When asked who is most responsible for the Mets bullpen revamping, the names that first come to mind are the obvious K-Rod and J.J. Putz. The two-headed combination of K-Rod and Putz has provided an unrivaled eighth and ninth inning relief combination for the 2009 Mets.
Yet those who remember last season's bullpen debacle know that it was more than just closer and set up that were positions of need. Many leads were lost in the seventh inning as well, as the team was really without anyone who could get both sides of the plate out consistently.
It's still early, and a lot things can change, but it's important to take some time to recognize an unsung, valuable addition to the bullpen who has been great thus far: Sean Green.
Essentially a throw-in in the J.J. Putz deal with the Mariners, Green has been very good in his short stint with the Mets.
So far this year, Green has appeared in seven games, tossing 7.1 innings with only a 2.45 ERA. He has given up eight hits, which may seem high, but he has been able to manage trouble by throwing strikes and only walking 10 and striking out 10.
For a reliever, strikeouts are huge and Green has had no shortage of fanning his fair share of batters. He has picked up two holds so far this year and has proven he can be an everyday reliever and get out both sides of the plate.
Coming over from the AL, Green will benefit from facing easier lineups. Being primarily a groundball pitcher, he should also benefit from Citi Field, which so far has played as a pitchers' park. Beltran in CF will allow Green to take more risks on the mound and get away with not having his best stuff on some days.
No one can top what K-Rod and Putz have done so far. Having a one-two punch like those two will make the later innings of Mets games more bearable for the fans. But it's important to not overlook the all important third man, and bridge to the eighth inning in Sean Green, who in his young Mets career has shown he may provide a lot of value as a throw-in in the Putz deal.
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