Current bullpen options for the Mets
Manny Acosta, Pedro Beato, Tim Byrdak, D.J. Carrasco, Frank Francisco, Bobby Parnell, Ramon Ramirez, and Jon Rauch are all on the 40-man roster and are candidates for the bullpen. In addition, Chris Schwinden, Jeremy Hefner, Josh Stinson, and Robert Carson are also occupying spots on the 40-man roster.
However, Byrdak and Carson are the only left-handed relievers on the 40-man roster.
Presumably, the Mets will bring seven relievers north on Opening Day. But depending on Johan Santana‘s status or how many starting pitchers Terry wishes to start the season with, eight relievers could potentially make the team out of camp, prolonging the need to have to make a roster decision into mid-April.
Given that Byrdak is the only lefty on the 25-man roster, I wonder if that gives Carson a leg up in the competition this Spring. He has mostly struggled over the last couple of years in the minors, but he has been a starting pitcher throughout his career, and so I wonder if having him in a specialist role would make him a more effective pitcher.
If I had to guess, Carrasco is walking on thin ice at the moment. He is a body and could rebound after his awful season last year. He could also go to the minor leagues and serve as a ‘swing man’ between Buffalo and Flushing, but I think he will have to prove during camp he is a part of their pitching depth and not just a body on the roster.
Last season with Double-A Binghamton, Carson went 4-11 with a 5.05 ERA in 128 1/3 innings in 25 games and 24 starts. He allowed 154 hits, 55 walks and 14 home runs while striking out 94.
