The strength of the bullpen in 2006 is what carried the Mets to 1 out away from the World Series. The weakness of the Mets bullpen is what spelled their demise in 2007. The bullpen will determine the Mets fate in 2008.

Lets see who we know is going to be in the Mets bullpen for the upcoming season:

Billy Wagner-Lock

Aaron Heilman-Lock

Pedro Feliciano-Lock

Scott Schoeneweis-Lock

Duaner Sanchez flourished in New York in 2006 boasting a 5-1 record and a 2.60 ERA. But then, one fateful night when Sanchez decided to paint the town orange and blue, he hopped into a cab. I’m sorry, I need a moment to collect myself.  Sanchez injured his shoulder in an accident ending his season abruptly. Sanchez rehabbed and came back to the Mets lazy and out of shape. He injured his shoulder yet again, ending his 2007 season before it even started. Nevertheless, reports coming out of Port St. Lucie have stated Sanchez has looked excellent, with his velocity being higher than expected. I think it’s safe to assume that if he stays healthy, Sanchez will be the 5th and final “lock” for the Mets bullpen.

This leaves a slew of pitchers vying for 2 spots in the Mets bullpen.

After shockingly earning a roster spot coming out of spring training in 2007, Joe Smith dominated the opposition early on in the season. With his out of the ordinary submarine delivery and a variety of breaking balls, Smith impressed Mets fans. As reliable as he was in April and May (where he compiled a 1.59 ERA), Smith fatigued and in the months that followed Smiths ERA rose to 5.74. If Smith can recapture his former self, look for him to make a strong push for a spot.

Juan Padilla, now here’s a conundrum. Padilla has not pitched in a major league game since 2005. Saying he has a lot to prove is an extreme understatement. When he was up with the Mets, Padilla posted a 1.49 ERA in 36.3 innings. Obviously a small sample but if Padilla can return to that kind of form, he is bound to impress Mets brass.

Jorge Sosa is a reliever turned starter then back to reliever. Sosa did well in his reserve starter role but was overworked by manager Willie Randolph when coming out of the bullpen and Sosa faded down the stretch last year. Since Sosa has the stamina to pitch multiple innings, he may have the inside track as the long man out of the ‘pen.

Now for the newcomers:

Matt Wise- Wise statistically, has been an average to slightly above average reliever throughout his career. He has a career 4.18 ERA in 310 innings. 

Steven Register- Register has never seen a major league game but has pitched one full season in the Rockies AA system. Register went 1-3 with a 4.03 ERA for the Tulsa Drillers. 

Tony Armas Jr.- A former Omar Minaya employee, Armas had a very high ceiling but never really lived up to his potential. He has had an injury plagued past but due to his experience as a starter he may be used as an innings eater out of the ‘pen or just a spot starter.

6 pitchers are competing for 2 spots. Who’s going to get those spots? Your guess is as good as mine.