Hisanori Takahashi has opened some eyes with his spring performance. As mentioned before, he has thrown six shutout innings while striking out nine in the Grapefruit League. Many, including me, have him penciled in as the long man in the bullpen. It’s the same type of role that Darren Oliver performed so well in back in 2006. This would allow the team to navigate ballgames with a rotation short on length. On last nights show, Howard Megdal of SNY threw out another idea: how about Takahashi as the fifth starter?

When talking about the Mets fifth spot it normally is a discussion about Jonathan Niese or Fernando Nieve. Even Nelson Figueroa, possibly the best one of all, is forgotten. So why would it make sense to throw Takahashi into that conversation? Well, Howard’s first point was the second lefty out of the bullpen. Takahashi is not a situational lefty as his splits in NPB baseball indicate he is better against RHP. The fact remains the Mets are going to need to get out a tough lefty more than once in a ballgame, especially if the opposition is Philadelphia. Putting Takahashi in the bullpen eliminates the ability to sign a second lefty, like Joe Beimel, to a contract. “Perpetual Pedro” Feliciano might benefit from some help every once in a while.

Howard also pointed out that Nelson Figueroa might be a great long man out of the bullpen. I always saw Fernando Nieve as an option for that role, but he might be best suited for a short stint where he could maximize his velocity. Perhaps with Takahashi in the rotation you could keep both Figueroa and Nieve who do not have options.

What about Jonathan Niese? Personally, I haven’t been impressed with the kid so far this spring. I think he could use some time in AAA to recover from the hamstring injury (he was still hurting as late as January) and work on some of the positive results he produced late in 2009. He could also be brought up if Takahashi flops. I see no need to rush Niese to the big leagues.

It’s an interesting idea by Howard, but thus far the Mets haven’t discussed Takahashi in the rotation. Even so, his three inning stints make it possible he could be stretched out for such a role as we move to the back half of the Grapefruit League. We know that Jerry Manuel likes him, but what role would he be suited best? The rotation may not be the worst place.



Mike Silva is a freelance writer and radio host since March of 2007. This website is his own personal "digest" of New York Baseball He's also hosts NYBD Radio on Blog Talk Radio and 1240 AM WGBB. Check out his sports media commentary at www.sportsmediawatchdog.com. Check out his official website, www.mikesilvamedia.com

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Tags: Fernando Nieve, Hisanori Takahashi, Joe Beimel, Jonathan Niese, Nelson Figueroa, New York Mets, Pedro Feliciano