The Mets took the next crucial step in rebuilding the pen as they added JJ Putz to set up the new closer, Krod. The last time the Mets had a reliable 8th and 9th inning duo was the first half of 2006, when Sanchez was still healthy (before cab crash) and he was followed by Wagner. What happened that year? The Mets were almost a guranteed win with a run lead or any lead by the time the eighth inning rolled around. That time has come again.
The Mets now have two closers to pitche the 8th and 9th inning and will be going into Spring Training with that part of the gameplan already in place. This allows the Mets to do so much more. Lets start with the Spring Training. The attention can now be spent on looking at the battle for the fifth starter spot and finalizing the roles in the pen (It has been a long time since pitchers in the pen had definitive roles for gametime). When it comes to the actual regular season games, no longer do Starting pitchers have to hope to last 8 innings, and then hope for a revolving door of 9th inning pitchers can finish off the game. The Mets gain so much confidence with this duo.
The more amazing thing about this trade is that the prospect load to get Putz was pretty light. Carp had promise, but our system was flooded with players like him (Evans and Murphy are both developing in sinilar ways). It has been amazing that over the last two years, we have been able to get Santana and Putz through trade and have not had to give up Fmart, Parnell, Kunz, Niese, and now Holt and Havens. This is a testament to Omar and when he is on, he is on.
Of course there is the question of what's next. I still would like to sign Cordero, only if he is cheap. I am not to thrilled about getting another Catcher to start, because Schnieder calls games very well, and I rather have that ability behind the plate rather than a slightly better bat (I am one of those people who believe that the Catcher is the most dynamic player on the field). In terms of SP, we do need another starter, and now that we didn't have to shell out big bucks for Krod and a setup man, you have to think we would be going for Lowe or Perez. Personally, I would take Wolf. Someone for a shorter time commitment, that won't cost too many prospects since he is only a type B (actually, he wasn't offered arbritation so he might cost no prospects) and then when Ollie signs with another team, we can continue to rebuild our farm system.
Anyway, this has been a great week for the Mets and New York, as more and more big names are flocking to the evil empire as well. One could expand that to the East Coast as it looks like Mark Texaria will end up on this coast as well as Lowe, and Burnett (who looks to sign with the Yanks)
