As Spring Training narrows to a close in the next week, there are still a few questions up in the air. There are a few options on offense, most notably in Right Field, that could either be waived or optioned to AAA depending on Carlos Beltran's health in the next 5 days. However, more importantly the Mets have a bullpen battle that is coming to an end soon. I think it's great we got a few guys battling it out for the final spots in the bullpen as it brings back an inner-competitive edge to the team, whereas over the last 2 years the club has been very laid back and carefree.
Yesterday reliever Tim Byrdak was added to the 40-man Roster and Mike O'Conner was optioned to the Minors, officially ending the lefty-specialist competition. However there are still two spots open in the Bullpen and the competition is now boiling down to Jason Isringhausen, Pedro Beato and Blaine Boyer. As expected, Beato is currently the favorite to land a spot due to being a Rule 5 draft pick. if he doesn't make the 25-man roster the Mets will have to send him back to the Orioles.
Righty Blaine Boyer has been fairly impressive this spring as well, appearing in 8 games with a 1.00 ERA thus far.
Isringhausen appeared to be in good position to make the team about one week ago, however he has been dealing with inflamation in the same arm he received Tommy John surgery on in 2009, and has stated he will not accept a Minor League assignment if he does not make the team.
David Lennon of Newsday stated that the "locks" in the bullpen thus far are K-Rod, Bobby Parnell, Tim Byrdak and D.J. Carrasco.
Lastly, in a conference call with bloggers on Thursday, GM Sandy Alderson said that righty Pedro Beato was very likely to make the 25-man roster.
