Monday, March 11, 2013
Parnell's job to keep?
By Jason Catania
It's no secret the New York Mets bullpen wasn't good last year, part of the problem stemming from an uneven performance in the ninth inning, which trickled down to the seventh and eighth. But is the club's new closer also the long-term answer?
Mets manager Terry Collins named Bobby Parnell as his fill-in closer last month, since Frank Francisco has been battling ongoing elbow issues. Fact is, though, as the Post's Dan Martin writes, Parnell may wind up keeping the job permanently, as long as he pitches well.
"If Bobby's doing well," pitching coach Dan Warthen said, "he's gonna keep doing it."
The Mets also signed Brandon Lyon this winter, and the veteran right-hander has closing experience, so Parnell will need to prove he can get it done in the ninth. A good sign he can? Last year, Parnell posted a career-best 2.49 ERA and was especially effective over the final month -- 0.60 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and going 3-for-3 on saves -- after taking over the closer role while Francisco was out.
