Fixing the Bullpen

My plan for improving the bullpen is a multi-faceted plan that involves roster moves, trades, praying on the weak and stupid GM's, better utilizing personnel, and  the possible return of a fan favorite.

Part I: Cut the dead weight

This means Schoeneweis. He is terrible. The only reason his numbers against lefties look decent is because of an unsustainable BABIP. DFA him. Maybe someone will be duped into picking him up and getting us of the hook for the last year of his contract.

Part II: Trade Val Pascucci and John Rodriguez

I want to make clear that I am not advocating the trade of Val Pascucci or John Rodriguez. As a matter of fact, I think it is criminal that neither has been called up this year given the state of the Mets corner outfield. So if they are going to languish in New Orleans, you might as well use them to try and get bullpen help. There are teams out there that need immediate replacement level outfielders. The Reds and Pirates immediately come to mind. From the Pirates I would like John Grabow. He's a 29 year old lefty with a career K/9 of 8.17. (7.15 in 2008) He has had more PA's vs. RHB's this year but pitches effectively against both righties and lefties. From the Reds I would like Bill Bray is a 25 year old lefty with a career K/9 8.13 (9.46 in 2008) Bray also has had more PA's against RHB's this year and they have hit him somewhat better than lefties. But based on the splits it's reasonable to assume that Bray would be effective against both sides.

Part III: Sell high on Eddie Kunz

Nothing about his peripherals in the minors or in college (except for the ground balls) suggest that he will be anything more than a Joe Smith type pitcher. Yet he is being hyped because he racked up saves at double A. Most people understand how useless saves are as a predictive stat but there are still plenty of GM's that seem to think it has value. Find one of them and get rid of him now! My primary target would be the Houston Astros and Ed Wade. He has a passion for relievers and he might be convinced to part with a MLB ready pitcher for the hype that is Kunz. Jose Valverde would be great and Wade might just be dumb enough to do it. I would also settle for Geoff Geary or Doug Brocail with something else attached. The Royals are also an option and have Ron Mahay to offer. If I could get Brian Fuentes for Kunz I would do that as well.

Part IV: Utilization

Smith and Feliciano should not start innings. Heilman and Sanchez at least have the chance of going a whole inning. Let them start innings and if they get into trouble, then match up. To help, the defense has to be utilized better. Using Argenis Reyes to pinch hit and then taking him out makes no sense. Use A. Reyes as a defensive replacement to help support the ground ball heavy pitchers.

Part V: If all else fails

Call Jesse Orosco. I doubt he can be much worse that Schoeneweis.