K-Rod might not be the answer...

I have been promoting the go get K-Rod, but I have noticed a couple of  things during the playoffs. He is not as overpowering as we all thought, though he has saved more games than the whole Mets bullpen this year. The other problem is he will demand a high price tag because of his new saves record. The Mets have to be careful here and even though he is 26 he might have arm problems down the road. He has a violent delivery (hurky jerky) that could develop problems sooner than later.

One other alternative is to build within as Eddie Kunz and Robert Parnell continue to develop. The Mets probably think that since they have a new ballpark in place, they better set the standards high in order to make a big splash in NYC and sell some tickets. Kunz pitched well in Double A and was the Binghamton closer. He came up but never really got the shot in the bullpen. He came into a couple of games and did not prove that he can fill a void that was desperately needed. Parnell showed some promise in the games that he pitched, with his fastball that was clocked in the mid 90's he looked like he can be closer material. The Mets only had Heilman who can throw as hard as Parnell this year (after Billy went down) and maybe Parnell can get a chance at closer or a bigger role in 2009.

The Mets can try another source in free agency to get closer in Brian Fuentes. Who was coverted by the Mets this year at the trade deadline, but the Rockies were unwilling to part because they thought they had a playoff chance. A couple of things that I can say about Fuentes is he will be much cheaper and he will replace the lefty arm that they had in Billy Wagner. He hides the ball well from his delivery and if he can pitch well in Colorado, he would certainly pitch well in a unelevated playing surface in Citi-Field. Shea Stadium was a good pitchers park, lets hope that Citi-Field remains the same.....

What it comes down to is this: Do the Mets make the big splash to get the big market free agent in Rodriquez? or Do they save themselves some money in which they can spend on other needs? The Final answer is the Mets need a closer, they just have to find one that fits them best!