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During his weekly appearance on WFAN, SI.com’s Jon Heyman said he not impressed so far this season with the Mets, adding, “They don’t have a 
swagger…They’re missing a spark.”
Lastly, Heyman says other teams still wonder why Aaron Heilman is not a starting pitcher.
…and so do thousands of Mets fans, jon, including me at times, especially when the rotation so thin…
…thanks to Peter Wade for the quotes…
To listen to Heyman’s entire interview, during which he also discusses Jose Reyes and Mike Pelfrey, go to WFAN.com.
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remember its only the first week of the season. we will get back our swagger and our spark.
I’m tired of Heilman… I’m tired of his whining and his mediocrity. He’s so unimpressive.
He doesn’t whine. He get asked if he still wants to start and gives an honest answer. But you’re right – a 3.03 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP are really mediocre. Completely unimpressive.
He’s the ARod of pitchers… His numbers look good on paper, but he’s known more for giving up the long ball when the game is on the line than anything else.
He’s cost us two games this season already, but we all like to blame Willie…
Heilman is overrated by every Mets fan… and Willie has to trust him in the eighth inning role, when he’s just not good in that role. It’s not 2005 anymore.
Sorry…
He’s not terrible, don’t get me wrong, he just can’t be trusted with the game on the line. He shows it time and time again.
the Arod of pitchers? I understand your point, Heilman has given up some crucial long balls, but your example is horrible, if Heilman was the Arod of pitchers he’d be headed for the hall of fame. There’s no way to deny that Arod is one of the best players in the past 10-20 years. Either way, Heilman has still been one of the best set-up men in the NL the past few years. Consistency in that role is underrated, and he certainly has that from year to year, which I think might add to the argument he may beable to start. And for people saying they don’t want Heilman starting because he’ll give up HRs, like he does in the 8th, wouldn’t it be better if he gave up a HR earlier in the game, then late in the game when he’s in there (which is usually for a close situation)? i do’nt know, i’m fine with where he is because we don’t have anyone else.
My fault, I didn’t mean to compare him to ARod… except that he puts up good numbers until it’s crunch time.
That’s all I meant by that. I, as a Mets fan, love ARod, because he pisses off more Yankees fans than any Met ever could.
I don’t think Heilman is overrated by mets fans at all. If anything, he is overrated by people who don’t see him pitch and only look at his numbers. Mets fans know what they have in Heilman and it is an average to above average 8th inning guy. nothing more, nothing less.
It’s really unfair to try to pin the blame for two losses on Heilman when the Mets were not in the lead in either of those games when Heilman came in. There were bigger culprits in those losses IMO.
Heilman is definitely a spotty reliever but he still is more valuable than not.
Heilman is better than above average. As others have said he’s one of the best setup men in the NL. He’s better protecting a lead than a short deficit, but a short deficit isn’t really a set-up situation.
He’s given up a few long balls, but he’s very good more often than anything else.
What about the people that watch him pitch AND look at his numbers? I’d say they’re doing a better job analyzing him than you, Sasser. Don’t be afraid of numbers…they are your friends. In fact, they’re better than your friends because they’ll never lie to you.
do you actually listen to what he says? the other day during the pregame eddie C asked him about this exact thing, and Heilman gave a very respectful answer about how he’ll pitch whenever the team needs him to pitch in order to win games.
Imagine what the bullpen would look like with Heilman in the starting rotation… Even with a healthy sanchez, it would still be paper thin.
Heilman can’t get it done in tight games vs. Braves, Phillies, and playoffs. He gives up the home runs that linger and ruin seasons. He can not be our set up guy period. At first glance you’d take his era from the first guy out of the pen in the 6th or 7th, until you see that his numbers are bad in that role. I agree with Matt, our starting pitching is thin enough to use him there At this point I have to believe he’d be better than Nelson Figueroa, at least if hes gonna give up the long ball he could eat some innings. He’s young and cheap, and you always hear other teams would look at him as a starter. If Omar trult belives hes not a long term solution fine, but a short round of sucess as a starter could make Heilman a nice trading chip. If we never test him I have a feeling we get burned when he leaves or we trade him for nothing. I’m not saying the guys David Cone, but are we really so sure hes not Brian Bannister? I’d be shocked if he wasn’t at least league average. Why is the front office so down on the idea? If they still feel he can be relied upon to close games against our division rivals they just aren’t watching the games
so basically let’s throw heilman so he can give up crucial gopherballs in every other inning instead of the eighth? no, thank you.
