We found out today that Billy Wagner will be out for the rest of this year, and possible all of next year. Now What?
First of all - I don't think this will make too much of a difference for this season. The Mets have been without him since August 2, and have been doing well. Of course it would be nice to have a dominant closer in the bullpen, but the Mets bullpen has been very good lately. I am sure Mets fans, myself included, still get very nervous towards the ends of games, but things seem to be getting better.
The big question is what to do for next year - all kinds of ideas have been coming out on message boards and blogs. Here are the closer solutions I have seen offered for next year:
K-Rod - I was totally opposed to this a few weeks ago, but the Wagner problem is a game-changer. Suddenly, if money is not a factor, K-Rod is probably the best-available option. I still think he is overrated, but he does seem consistent and reliable. The problem - he will cost big bucks, and the kind of contract he will command is a risk with pitchers getting injured so often... There are other free agent options available too (Fuentes) who could be decent options.
John Maine - I liked this one before, but after reading what people are saying, I agree with the fact the the Mets need starting pitching. However, if they can pick up a couple of starters to join Santana, Pelfrey, and Neise, he could be the best option.
Eddie Kunz - We'll have to see if he is ready - it didn't work out this year, although, he didn't get many chances.
And finally - Aaron Heilman - You've got to be kidding me! After everything this year? How about this - Make Heilman a starter, and move John Maine to the bullpen. I'd like to see him as a starter. His best relief appearances this year were in long relief...
Something tells me Omar is going to find someone to throw money at though, so I am guessing he will look for a solution in the free agent market.
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