Heilman

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

Despite my little puddle in the whizz thread, we shouldn't overlook how sexy Heilman has been so far. I don't think he allowed a single run in the spring and he destroyed them in the 9th yesterday.

Reminds you a little bit of the feeling you had after 2005 where, prior to the Wagner signing, Heilman looked like a perfectly acceptable choice to "close" games.

I'm tellin ya, he only needs some "edgy" facial hair and wham -- insto closer.

[Benjamin Grimm]

I was thinking much the same thing yesterday while Heilman was pitching.

I think he could succeed Wagner RIGHT NOW! (Wagner's contract runs through 2009, doesn't it? Maybe they can trade him for a starting pitcher or an outfielder after the 2008 season.)

[Guest attgig]

Benjamin Grimm wrote: I was thinking much the same thing yesterday while Heilman was pitching. I think he could succeed Wagner RIGHT NOW! (Wagner's contract runs through 2009, doesn't it? Maybe they can trade him for a starting pitcher or an outfielder after the 2008 season.)

or a 1bman if Tex don't work

[Benjamin Grimm]

Or that, yes.

I guess my main point is that I'd be willing to deal Wagner before his contract expires (he doesn't have a no-trade, does he?) and let Heilman ascend to the closer role.

[Guest AG/DC]

I think we should enjoy him for what he is for a bit, rather than trying to flip him into what he isn't.

A lot depends on what Duaner comes back with. Talk about zexy.

[Frayed Knot]

Benjamin Grimm wrote: ... he doesn't have a no-trade, does he?

Of course he does.
Along with Pedro, Santana & Beltran

[Benjamin Grimm]

Well, so much for that, then.

It's still possible to trade him, but Wagner would have to get some sweetener which would probably kill the deal. (I don't think he's that desirable.)

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

Nah we just have to hope for Wagner to get hurt.

(Did I say that or just think that?)

[Benjamin Grimm]

I don't know if you said it or not, but you did type it!

I don't think Wagner hurts the team. I just don't think he helps it as much as the mythical guy we could theoretically trade him for.

[Guest Rockin' Doc]

I just don't understand all the displeasure with Billy Wagner. He may not be the closer that he was when he was in Houston, but he has done a pretty good job in his two seasons with the Mets.

Wagner has pitched 140.6 innings as a Met. His ERA during his tenure has been 2.43 and he has allowed 1.117 WHIP. He has struck out 11.13 hitters per 9 innings while allowing 2.75 walks per 9 innings.

I guess we're just never satisfied with anything less than perfection from our closers.

Heilman has pitched 173 innings in the past two seasons. His ERA during that time has been 3.33 and he has allowed 1.116 WHIP. He has struck out 7.08 hitters per 9 innings while allowing 2.50 walks per 9 innings.

Fine job by Heilman, without question, but I honestly can't see how the bullpen would be better by removing Wagner and replacing him with Heilman. It just leaves the Mets bullpen with one less quality arm.

I don't want the Mets to count on Duaner Sanchez until he actually shows that he can once again get people out at the major league level.

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

Sanchez is ancient history as far as I'm concerned. My thing with Wagner has more to do with his teflon rep, untouchable status, big mouth and four blown saves down the stretch last season.

I know how accomplished he is, and when he's on, he's terrific.

[Guest Triple Dee]

Rockin' Doc wrote: I just don't understand all the displeasure with Billy Wagner. He may not be the closer that he was when he was in Houston, but he has done a pretty good job in his two seasons with the Mets.

It's a confusion of not liking Wagner the person, as opposed to Wagner the closer.

[Frayed Knot]

It's also based on the idea that, in any given year, the fans of at least 25 teams hate their closer.

[nymr83]

getting rid of Wagner would be NUTS. don't forget what this bullpen looked like last year after him and heilman. its a long summer filled with 4 inning outings by pelfrey and whoever is filling in for pedro and el duque during their inevitable injuries, we need a deep pen.