“B” Mets Keep Rolling, Should Consider Trading Putz

No Reyes. No Delgado. No Beltran. No problem, as the Mets beat the Marlins today to take the series and finish 5-1 on this home stand. This squad just continues to win ball games and it’s been nothing short of amazing’

Once again, the super subs had key hits in this game to drive in all 3 Mets’ runs. First it was Angel Pagan who hit a two out double in the 5th to drive in Wilson Valdez to give the Mets an early 1-0 lead. Then in the 7th, still clinging to that one run lead, it was the 20 year old rookie F-Mart, who smacked an opposite field double down the left field line to drive in a run, which was followed up by Omir “Still Call Me Clutch” Santos who hit a double off the wall to drive in the third and ultimately winning run for the Mets.

John Maine looked great as he worked an easy 6 innings, not allowing run. But of course, he had to leave the game early due to, what else, the Beltran stomach virus. Angel Pagan had to leave early as well when he pulled up lame chasing down a deep fly ball over his head. He looks like he’ll go to the DL with a pulled groin. I feel sorry for Pagan as he has been great filling in the lead off spot and has played a flawless outfield. Pagan was visibly upset as he had to walk off the field, showing his frustration as he finally made it all the way to the big leagues and now he looks like he’ll be out for a while. I hope he returns and makes a contribution to this team somewhere down the line.

JJ Putz came on in the 8th and continued his mediocre run in a Mets uniform by allowing two runs before being pulled, leaving men on 1st and 3rd with one out for Bobby Parnell. Parnell, who is now showing a sweet breaking ball to go along with his heater, got out of the inning after allowing a soft hit for a run (charged to Putz), but struck out “Met Killer” Jorge Cantu, and then induced a ground out to end the inning. K-Rod closed it out and is now 14 for 14 in save opportunites this year. Can you believe that? What a difference a good bullpen makes.

However, the Mets should seriously consider trading JJ Putz. He’s been very inconsistent since he came aboard, and for me, he has been the most disappointing player this year. (I already knew Ollie was terrible and would have never signed him). I know he lengthens the bullpen, and allows Parnell to pitch the 7th, but since Putz has only been average so far, I think the Mets could get more value for their roster right now than having a so-so middle reliever, who openly admitted that he finds it hard to get pumped up to pitch the 8th. Other teams will covet him as their closer so Omar can get something good in return. I’d look to the Blue Jays to try to find a way to get Alex Rios, who would be perfect in right field. Plus, I’m sure the Rays could use him as well. Maybe Carl Crawford. Reyes, Crawford 1-2 in the lineup? Fantastic! Of course, I’d love to add another ace to this staff, but getting a Peavy is unlikely, and I hardly think the Astros would trade an Oswalt for a closer. That’s why Omar needs to shop him to a team who will contend and who needs a stopper.

Whatever Omar decides to do, he knows he has a big chip to work. Let’s just hope he makes the right move.