Why the Mets Bullpen Is Important For Their Success

This season the New York Mets are going to have to rely deeply on their bullpen to prevent a third straight collapse from happening.

Last year, the Mets blew over 30 save opportunities, while the Phillies blew none, which was the main difference between the two teams and was the reason why the Mets didn't go to the playoffs.

However, times have changed in Flushing, as Omar Minaya quickly decided to fix up this problem, to allow the Mets to succeed next season and to put some hope into the fan base.

On December 10, 2008, the Mets signed Francisco Rodriguez (K-Rod), to replace Billy Wagner, who had Tommy John surgery several months earlier. The next day, the Mets traded away Aaron Heilman (who many considered to be the worst reliever in the bullpen) Endy Chavez, and Joe Smith for Seattle Mariners closer JJ Putz, Sean Green, and Jeremy Reed.

On December 12, the Mets got rid of Scott Schoeneweis to Arizona. Schoeneweis, who lost the Mets their last game of the year and blew several other huge games in September, was another problem from the year before during their first collapse. 

Mets manager Jerry Manuel said he was excited about the acquisitions, and he named Rodriguez as closer, and Putz as setup man, but Putz would get his fair share of save attempts. Also, Sean Green (who was acquired in the Putz trade), would become the seventh-inning man, and setup for K-Rod and Putz.

The Mets also got rid of relievers Luis Ayala (through free agency) and released Duaner Sanchez during Spring Training. Sanchez was the set up man for Billy Wagner in 2006, which was the last time the Mets went to the playoffs, but he got into a car accident in Miami in July of 2006 and he never fully recovered.

Currently, the Mets have Pedro Feliciano, Bobby Parnell, Darren O'Day, and Brian Stokes, along with Green, Putz, and Rodriguez as the members of the bullpen. All these guys know they could be under huge pressure from the New York media if they lose the team enough games. 

Also, news came out several days ago that former closer Billy Wagner is recovering quickly in his rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery, which could become another huge boost to the team, as he could be a mid-to-late inning reliever and strengthen the bullpen even more.

Finally, the 2009 New York Mets know this could be their year to win the World Series.

All of them know the pressure that comes with the expectations for success this year, and they all know that they must succeed this year to fulfill the expectations.

Finally, the 2009 New York Mets know that with the new bullpen, added to the already strong team that they have this season, anything but a World Series will be a disappointment for this team.