Rays sign Isringhausen: Wilson, Pulsipher next?

February 21, 1:17 AMTampa Bay Rays ExaminerRob Quinn

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Jason Isringhausen, Paul Wilson, and Bill Pulsipher – three names forever linked as a one-time trio of New York Met phenoms. Now, Jason Isringhausen has just signed a minor-league deal with the Rays to compete for a bullpen spot this spring in Port Charlotte.

Does Isringhausen have anything left? Throw out last season, and the guy had saved 30 or more games in seven of the previous eight years. He is not too far removed from being one of the better closers in the National League. The Rays already have a stacked and packed bullpen, so it will be tough for Izzy to make the team, but, like Mary Swanson, we’re saying he has a chance. He joins Adam Kennedy as the second Cardinals’ cast-off the Rays have invited to camp this week.

What of his old mound-mates from the Mets days, though? Ironically enough, Pulsipher once signed with Tampa Bay as a Spring Training invitee – in 2001 – but did not make the team. I think Pulsipher’s career peaked in the minors when he once threw a no-hitter and suddenly became the next Steve Carlton. The Mets made out well with Pulsipher though, eventually getting Mike Kinkade for him, who they eventually traded for Mike Bordick.

So the Mets were able to turn Pulsipher into Mike Bordick. What about former #1 overall pick Paul Wilson? Of course Paul Wilson was traded to the Devil Rays and became a Tampa Bay legend, posting a 15-25 record for the old Devil Rays in three seasons. The Mets got Bubba Trammell and Rick White in the deal. They eventually turned Bubba Trammell into Donnie Wall.

How did Isringhausen find his way out of New York? He was traded to Oakland in 1999 for Bill Taylor. Isringhausen immediately went from being a dud starting prospect to a big-time closer. Taylor, who would also wind up with the Rays, went from being a so-so closer to a complete disaster.

So what’s the final tally for the Mets? That triumvirate of young starters who were supposed to take them to the promised land yielded them a combined 28-40 record before the Mets gave up on all three of them and in return got Mike Bordick, Bill Taylor, Rick White and Donnie Wall.

So now all three of the legendary Mets’ farmhands have now seen time with the Rays. Who would have thought?

Have your own fond memories of these three gifted pitchers? Comment on it.

Questions, other comments, want me to help you move? E-mail me at raysexaminer@live.com