This article written by Rising Apple Staff Writer, Dan Haefeli.
June 05, 2011; Flushing, NY, USA; The New York Mets logo behind home plate before a game against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. The Mets defeated the Braves 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Andrew B. Fielding-USA TODAY Sports
To open the show, Sam, Kevin, and Dan discussed the rumors connecting former San Francisco Giants closer Brian Wilson to the Mets’ bullpen. They looked into whether the Mets would be wise to offer Wilson a major league contract; and if so, how that deal could be structured. Certainly adding a pitcher of Wilson’s ability would represent a significant improvement to the [less than] Amazin’ bullpen, but questions still linger regarding that ability after his second Tommy John surgery and how serious Sandy Alderson will pursue Wilson after being rumored to be unimpressed with Wilson’s workout last week.
Highlighting a recent interview with Mets pitcher Matt Harvey, they discussed something that may be sneaking up on plenty of people – the quality of the Mets’ rotation. Despite the loss of Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey, the rotation still carries plenty of potential on the arms of Johan Santana, Matt Harvey, Jonathon Niese, and Dillon Gee. While the team looks to sign a veteran starter to add quality innings to the major league rotation, the eventual promotion of Zack Wheeler represents a significant step forward in terms of the Mets’ ability to compete in an increasingly-competitive National League East.
In the final few minutes or so, the recent arbitration filings of Daniel Murphy, Ike Davis, and Bobby Parnell are discussed. The somewhat significant salary increase (from a combined $1.6 million to a projected $7.5 million) doesn’t seem significant considering their contributions in 2012, but questions remain regarding whether or not they fit as long-term pieces. If so, should the Mets consider long-term extensions to keep them cost-controlled for the future? Should the team work to settle with the three to avoid a potential media outfall? The Mets have done well to avoid arbitration for several years, would it be wise for them to do so again?
The Rising Apple Report: Will The Beard Make Landfall in Flushing?
Topics: Brian Wilson, Matt Harvey, New York Mets, Rising Apple Report
Matt is a 25 year old college admissions counselor and has been involved in baseball his entire life. He's had many different relationships with sports; he played through college and was invited to a professional tryout, grew up a diehard Mets fan, and has his bachelor's and master's degree in Sport Management. He would eventually like to turn sports writing into his full-time profession. In addition to being the editor of Rising Apple, Matt also contributes to his personal site periodically, http://on-the-way-home.org; to keep up with all his posts, follow him on Twitter.
All NY Sports
Atlanta Braves
Brooklyn Nets
Miami Marlins
New York Mets
New York Knicks
New York Jets
New York Giants
New York Yankees
New York Rangers
New York Islanders
Philadelphia Phillies
Washington Nationals
