Memories of Ryan Helsley

[G-Fafif]

The well-regarded reliever acquired by the Mets only to inspire cynicism that every reliever we get sucks gained a new avatar in Helsley, who moves on to Baltimore.

A few years ago, I was in a stream of sports consciousness conversation when somebody overheard ne mention Joe Pisarcik, and interjected, "Man, that guy was garbage." I don't care for that epithet, yet there's a good chance that will be more or less my reaction the next time I overhear the name Ryan Helsley. Man, that guy sucked.

[Edgy MD]

My defining memory is seeing him enter in a save/hold situation to a MASSIVE scoreboard display of "Hell's Bells" and it all feeling so wildly false and forced, as he had scant Met equity as yet, and his tenure to date had been shaky to say the least.

It all seemed so inappropriate, but — I soon realized — actually made sense, because the bell tolled for me.

And for the 2025 Mets.

[The Hot Corner]

I was pretty psyched when the Mets added Helsley and Rogers at the trade deadline. Rogers was helpful. Helsley was a disaster. I think that he (and possibly the Mets) became convinced that he was tipping his pitches and it seemed to completely psych him out. Maybe he was tipping his pitches. It quickly became evident that he couldn't reliably throw a slider for a strike. Hitters could simply gear up for the fastball and sit on it. No matter how hard you can throw, major league hitters can hit the fastball when that is all they truly have to worry about. That is even more true when the pitcher can't hit their spots consistently. .

Pitching is much like real estate, location, location, location. Velocity is great, but not when it is too often grooved down the center of the plate.

[Cowtipper]

The Mets had brought on a handful of relievers for the stretch run of 2025. Rogers on paper was the best, and with the Mets he was also the best. The biggest disappointment was Helsley. He had a 2.00 ERA over his final 8 outings, but the damage he did before that makes one forget his later success. His season ERA went from 3.00 to 4.50 because of his stay with the Mets. On the bright side, it doesn't look like the Mets sacrifice TOO much to get him.

No fond memories of Helsley.

[Centerfield]

I thought maybe we were finally going to get that fearsome 8th and 9th inning duo that was promised when we got JJPutz.

Still waiting.

[Edgy MD]

If you have a guy who can shut down the ninth inning, and want to expand that ability into the eighth, the best way to do it is to bring that same guy in an inning earlier.

Giving up three guys for Helsley, another three for Rogers, and two more for Gregory Soto was chasing fool's gold.