It's all about the pen

The Mets have a playoff caliber rotation, solid defense and while the offense tends to drive you crazy when the injured return along with plugging in call up guys it's enough.

But this bullpen, as it's currently constructed is not going to get it done in late Sept. and Oct. (if were there). Looking into the minors we don't have a stud waiting to dominate the majors, Muniz and Kunz were projected closers. At 27 y/o Muniz is starting to look like a flop and Kunz just isn't ready. The Mets could promote Parnell or Niese but I'd be surprised if they'd have any better results then Kunz jumping levels this late in the season, in a pennant race.

Beyond that the Zephyrs are using journeyman Nate Field as their closer, the 32 y/o righty has 13 saves with an ERA 4.68, in the majors he has a career 5.12 ERA in 89 games over six seasons ( Royals, Rockies, Marlins). Willie Collazo, Ruddy Lugo and Brandon Knight have been called up to mixed results as starters and relievers.

Ricardo Rincon who is a 38 y/o LOOGY and once dominant relievers in the Indians and A's pen. Rincon has a lifetime 3.58 ERA but last year missed the season and the year before had injury problems while struggling in St. Louis. He is currently pitching in the Mexican league with an ERA of 3.82 in 35 innings, the Diablos are in the Mexican league WS and when it's finished he can return if the Mets want him.

Joel Sherman today takes a look at who has made it through waivers and is available for trade. The Mets aren't interested in Jamie Walker, Eric Gagne or David Riske. Of the three, I was hoping during the off- season the Mets would sign Riske who is still owed 10 mil and is pitching to an ERA of 3.96 as the Brewers set-up man. David Weathers would make alot of sense but he's a type B free agent and the Reds would want too much in return.....

Bill Madden believes Huston Street and possibly Brian Fuentes have cleared waivers but both would cost more then the team is willing to pay.

For his part, Minaya has to hope Wagner's loss can be filled from within because, as he said, "there are few other options" on the outside. Although no closers were dealt at the trading deadline, only Oakland's Huston Street is believed to have cleared waivers. And even though Street is having a subpar season, A's GM Billy Beane is going to want premium prospects back for him. Same thing for Colorado's Brian Fuentes, a free agent after the season who may also have cleared, but is probably not going to be moved. The Rockies have said all along they would have to be overwhelmed rather than just take the two No.1 draft picks as compensation for Fuentes. That's Minaya's dilemma. The price for a closer from outside is prohibitive and, besides, he has pretty much tapped the Mets' system of the kind of prospects it would take to land one. source Daily News

One report has the team putting in claims on anyone who becomes available and in another a quote of Omar admitting they're closely evaluating available relievers. I've said this since he was placed on waivers and now that he's a free agent AL Reyes makes the most sense.......