Darren Oliver pitched a scoreless tenth inning last night. He might not be the most memorable former Met, heck he probably isn’t the first name that comes up when discussing the Angels bullpen, but it got me into remembering how important he was during his one year in New York. He also might be one of the most underrated relievers in the game.

The story bears repeating even if you know about it. Oliver was invited to spring training in 2006 as a non roster player. At that point of his career he was an average starter on the downside so even his solid spring didn’t earn him a spot on the 25 man roster. On the way home to Texas, and contemplating retirement, Oliver receives a call from Omar Minaya and was placed on the opening day roster because there were concerns about Victor Zambrano’s health (hamstring). Ironically he took a spot on the roster from Pedro Feliciano, another important cog on that 2006 team.

In a season where Mets starters averaged less than six innings Oliver turned out to be one of the most important components of the bullpen. He was typically asked to come into games early, or pitch deep during extra inning. Nine times that season he went three innings or more. His most famous outing was during Game 3 of the NLCS, a loss, where he pitched six shutout innings and saved the overworked bullpen. It would have been a huge key if the Mets won the series.

Ironically the Mets let him go after that season and Anaheim signed him to a two year deal. Considering that Omar Minaya gave out a 2 year/$5 million dollar contract to steroid abuser Guillermo Mota the 1 year plus option that Oliver received looks like a steal. The Mets bullpen had so many issues in 07′ that both Oliver and Chad Bradford were sorely missed.

I am sure many, like me, thought Oliver had a career year and would revert back to his 5+ ERA in the American League. How wrong I was. Not only has he been successful in Anaheim the last three years, but he’s had the best years statistically of his career. His strikeout rate has doubled from his days as a starter, walks decreased, and advanced statistics indicate it’s not the product of luck. His ERA + the last two years is over 150. In a bullpen that lost Scott Shields to injury and Francisco Rodriguez to free agency Oliver has been as important, if not more, than he was in New York.

Oliver has been non committal about his future. He just turned 39 October 6th, but you have to think he will get a few offers. How about a second lefty out of the New York Mets bullpen in 2010? Sounds like he is having too much fun in LA to come back, but hey stranger things have happened. Just like someone making a team’s roster last minute due to a hamstring strain by a starter. Just imagine how different things could have been for the 06′ Mets, and Oliver, if that didn’t happen.

Tags: Anaheim Angels, Chad Bradford, Darren Oliver, Francisco Rodriguez, Guillermo Mota, Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets, Scott Sheilds, Victor Zambrano