Opinion: Closer from Within
Omar Minaya has stated on several occasions that the Mets would explore both external and internal options to fill the closer role in 2009. While most of the media has been focusing on those external possibilities, little has been made of the internal ones.
It’s doubtful the Mets would consider moving John Maine to the bullpen, considering that two rotation spots will be open, assuming both Oliver Perez and Pedro Martinez leave via free agency.
Scott Schoeneweis had some success closing for Cincinnati. However, neither he nor Pedro Feliciano would be ideal, as they have trouble retiring right-handed batters. Also, neither are dominating, and despite the Bob Wickmans of the world, I see the Mets choosing someone with more “filthy stuff” or velocity.
If that’s true, then Aaron Heilman, Duaner Sanchez, Joe Smith and Brian Stokes would be the top candidates.
Many fans dislike Heilman, but he has a 96-MPH fastball, a sinking change-up, and a decent slider – from the standpoint of pure “stuff”, Heilman is well-armed for the closer role.
If Sanchez can ever regain the strength and confidence that made him a lights-out setup man in 2006, he’d be the ideal choice.
Smith’s nasty slider and improvement against left-handed hitters makes him a candidate.
Stokes also reaches 96-MPH, but his breaking pitches are inconsistent. He would need to establish one above-average second pitch to be considered.
It appears that Eddie Kunz is being groomed for the role – despite Jerry Manuel’s reluctance to use him last season; Bobby Parnell didn’t show enough in his limited stint to be a clear candidate; Brant Rustich and Brad Holt are darkhorses, but have been impressive at the lower levels.
The bottom line is that it’s not inconceivable to think the Mets will find a closer from within. I’m not sure it would make sense to run auditions in spring training – what can you really learn from a handful of games against questionable competition?
In my mind, the Mets should decide who the closer will be from the outset, and commit to him at least through May – just as a team would with an established fireman. The closer-by-committee concept is unlikely to work with this group – they certainly didn’t respond well to the “setup man by committee” plan in 2008.
