's been a 

little tentative in the pen. I understand it. But he threw the ball great. Those last 

five or six, he let go good."

How Parnell responds today is actually more important than the results of his return.  Sunday's appearance was his first in a game setting since a neck injury ended his 2013 season last July.  Parnell is expected to be ready for opening day, a positive note for an otherwise questionable bullpen.  The key will be seeing how responds after each outing, monitoring his velocity and also being able to work on consecutive days later this spring.

Parnell Expected To Throw Bullpen Today

ESPN's Adam Rubin reported this morning that Mets' closer Bobby Parnell will throw his first bullpen session since Tuesday.

Parnell was originally scheduled to throw a bullpen on Thursday, but instead requested an extra day of rest from Dan Warthen, which he was granted.  Despite not throwing that day, he did run infield drills during which he slightly injured his quad.  That injury prevented him from throwing his rescheduled bullpen session yesterday.

If he does indeed throw today, something he will need to be cleared by doctors to do, it will ensure that the quad injury was minimal, as indicated.  Parnell has been slated by the Mets to make his first in-game appearance on March 9th and to make a total of nine spring appearances before camp breaks.  It remains unclear if this delay alters that timeline.

Mets Injury Report

Adam Rubin is at spring training and had this to say regarding prospect Chasen Bradford.

Propsect Bradford slowed by oblique injury http://t.co/m5zbrxoWun #NYM #Mets
— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinESPN) February 21, 2014

And then not too long after I see this on Twitter as well.

Quad injury puts Parnell briefly on sideline http://t.co/07cETHOQtL #NYM #Mets
— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinESPN) February 21, 2014

Well, that didn't take long now did it? Bradford doesn't bother me too much as he wasn't expected to contribute at the major league level but Bobby does. A quad injury can linger on without proper rest and rest equals not throwing. He is coming back after neck surgery and any kind of set back isn't going to help him or the Mets. I suppose this kind of thing can be expected since he hasn't done any kind of baseball movements for so long but man, it would be nice if for once things could just go as planned.

When Should We Be Worried About Bobby Parnell?

Bobby Parnell chose to push back his scheduled bullpen session today in Port Saint Lucie.  This according to a report by ESPN's Adam Rubin.  Parnell was two days removed from a 35 pitch bullpen session, his lengthiest since surgery, and decided another day of rest would benefit him.

The cancelled session didn't alarm team pitching coach, Dan Warthen, who told Rubin that Parnell's velocity "is probably at 80 percent right now, but the delivery is sound."  I suppose that's reassuring, and in reality it is too early to be overly worried, but if this becomes a pattern there could be come warranted concern that Parnell is not recuperating on time.

According to Rubin, the team has selected March 10th as the day Parnell will see his first in-game action.  They would also like to see him pitch in consecutive games prior to the break of camp.  Such a schedule would see Bobby make nine spring appearances.  At the very least, this gives us a bit of a timetable to minor for the next month or so.  If Parnell is really behind, we'll know by the second week of March.

The Biggest Questions Of Mets Camp

As the players continue to file into Port St. Lucie, FL, the 2014 New York Mets don't appear set to challenge in the NL East.  They seem to be well removed from the likes of the Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves, yet don't really have many questions to answer as the spring plays out.

First base is without a doubt the biggest question mark of camp, and to be honest I'm not 100% sure its much of a question at all.  The Mets appear set to offer Ike Davis 80-100 at-bats this spring in an effort to "win" the job.  It begs the question, when will Lucas Duda get his reps?  If this is truly a competition, I would expect each player to get his equal share.  There certainly haven't been any references to Davis playing some other position he's fair from suited to play.  I'll let you in on a pretty poorly kept secret...  If Ike Davis is still with the team come March 31st, unless he has just a simply awful spring, he will be the team's first baseman on opening day.  He provides the higher upside, has the higher salary and still remains the distant front runner to assume the role.

Next up would have to be the role that Juan Lagares plays when camp breaks.  For all the hype about his surprise play in center field last season, the Mets have been very non-committal on where he fits in this year.  It seems the biggest threat to his playing time in 2014 is the team's lack of a leadoff hitter.  In an effort to have Eric Young Jr. assume that role, Lagares would likely be the odd man out under the guise that the lineup cannot afford to have two outfielders with little to no home run pop at one time.  As a result, we've heard there will be an open competition between Lagares and Chris Young for the center field spot.  This may be a question as we go through camp, but it shouldn't be.  Juan Lagares was amongst the best defensive center fielders in baseball last season.  Posting him in centerfield, with Chris Young and Curtis Granderson on either side should provide the Mets pitching staff with what would likely be the best outfield defense in baseball.  That's well worth the offensive gamble he presents, in my opinion.

Finally, there is the team's bullpen.  To date, the Mets haven't added the veteran reliever with closing experience they coveted all winter.  That means, despite reportedly being two weeks from throwing off a mound, the closer role remains with Bobby Parnell.  As a result, any competition will be for the spots behind him.  Can Jeurys Familia make the bullpen out of camp?  Is Vic Black ready to be a setup man after only a handful of major league appearances?  Will Jack Leathersich surprise the masses, cut down on his walks, and threaten to steal a spot in the bullpen?  These are all valid questions, but few if any are season shifting ones.