Spark? You want spark…for beginners lets urge Jose to start dancing and high fiving any way he wants. Let him have fun. Forget what Mike & the Mad Dog say. If it bothers the other teams…SO BE IT!
Agreed… He’s thinking WAY too much about playing baseball, rather than just PLAYING BASEBALL.
We need old Jose.
Mex provided lots of spark with suit last night during the broadcast. Purple jacket, brown vest, blue striped tie. Yikes.
He looked like a combination of Willy Wonka and The Joker
That’s it ! I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. The 30 minute 3 Michelob press conference remark was priceless too. Keith is the best.
Ya know, i was all for his “business like” no nonsense approach to the season, but man, i’d really like to see the old Jose back…it’s like we lost our personality.
There’s an SNY.tv article that questions Willie and mentions this…definitely a suggested read
I remember one game where Reyes caught a ball on the fly, but realized he could get a double play if he let it hit the ground first, so after catching it he quickly pulled it out of his mitt and placed it gently on the ground. Obviously the umpire wasn’t fooled, but I had a good laugh.
Things like that don’t happen anymore, and it’s sad.
I swear I JUST saw Castillo try that the other day … i could be wrong though.
As for Reyes … I was for him toning it down too … but there is a difference between toning it down and forcing him to stop completely. I have a problem with that, if they really did tell him to not show emotion … ever.
I wonder what’s going on with him.
Can’t he just be in a slump? It doesn’t necessarily reflect on him toning down his celebrations, losing the love for the game, becoming complacent after signing his deal, or anything like that. He just isn’t seeing the ball really well right now. He will get it back soon enough, don’t worry about him.
I hope you’re right mackey … and I really want to believe everything you just said.
I mean think of it this way, if he was hitting .200 and still bouncing around and laughing and carrying on like he used to do, everyone would say that he was slumping because he isn’t focused on his game. I think that fans are generally too quick to jump to conclusions.
It’s tough to smile after going 0-4, but you aren’t necessarily going 0-4 because you aren’t smiling, ya know??
Yeah that’s true … If he’s hitting .500 and still looks miserable … then I guess you can read into it more. He’s probably not going to look happy regardless, when he’s in a slump.
Got any suggestions for a slump buster?
how about a hit or two
I was thinking more along the lines of giving Joboo some rum … or sacrificing a chicken in the locker room.
That SNY article is nothing but a hatchet job on Willie. It’s full of biased and baseless speculation such as the author’ saying that Schoeneweis has replaced Feliciano as the primary lefty in the pen. What a bunch of BS. There’s no evidence for that.
I have no idea who this Salfino is but he sounds like a hack with an agenda to me. Sort of like a Wallace Matthews.
I didn’t read it … I’m going to have to go read it now to see what you’re talking about. lol
The author engages in totally malicious and wild speculation like:
But Willie must find that out the hard way after putting too much stock in the latter’s randomly good September.
Huh? Willie is stuck with this schmuck because his genius boss decided to give Schoeneweis a 3-year contract. There is no evidence that Willie is or has ever been enamored with Schoeneweis. He’s an Omar turkey.
VC … we’re all “stuck with this schmuck” because of that 3 year contract, unfortunately.
That said though, Willie has to work through some of this stuff which comes with the territory. He shouldn’t over expose the guy.
I don’t think he’s enamored with Schoeneweis though. I agree with you there. I think maybe he tries to get more out of him, because of the stupid contract that was given to him.
