The Big BUT

By Tom "Mr Star" Starita
Posted Thursday, August 23, 2007

Those of you familiar with my work know I try to stay positive. God knows between the media and some of our fan base you would think the year was 1993! I guess some people will never be satisfied, thus the need to complain about everything. The reality is, over the past two years, despite losing over half the roster to injury Willie Randolph has guided this team to the top of the National League East. I have never doubted we would win the division, and more and more it’s looking like my faith will be rewarded.

Can you feel the massive BUT looming in the background? Enough of the preface….

BUT

This bullpen scares the death out of me.

Last year, for the most part we were lock down, even after losing Sanchez. Heilman stepped in nicely and the bullpen was on a magical run, until Mota grooved one to Scott Spiezio, forever changing the outcome of the National League Championship Series. A series in which Carlos Beltran received plenty of abuse and somehow Aaron Heilman is relegated to the background.

Here we are, coming down the stretch of 2007 and nothing has changed. If anything it’s worse.

I don’t think there is a Mets fan anywhere who isn’t dreading our bullpen door opening up in October. Seriously, is there one man out beyond right field who you feel 100% confident in getting a crucial out?

Ok, maybe 100% is ridiculous. No one is 100%, not even the great Rivera in his prime was 100%. I’ll settle for 90%. Is there anyone in our bullpen right now who you believe nine times out of ten will get that big out?

Here’s the way I see our bullpen right now:

Billy Wagner – Great 2007 but I’m not taking my car keys out and making plans for after the game when he comes strolling in. No matter what I have two memories of Billy Wagner, both coming during the 2006 NLCS. First, the home run he gave up to So Taguchi to lose Game 2. Second, the HEART ATTACK he gave me and the rest of the ballpark closing out Game 6. I swear if he blew the lead that night and we lost the series in 6 I would have jumped off the Mezzanine deck.

Aaron “Uncle Sandy” Heilman – The ultimate enigma. Perfect example was Tuesday night’s eighth inning where he gives up two hard hits to make it first and third no one out and somehow escapes. The guy can look great for weeks at a time and then completely lose control. Every time I see him make the “Uncle Sandy” face I want to throw my remote at the television. Plus he has a forbidden love affair with giving up home runs in big spots.

Pedro “Pete” Feliciano – I think his problem lately has simply been overuse, and Willie has been smart in limiting his appearances. Remember he was so good this year that Willie wanted to make him the eighth inning guy. I believe he will turn it around and is probably the only guy in the pen who hits the 90% mark with me.

Jorge “Turk” Sosa – I like his heart and his attitude. I just hope he still has an arm come October. Can we NOT have him warming up every game?

Aaron Sele – WHO?

Scott Schoeneweis – I WANT to believe he is starting to turn it around. I THINK I like his stuff. That said, when he comes jogging in I’m shifting uncomfortably on my couch

Guillermo “Bill” Mota – The Joe DiMaggio of relievers, consistent and clutch. Oh, you mean his streak of giving up at least one run in every outing is a BAD thing? This changes everything! Congratulations, you are officially inducted into the “Doug Sisk All Stars.” Other noted Mets relievers who are part of this illustrious and exclusive club are Mel Rojas, Armando Benitez and Braden Looper. May the next time I see you be at a Mets Fantasy Camp in twenty years. I'll try not to pull a Piazza!

As always I’m all about being fair. If I’m going to complain and bemoan our lack of bullpen I’m going to at least try and come up with a solution. I said it about a month ago and I’ll say it again. Two words

Mike Pelfrey.

Seriously, there are NO other options out there. Any decent reliever will be or already has been claimed by the Braves or the Phillies. The solution must come from within and I truly believe letting Mike go out there and airing it out for one inning is the solution. I’m not saying give him the eighth, although if he could handle it that would be delightful. How about this -- any time Mota would be called to warm up just substitute Pelfrey. Sixth inning, seventh inning, whatever works. Bottom line is can he do any worse than Bill Mota, who is determined to give up a run in every outing?

I am completely confident in this team. The offense is clicking, even if Delgado doesn’t want to join in on the fun. Castillo has been another brilliant acquisition by Omar. When Damion “Beasley” Easley mangled his ankle on my 29th birthday, causing hushed tones and downward glances here at the World Famous APT, I knew Omar would bring us Jeff Conine. Who, by the way, will be responsible for at LEAST two game tying/winning hits before it's all send it done. You heard it here first. On top of all this, Endy Chavez comes back this weekend and Pedro is gearing up for perhaps the ultimate Hollywood Ending. Everything is coming together now…we’re just missing one more piece..

Someone get Turk Wendell out of retirement!

* * * * * * * * * *

As Tom turned 29 he reflected back to when he was 8 and the belief championships were won every year. He believes if we take up a collection Christine Glavine will be more than willing to “Gillooly” Mota. If you would like to chip in, email Tom at MrStarita@yahoo.com or add your metaphorical two cents in the forums below

Related info:
Discuss in our lively forums

 E-mail this page
 Printer-friendly page