Yes, the Mets are preparing to enter camp with questions about whether they're good enough to compete in 2014, but there are precious few questions about who will make the trip north next month.  Our spring will be spent watching to see if Ike Davis can show progress, whether or not Juan Lagares has learned to take a walk, whether or not Bobby Parnell can still throw gas, and most importantly if they can all stay healthy.  The Mets roster is basically set, so for now we can simply enjoy the fact that baseball is back because there aren't many other reason to watch closely this spring.

Like what you read?  Follow me on Twitter at @RobPatterson83

Mets Still Linked to Fernando Rodney

Free agent closer Fernando Rodney now has three teams who are expressing strong interest in his services: #Mariners, #Orioles and #Mets
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 4, 2014

This rumor is still churning and I am not sure why. He is a closer plain and simple. He's wired that way and is far enough into his career that he isn't going to play second fiddle to someone like Parnell or Vic Black. The idea makes sense if there are still health concerns regarding Bobby but with the way the front office goes back and forth regarding a great many things who knows. Last we heard he will be 100% so why are we looking for a closer? I guess insurance is key especially when it comes to arms.

That being said, the only way I could see Rodney joining the Mets is if he indeed is going to be the closer and the dollars are what he wants. But what message does that send to Bobby who has come such a long way as a pitcher. Injuries happen but if healthy the job should be his. And personally, the only team Fernando might accept a set up role to is one that has an immediate chance of winning. And that isn't our effing Mets!

Follow me @jwil25

Mets Still In The Market For A Closer

Per a report by  ESPN's Adam Rubin, the Mets remain on the prowl for a closer type.  Citing a source from outside of the organization, it is believe the Mets have set aside money to make such an acquisition and that the addition of Kyle Farnsworth earlier this afternoon doesn't change the teams plans.

It is believed that Fernando Rodney may be the team's first choice, but others to include Kevin Gregg, Ryan Madson and/or Joel Hanrahan could all be options.

If they continue to go this round, its reasonable to assume that the team has come concern for Bobby Parnell and his recovery from season ending neck surgery.  Parnell resumed baseball activities last month and believes he will be ready for opening day.  However, the Mets appear less confident.  Regardless, the more quality arms the better as the team's bullpen has been a question mark in recent years.

Mets Make Play for Closer - Fall Short on Balfour

Several sources are reporting that the Mets offered Grant Balfour a two year deal exceeding $12M, but the former A's closer opted to sign with the Tampa Bay Rays instead.  While losing out on one of the remaining quality free agent arms for the bullpen is disappointing, it does signal a willingness on the Mets part to spend more than $90M in payroll for the 2014 season.  That apparent commitment, and the fact that the market for Steven Drew appears to be falling in the range of the team's price range, could mean that Sandy Alderson isn't finished improving the 2014 squad. All teams have question marks as the season approaches.  Answering those questions by exhibiting an ability to devote resources to the product on the field is the best way to lure wary fans back to the ballpark.

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Added by Rob -

Its worth nothing that money may not have been the deciding factor in this case.  Balfour is a closer, and a quality one.  The Mets have Bobby Parnell, and while an argument could be made for either one over the other, it likely the team's front office viewed Balfour as the "veteran" insurance policy with regards to Parnell's health.  I can't agree more with Denis' assertion that the willingness to spend upwards of $12 million dollars should illustrate to fans that the Mets still have the wallet to add this offseason.  That's refreshing news, despite losing out in this particular instance.

Parnell Expects To Be Ready

Bobby Parnell spoke to the New York media via a noon conference call today, explaining that he believes he will without question be ready for Opening Day.  You'll recall that Parnell's 2013 season was cut short by neck pain which ultimately lead to September surgery to repair a herniated disk. 

Parnell also commented that he is back up to his playing weight, despite some earlier reports which he feels overstated his post-surgery weight loss. His next step will be to work on getting into playing shape to assume what he still believes is his role as the team's closer. 

Nevertheless, expect the Mets to acquire a veteran relief option with some closing experience in case Parnell suffers a set back. If that's the case, it would be beneficial to hand the ball over to someone whose really pitched with the game on the line, as opposed to Vic Black and his 18 major league appearances. 

Parnell On The Mend

#Mets closer Bobby Parnell (neck surgery) had good progress checkup last week. Still weeks away from clearance 4 bball activities.
— Kristie Ackert (@AckertNYDN) November 11, 2013

Mets closer Bobby Parnell received some good news from team doctors last week, but remains at least a month away from resuming baseball activities. You'll recall that Parnell last appeared in a game on July 30th when he notched his 22nd save of the season. He soon landed on the disabled list with neck stiffness and eventually had surgery to address a herniated disk, which ended is season.

To date the expectation is that Parnell will be ready to start spring training, although it was reported that he has lost significant weight since his surgery. Such a weight loss could have have an effect on his stamina to start the season.  For now however, take this as a step in the right direction as Parnell has without question become the team's closer going forward.

Hawkins Close To Returning?

