Ruthless Mets gave Julio Teheran no leash and we should love it

Julio Teheran, we hardly knew ye. After an abysmal start for the New York Mets on Monday, the team swiftly sent him into DFA limbo on Tuesday. His contract wasn’t guaranteed so he’ll only receive a prorated amount of the $2.5 million he signed for (already reaching $54K). He’ll continue to get paid for however long he remains in DFA limbo.

Tinactin isn’t even this fast actin’. David Stearns has been brutal with these roster moves. Phil Bickford won his arbitration case but was DFA’d shortly before Opening Day and will only earn a portion of his contract. The Mets signed Michael Tonkin in the offseason and quickly pulled the plug on him. After the excitement for Yohan Ramirez to make the Opening Day roster, he faced a similar fate.

In certain bases, like a daycare or a cookie factory, the ruthlessness in which the Mets have operated might not fly. This is the baseball world of “what have you done for me lately and what can you do for me next time?” It might be the equivalent of pennies the Mets continue to splurge on temporary mercenaries, but at least they’re continuing to improve the team with each dismissal.

David Stearns has shown no patience with the fringe MLB players and we should adore this quality

The quickness in which the Mets DFA’d Teheran seemed almost planned. By the time his turn in the rotation would’ve come around again, they’ll have Jose Butto on the roster ready for action. Joey Lucchesi, who has pitched well in Syracuse, is another consideration as well. Let’s not forget Max Kranick who is working his way back or any of the other highly-anticipated prospects who’ll become available later on this year as they soak their feet.

Compared to Billy Eppler, this is a refreshing glass of lemonade on a summer’s day. He notoriously stuck with “his guys.” Stearns doesn't appear to have a sentimental bone in his body. If he made the Daniel Vogelbach trade, he would’ve sent the former Mets DH packing by June of last season.

Underperforming Mets players should feel a tingle with each bad game. Rather than allow these dogs to roam on a retractable leash, Stearns has them by the collar at arm’s length.

While the Mets certainly won’t dump a guy on a multi-year deal or anything crazy like that, even the higher earners should remain fearful as the season progresses. They, too, could and probably will meet the same fate.

Keeping a player around because of his salary is often done by a front office. How far will Stearns and Company be willing to go for the betterment of this year’s team? Exactly how stonehearted will they remain?