I don’t even think Willie tries to get more out of him than is necessary. The fact is, the last week Maine lasted 4 innings, Ollie 5-2/3, and Pelfrey 5. So how are you going to get the rest of the outs when 1) Wagner doesn’t like to pitch in non-save situations and 2) They were short in the bullpen because of Wise and Feliciano
They can’t afford to bring in Show, have him face 1 batter and then bring in another reliever. He’s being paid about $3 million a year and it’s not to be a LOOGY.
If almost every starter went 7-8 innings, then OK, bash Willie for using Schoeneweis as more than a LOOGY. But until that happens, then it’s just unreasonable to expect Show to be used that way. Fans who say that have no conception of reality.
Besides, even when facing lefties, Show flunks as he did in Atlanta this past weekend. He’s not even good as a LOOGY, despite what the numbers say.
This Salfino writer is just awful for writing a hatchet piece without any supporting quotes or hard facts. Marty Noble has written critical pieces on Wille, but he didn’t wildly speculate and at least he put in quotes from players like Lo Duca and Wagner. That’s the difference between a real journalist and an amateur hack like Salfino.
“He’s being paid about $3 million a year and it’s not to be a LOOGY.”
That was my point, you said it … not me! :)
I’ll have to keep my eyes open for more of Salfino … I do know of Wallace Matthews and he’s terrible.
mikey, I don’t even read Wallace Matthews anymore because you know what you’re going to get and it’s not good. But at least even he doesn’t engage in wild speculation and make things up. I mean most of what he writes is just opinion and jabs at the Mets and their fans. So from a journalistic standpoint, he is less offensive than Salfino, IMO.
Another problem I had with that Salfino piece is how he clearly pins the blame for Reyes’ recent struggles on Willie having pulled him from a game last year and on having chastised him and Milledge for celebrating on a HR the last week of the season. Well how can the latter be the problem when Reyes’s struggles had been going on for a long time before that? And if being pulled from a game for not hustling is what ruined Reyes, then he is too fragile to be a ML player. It’s really not clear even now what the source of Reyes’ recent struggles has been, so for Salfino to indict Willie for them shows what his motivation really is.
I don’t think Heilman will thrive until he leaves the Mets. Time to trade him.
time to trade him?
Like Heath Bell and Brian Bannister and Scott Kazmir?
how about start the one-time, one-hitter throwing starter
he could be a quality 5th starter
and with Duaner back we really do not need him in the pen – he’s been overrated as a reliever anyway
and get rid of Shoe – Collazo and Muniz are well worth giving a go to – and Kunz isn’t far away
Add another vote to the Heilman has no business starting column. He has a tough enough time getting through one inning. When he goes multiple innings he is ulcer-inducing. No thanks.
Which is like how most starters are..They blow in the first couple innings or so, then they get into a groove..heilman needs to pitch for a longer amount of time
wouldn’t hurt to give heilman another shot for a little while…He was a decent starter a few years ago..does anyone remember that he had an amazing complete game?!?
I still remember that like it was yesterday…Heilman deserves a shot at being a starter again..we gave jorge sosa a shot, right?..He F’n blows..Heilman is MUCH better than him
why not give an american a shot..no im not racist
Jorge Sosa had a full season of those games when he pitched for the Braves…heilman had one game…do the math
and 2 + 2 = 5….
but no, I’m not a moron.
LOL!!!
U just sound like one.
Psst …. when u end a sentence with “I’m not a racist” that usually means you are a racist.
But, that’s just between U and I.
Why are the mets the only team to get judged on “spark” and “swagger.” If they started off 5-2 instead of 3-4 no one would be talking about this, and I’m sure they would have the same attitude. Its not fun to lose, thats probably why they arent celebrating and showing a “swagger,” just guessing
I have to agree…let him provide the fun and the swagger of this team. As it’s been pointed out countless times in the past, the ‘86 team was HATED by everyone…did anyone try and stifle them?? Nope.
I know, it’s not a great comparison, but if we’re talking about a team with swagger, why not go to the perfect example.
oops…this was meant to reply to the comment by marvelousmarv up top!!
Jose hasn’t exactly had anything to dance or high five about.
