Closer Next

[Edgy MD]

You're Terry Collins. Apparently, you've decided to take the closer role away from Frank Francisco. You can't unmake that decision, as it was set in stone somehow before you took over Collins' body. You look down at your options. Who do you turn the ball over to?

[Edgy MD]

Terry must've answered six questions on Francisco tonight before anybody bothered asking him about the amazing phoenix act that Batista pulled off.

You get the idea that we've lost all perspective when it comes to closers. Thirty-four years ago, Goose Gossage walked in from the pen and mowed people down with pure brawn and we still haven't caught our collective breath.

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

Ramirez has been a little off, but I think it's him. (Between Parnell and him for our best overall reliever, early-season numbers notwithstanding.)

[Edgy MD]

That's my vote. Parnell's got one of those big ol' clouds hanging over his head after last year's failed audition. I think he can do it, but it might have to be getting thrown into the breach in an emergency or two, then doing so good that he sticks. The narrative would be overwhelmingly angsty before he ever threw a pitch if he was handed the job.

[Ceetar]

I've decided to be Contrary.

Dickey saves all games, except for the ones he starts in which he throws complete games.

there.


Parnell's been the best reliever, at least if you're factoring in IP and not considering Bydrak. If you want to put your best pitch in at the end, he's it.

[ashie62]

Im pining for Skip Lockwood.

[metirish]

I really don't see a viable alternative to Frank right now, several of these guys throw hard and shit, need more than that though. Acosta can get her up there in the mid 90's and gets slapped around easily. Frank needs to get that breaking stuff working .

[Edgy MD]

And yet, you can't unmake that decision, as it was set in stone somehow before you took over Collins' body.

[Benjamin Grimm]

Some hints in the Daily News today is that the plan is to have Parnell take over the closer role some time during the summer.

[ashie62]

Use the guy who is willing to enter to the Beastie Boys "Fight for your Right."

[metsmarathon]

a conventional manager chooses rauch, with his 59 career saves. i believe that to be the highest save total of any current met other than the to-be-deposed closer.

the correct choice is probably parnell, who is pitching hte best in the bullpen, with the possible exception of byrdak, and who also allows for growth potential as a future closer.

francisco's peripheral stats indicate that he should be doing better, has possibly been somewhat unlucky, and should bounce back once he's handed hte setup role.

so, um, now that i've made this decision, can, uh, i have my old body back. i don't mind the job as mets manager so much, its just that i'm more comfortable in my own skin, and i really have no idea where terry's skin has been. i'm afraid to touch it.

[Benjamin Grimm]

He's so full of energy that you may receive a shock.