Everyone is talking about the big name closers on this off seasons free agent market. You hear about K-Rod and Brian Fuentes as possible replacements for Billy Wagner. During our Mets Off Season Kickoff Show, Joey DeMayo raised the possibility of Omar Minaya first exploring the trade market before making a splash for the big ticket free agent closers. Today Joel Sherman brought this topic up over at his Hardball Blog.

Sherman brings up names like Manny Corpas, Eric Gagne, and Kevin Gregg as possible players that could be had in one form or another. All three, if they come cheap, are good possibilities for the 6th, 7th or 8th inning, but none remove the “what if” situation that plagued this seasons bullpen. That is why Omar must first explore obtaining a JJ Putz or Huston Street before going the route mentioned in Sherman’s article.

As Howard Megdal pointed out on last night’s show: “The Mets were a 100 win team victimized by the bullpen”. It would be a crime to waste another season of your “in prime stars” for the sake of off setting Billy Wagner’s 09′ salary. I am not advocating throwing insane money at K-Rod, but Fuentes should be very affordable and possibly just as dependable.

In 2006 the Mets took a flier on Chad Bradford, Duaner Sanchez, Darren Oliver, and Pedro Feliciano. Each of those relievers made up arguably the best bullpen in team history. The signing of Billy Wagner that off season ensured that the ninth inning was in the hands of an experienced and dependable closer. After Wagner, everyone else slid into their roles. The Mets can follow that 2006 bullpen blueprint by taking chances on certain pitchers, but not without solidifying the ninth inning. Names such as Gagne, Corpas, and Gregg quite simply do not accomplish that feat.

New ballpark, starving fan base, and a “September Collapse” hanging over their head means a stud closer is non negotiable part of Omar’s off season wish list.

Tags: New York Mets, Omar Minaya