He does look like he’s sleepwalking. I hope he doesn’t get into a permanent rut that means he ultimately has to get traded. Maybe a few good ABs and good plays in the field will do the trick, but I he really looks kind of lost.
Late last season was the first time he started to feel some of the wrath of the NY fans and media . . . I think that is really hard on some guys. I think there are enough of those guys on this team that playing at home has stopped seeming like an advantage for this team. I can really sense that some of them are more comfortable on the road.
I wish they all were able to let the criticism and scrutiny roll off their backs, but it’s a fact of life, they aren’t.
when they have the swagger…the media complains that they are arrogant and the other teams hate it. make up your mind.
loss = complain because whatever they are doing is wrong
win = whatever they are doing is right.
I love the media.
Jon Heyman said he not impressed so far this season with the Mets, adding, “They don’t have a swagger…They’re missing a spark.”
Heyman also reports that the sun rose in the East this morning and that rain water is really wet.
nice. haha.
Again, why would we want to move one of the best relievers in baseball to the starting rotation so we can have a 5th starter??? And how is a rotation of Santana, maine and Olie thin? I mean look around people, there arent that many teams who have a solid 3 like that. Heilman’s value is in the bullpen despite the fact that he seems to give up runs at the wrong time. Anyway, in my opinion, he would be terrible as a starter..but what do I know? lol
Also….its our offense that has sucked. We have pitched very well this season.
how about give him a try as the 5th starter when Duaner comes back
which we desperately need
and if he doesn’t work out, back to the pen he goes
it’s a no lose thing to try
Let’s let Major Figures start a couple of games before we go panicking about our 5 slot.
Starting pitchers have performed well, relievers not so much…
Wonders why he’s not a starter? Probably because our bullpen is suspect at best WITH Heilman. Until Wise comes back and proves he’s returned to form, and Duaner makes it back pitching as awesome as he was in 06, there is no way this team can start Heilman and not suffer for it.
duh, the spark hasn’t started hitting yet.
disclaimer: not saying we should trade Heilman
…but I wonder what we could get for him.
Heilman is a mush. He can’t put guys away with 2 outs or 2 strikes.
Not that he gets there half the time. He couldn’t BUY a first pitch strike on Tuesday.
Why isn’t Aaron Heilman a starting pitcher???? Because it takes a miracle for him to get through an inning without giving up a run. I don’t want to see what it would take for him to get through 6 or 7 innings without giving up 5.
Yeah, man, Heilman was the reason for the Mets’ collapse in September, what with his 4 ER and 14 K in 17 IP. That guy’s total garbage.
Give me a break, and forgive the guy for game 7 already.
Much agreed. Stop overreacting and be a little rational here. Heilman is a 2 pitch pitcher. If a batter guesses right, it’s over. It’s always been that way for him. He just hasn’t been the center of attention before last year because of Duaner.
The thing is, he’s been mixing in a slider and cutter this year. And his fastball’s had a lot more bite than it has in previous years.
Last year, Heilman had a rough start, culminating in a BRUTAL June (in which he posted a 4.40), and then had “negative splits” on his ERA from July on (2.84, 2.31, 2.04). 2006 was the same (7.43 in June, 3.86 in July, 3.00 in August, 0.77 in September).
But hey, we’re still under 500 after trading for the best pitcher in the game! Time to panic! OH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOES!
Other than WFAN gasbags and their print media cousins, who says Heilman WANTS to be a starter?
I cannot find a single statement anywhere by Heilman in which he expresses a desire to start. If you can show me one, I will stand corrected.
I was going to say that. Isn’t that like 3 or 4 years ago? He has excelled in his role in the bullpen and I don’t see why he would want to change that.
Its called “money”. Middle relievers and setup men dont get paid big bucks, only closers and starters, and even mediocre starters get big money. So thats a reason why he might want to start.
He brought it up again last spring. I remember reading an article.
