Some sobering stats on the Mets bullpen from Toby Hyde. Are the Mets in first with a league average bullpen?




http://www.metsminorleagueblog.com/thoughts-about-jenrry-mejia-to-the-bullpen/

Knowing what we now know about bullpen roles, I'm going to answer my own question.

I feel very confident declaring I would trust the Bisons bullpen, and their assigned roles, over the Mets bullpen, and their assigned roles, in a close game tonight.

So, if you're Sandy, what moves do you make in the near future? Some recent updates:

Bay to DL
Turner back up
Cedeno rehabbing in AAA
Tejada rehabbing in St. Lucie (soon in AAA)
Ramon Ramirez rehabbing in St. Lucie
Mejia in the bullpen in AAA
Beato actually struggled in AAA his last outing

Valdespin may be earning a stay in the bigs over Quintanilla - who has been really struggling lately - when Tejada or Cedeno return. When they both get back, however, it'll be interesting to see who goes down: Valdespin or Rotino. As much as some may want to dump Cedeno, I think it's clear he'll be back in the bigs before too long.

As for the bullpen, I'm guessing Hefner will be sent down for Mejia when he's ready. Do you bring up a red hot Acosta (you'll need a 40 man roster spot)? Do Beato and Ramon get a shot, and if so, who gets sent packing?

I'd release Cedeno, keep Quintanilla and call up Hampson. People keep mentioning Mejia... he's done nothing since heading to the AAA pen to suggest he's ready to help the big club. As for Beato if we are going to worry about 1 bad outing for relievers then we will never have anybody to bring up. Beato isn't Mariano Rivera, Beato will be lucky to be "solid".

I'm not worried about Beato, but it was worth mentioning that he finally had a bad outing. Just throwing what's currently going on out there.

From your suggestion, it looks like you're going with a short bench? Or are you suggesting Hefner goes down for Hampson (Cedeno giving up the 40 man roster spot)? If so, who goes down when Tejada comes back? Does Ramon Ramirez get a spot?

I'm terrified to think about what Byrdak is going to look like in August and Sept. unless we get him some help. Hampson has had past MLB success (even if it's not that recent), is having an excellent season in Buffalo and from what I've seen while watching Buffalo games has enough "funk" to be effective. Hefner is a waste. Doesn't make much sense to carry a guy who stinks just because he can eat up innings when you are losing games out of the pen. If you have to soak up innings in any given game you deal with it. Parnell goes 2, Batista goes 2. Hefner is a waste of a roster spot when you have better options. I don't see any reason to keep Cedeno when you have Tejada, Turner, Quintanilla and flirted with the idea of Tovar. Do we need a 4th SS option?

I get all that. I'm fine with your bullpen suggestion. But even if you cut Cedeno, you'll have to demote someone when Tejada gets back. Is that going to be Valdy or Rotino?

More realistically Valdespin unless they think Hairston can play 1b.

I'd demote Rottino and DFA him if another 40-man spot is needed. Valdespin at least provides something off the bench, while Rottino does not. Only reason to keep Rottino up over Valdespin is because you want Valdespin to get regular at bats or work on something in Buffalo.

Amazing what a 2 for 4 night does for a guy's rep.

Valdy and Rottino both don't belong on major league rosters, but I think you're exaggerating the gap between them big time.

What "thing" does Valdespin provide (other than youth and "excitement") that Rottino doesn't?

Although our starting lineup is heavily left handed, our bench (when everyone is healthy), actually is not.

When Tejada is back (I'm still keeping Bay and Baxter out), the candidates for the bench are:
Hairston R
Turner R
Cedeno R
Nickeas R
Rottino R
Quintaniila L
Valdespin L

I would like to keep Q over Cedeno, but if the FO doesn't agree that's a potentially all right handed bench. Even if Q is kept over Cedeno, I'd prefer Q to be used as a defensive replacement and if a lefty pinch hitting situation comes, I would rather use Valdespin than Q. Of course this is all subject to change if Hairston starts consistently over Torres (Torres is a switch hitter) or if Baxter comes back before a decision on Valdespin vs. Rottino needs to be made. Rottino is probably the 3rd righty pinch hitter after Hairston and Turner, while Valdespin is the first lefty pinch hitter.

Valdespin's speed also makes him a pinch running candidate for Ike or Duda at the end of a game.

Adam Rubin @AdamRubinESPN
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Cedeno actually left agent earlier this season. Felt he should be MLB starter//RT @bmfc1: Other than Cedeno $, how is he better than Omar?

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