Photo Courtesy of @Lets86It

LaTroy Hawkin's pursuit of playing on an eleventh team in his major league career may be cut short, as Kristie Ackert of the NYDN is reporting that he is likely to be retained by the New York Mets.  Ackert cites the fact that Sandy Alderson is in direct discussions with Hawkin's people as the reason for this assertion, stating that while no numbers have been exchanged, Alderson's involvement indicates a deal is close.

Hawkins, who will turn 41 this December, made just $1MM in 2013 and is likely in line for a raise of some sort.  He made 72 appearances for the Mets on route to posting an ERA of just 2.93.  He also stepped into the closer role following Bobby Parnell's injury, on his way to earning 13 saves with only one blown opportunity.

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Hawkins had a terrific season with the Mets last year.  The only cause for concern has to be his age, however he pitched well into the 90s last season with what seemed little effort.  Provided this deal is struck at a number that doesn't obstruct the rest of the Mets' offseason plans I am all for it.  His experience is invaluable, as he may be able to tutor youngsters such as Jack Leathersich when he makes his way to Queens later next season.  It is also good to have another closer option if necessary.  Hopefully the two sides can get things worked out sooner than later and Alderson can move on to the bigger fish he has to fry.

What Could Ninety Million Dollars Buy The Mets In 2014?

What would you need if you were going to rebuild the New York Mets?  A magic lamp, a genie and three wishes, you say?  All jokes aside, you would need money and young talent.  Truth be told, as the offseason draws near, Sandy Alderson will have both to work with.

In case you've forgotten, here are the major contracts which stand to come off the books this winter:
- Johan Santana ($25.5 million)
- Jason Bay ($18 million)
- Frank Francisco ($6.5 million)

There will be others, but those three alone represent $50 million in team payroll which, with the exception of whatever Francisco gives you in the next three weeks, have contributed absolutely nothing to the cause this season.  Yes, that's right.. the Mets have essentially fielded a $50 million dollar team this season.  While their record probably reflects that, you can see how reallocating that money can improve the team..fast!

Its been hypothesized by Sandy Alderson that after raises to folks like Daniel Murphy and Bobby Parnell (and maybe Ike Davis), that the Mets will enter the offseason with roughly $55 million committed to the 2014 season.  So how much will they spend and more importantly, where will they spend it?

Photo Courtesy of ESPN

The most alarming hole going into the offseason will be the team's outfield.  Believe it or not, the front office should be concerned that it has to replace Marlon Byrd's production.  Enter a player such a Shin-Soo Choo, who the Mets have been linked to as recently as this week, and your talking about a player who will earn an average salary of between twelve and fifteen million dollars.  While that takes a bite out of your budget, it certainly leaves enough to address other areas.

Sandy Alderson has recently expressed an interest in adding a veteran pitcher to the fold this offseason.  How much money will that cost?  Well, Bronson Arroyo has posted two very solid seasons in a row and could command as much as ten million dollars.  I chose Arroyo because he has pitched no fewer than 199 innings every season since 2005.  He's also had an ERA under four, doesn't walk many batters and basically just seems like an Alderson type guy to me.

Photo Courtesy of ESPN

Those two deals by themselves, skyrocket your potential payroll from $55 million to as much as $80 million, and you still have another hole in the outfield to address, may look to improve at shortstop, and then there is that disaster at first base.  So where do we go from there?

In all honesty, I expect the Mets to acquire a second outfielder via trade.  I'm still not convinced that second outfielder will be named Stanton or Gonzalez, but I do anticipate another quality acquisition. The fact that it can be completed via trade (hypothetically, of course) means you have more money to spend elsewhere.  I'm not quite sure there is a guy available who you can conceivably spend more than five to seven million on at shortstop, and at the end of the day I still expect to see Ike Davis get another shot at first.

That leaves you a payroll somewhere from $85 million to $90 million after adding cheaper pieces here and there.  That would mean the Mets would field a much, much better team in the process of lowering their payroll ten million dollars from 2013.  Am I nuts to think that everything I've discussed here is completely plausible?  Does Alderson have the nerve to make such free agent decisions?

The last few years have beaten me down to the point where I'm rarely an optimist, but the team not only needs a big offseason, they have the means to make it happen.  Is a rotation of Wheeler/Niese/Arroyo/Mejia/Gee and a renovated outfield enough to see the Mets turn the corner?  Because that what $90 million and the departure of some quality prospects probably buys you in 2014.

Like what you've read?  You can follow me on Twitter at @RobPatterson83.

Parnell To Go Under The Knife

In the latest episode of "this is why we can't have nice things", Terry Collins confirmed after the game that Mets closer, Bobby Parnell, will have season ending surgery to repair a herniated disk in his neck. Parnell, who hasn't appeared in a game since July 30th, converted 22 of 26 save opportunities this season prior to his injury. The Mets "hope" he'll be ready for spring training.

The injury issue is twofold. First and foremost, the Mets have lost there closer for nearly half the season. However the bigger issue is the timing and severity of the injury. While the Mets have indicated an unwillingness to do so, Parnell represented one of their best Major League caliber trade chips. His name figured to come up this winter in trade discussions. Having season ending surgery and no real date of return will certainly squash that.