No, he’s repeatedly asked in any interview I’ve heard if he’d still like to be a starter. And he always gives the diplomatic and tactful, yet truthful answer — something like “I’ve always wanted to be a starter but I know what my job is on this team.”" I’ve heard him repeat this in the last year.
I’m all for giving Heilman a shot at starting and they should have done it a few years ago. But you can’t do it in the middle of the season unless you send him down to the minors to stretch his arm out first …, and find a suitable replacement in the bullpen. I don’t see that happening with the Mets this year or any year.
If he still wants to start when he’’s eligible to be a free agent, he will leave. And I’ll wish him all the luck in the world. I’ve always liked Heilman and can’t understand some of the animosity some fans have for him.
We haven’t had any swagger since 2006. When’s the last time you saw Reyes bouncing around on the bench and any player even smile during the game. Being professional is one thing, but this team doesn’t even look like it has fun playing the game.
When you blow a game to the Phillies, this even keel garbage doesn’t work. Get fired up, get your teammates fired up. Willie’s tame approach to managing is rubbing off on this team. Let Wagner run his mouth off – start a feud – just do something to light a fire under this team.
Willie is like a Vampire – he has sucked the life out of each and every player that has dared show emotion.
He may also be a hypnotist based on the droning mantra coming out of the SNY talking heads about the “private Willie” and the “public Willie”. I am sure he is just a house afire in the clubhouse. I base this assessment on how after “private Willie” gets done saying whatever he supposedly says behind closed doors – the team comes out as lethargic as if they had each given two pints of blood (and didn’t even get the orange juice and cookie afterwards”.
Hopefully we will play some day games and Count Wille will have to stay in his box.
The Mets aren’t impressive because we desperately need another major bat and we lack depth, not because we lack some kind of magical “spark” that only sportswriters can see.
I’m also unimpressed with the Red Sox, Yankees, Tigers, and Braves so far. But heck, it’s only April 10.
Seriously, can we at least get through a month of baseball before we start evaluating what we got here. If we win tonight we take the first series from Philly, I would rather than than win the home opener with “swagger” then drop the next two. All games count the same, but seriously at this stage in the season it’s about getting on a roll and winning some series. We haven’t even played enough games for that to happen.
Once Sanchez is back, I want Minaya to deal Heilman off for Nady. Heilman is a two pitch pitcher, and a setup man who allows a good amount of homers. Not very good for a close game pitcher. Anyways, with El Duque, Vargas, Wise, Sanchez, Smith and Sosa on the team, there’s a lot to replace Heilman. I know it’s early, but I really wanted to see him gone in the off-season, and if teams value him so highly, they can have him.
I’m not worried about the rotation or hitting. It’s the sloppy fielding and bullpen (pretty much Heilman) I’m worried about. Even so, a bat like Nady down the stretch would prove useful, especially when we’re not doing so well at the top of the batting order.
Ok. sure. let’s deal one of the best setup men in the NL for a bench bat that couldn’t replace Dave Roberts in the Padres outfield.
I’d worry less about Heilman, who’s proven himself down the stretch, than I would about Smith (can he go a full season yet?), Wise (what’s he done?), Sanchez (is the shoulder ever going to be healthy?), El DL, and Vargas (Kyle Lohse was signed before he was).
Sosa may become a good setup man, but he’s goign to be FAR more valuable as the Darren Oliver-type long reliever/mop-up we didn’t have last year
i couldnt agree more!
Heilman is the last Met to have a complete game one hitter
START HIM NOW
and stop listening to that fat piece of crap Marty Noble, Omar
we really really do not need a morose Heilman in the pen
we need a charged Heilman as our 5th starter
desperately
DO IT
If Heilman goes back to starting who exactly pitches the 7th and 8th innings? If sanchez is healthy who pitches the 7th? Until they find someone they can trust there, they won’t even consider it.
As for swagger and all that stuff. As long as the Tigers are last in offense, teh Yankees, Phillies, Red Sox etc…all can’t score runs, I’m willing to sit tight and see how things work themselves out this month before I get really worried. Of course it all counts, but at this point you have to just wait and see, because the Mets aren’t the only ones scuffling.