The New York Mets have agreed to terms with free agent pitcher Kelvim Escobar on a one-year deal. The 33-year old pitcher is a 12-year major league veteran who has had success as a starting pitcher and as a reliever. The Mets will likely use him as a setup man for closer Francisco Rodriguez.
When healthy, Escobar is an extremely talented pitcher who is able to switch seamlessly from the rotation to the bullpen and back, sometimes all within the timeframe of one season. The problem thus far has been Escobar’s relative inability to stay healthy. Over the past 4 seasons he’s only stayed healthy for 2 full campaigns, and a serious shoulder injury suffered in 2008 looked like it may end his career. He came back to make 1 start in 2009 however, and the Mets believe he can contribute in a bullpen role where he won't be required to throw as many innings as he would have to if her were starting.
I like these types of low-risk, high-reward signings. If Escobar stays healthy, the Mets will have themselves an excellent set up man who knows the reliever mentality and has a nasty fastball, curveball, and splitter combination that will counter Rodriguez's changeup nicely. If he can't get on the field, no big deal. The contract value likely won't be too much to swallow, and in one year they will cut ties completely.
Comments