Although it is hard to break concentration from our new amazing back
end of the bullpen, we have to take time to look at the Mets Rule V
picks so far.
According the Metsblog.com, at this time the Mets have selected Darren O'Day and Rocky Cherry in the MLB Rounds.
Then they selected Carl Codenthal and John Madden so far in the AAA round.
No one has selected Mets players at this time. (The only recent Met
we have lost in the Rule V Draft that was “substantial” was Jesus
Flores in 2006 to the Nationals, furthering their collection of exMet
Catchers).
So, who are these guys? Will we end up keeping them?
For the first person, Darren O'Day, that answer points to yes. He
his 26 from the Angels and is a side arm relief pitcher (Joe Smith
replacement?) In 30 Appearances last season, he pitched 43 innings, had
29 K's, and posted a 4.57 ERA. (With the Angels). What is striking to
me is that he was a sidearm pitcher that had a good amount innings
above the number of appearances. He could become a key piece for 7th
inning or earlier relief. The downside is he is still rehabbing a
labium injury, and will more than likely start off on the DL and stay
there for some time. Its a good move if he gets healthy and if he
doesn't. He has to stay on the roster for the full season, then the
Mets can move him in 2010 to the minors if need be. A quasi-loophole in
the rule V draft system if you will (although there is another loophole
of him needing to be active for 90 days, I'm not sure, there are a lot
of rules involved with the rule V draft).
The next pick, Rocky
Cherry, was from the Orioles. He did a good job in AAA but struggled in
the majors. He went 0-1, 2.75 ERA over 30 games in the AAA. In the
majors he lasted 17 innings, allowed 15 Runs, 15 Hits, 16 BB, 15 K's.
So there is promise there but a lot of struggles. Spring Training will
be a telling sign for Cherry if he stays with the Mets or goes back to
the Orioles.
Both of these picks go back to Omar's typical
style of getting pitchers that other's do not have hope for, and
bringing them up to speed. It worked in 2006, and it looks like it
might work again in 2009.
The other two players picked, Carl Codenthal is an outfielder from Atlanta, John Madden is a RHP from the Padres.
