4 underrated Mets relievers since 2010

2. New York Mets Pitcher, Bobby Parnell

Bobby Parnell is another name who doesn't get the recognition he deserves for the time he spent in a Mets uniform. When Parnell first came up to the Major Leagues in 2008, he was known as a flame-throwing right-hander, who had issues with control. However, Parnell continued to work on his craft, and by 2010 had not only gotten better with his control, but with the improved control, he also became a much more effective reliever.

According to Baseball-Reference, Parnell threw 331.2 innings in his Mets career, in which he registered 293 strikeouts, a 3.78 ERA, and 37 saves. Unfortunately for Parnell, injuries piled up throughout his Mets career, taking away from what could have been an even better career. During his career, he missed time due to: elbow inflammation, a clot in his finger, a torn UCL, a herniated disc, and arm fatigue.

However, before his time with the Mets came to a close, he showed the makings of what could've been a high-quality close in New York. In his best season in Flushing in 2013, Parnell recorded 22 saves, while registering a 2.16 ERA in 50 innings, in his age-28 season. But, after being named the closer to begin the next season, Parnell pitched on Opening Day, and in that game he tore his UCL, and then required Tommy John surgery.

While he did return the next season for the Mets, he was not the same pitcher he once was, as his velocity couldn't reach anywhere close to the levels it once did, and without the velocity, Parnell was not nearly as effective. However, Mets fans should remember him for the talented pitcher he was prior to the injury, not what he was afterward, after all, he was not only just a solid closer but he also was one of the first pitchers to consistently throw over 100 MPH.

3. New York Mets Pitcher, LaTroy Hawkins

Of all the pitchers on this list, the one whose time with the Mets being a success was the most surprising was easily LaTroy Hawkins. That is not to say that he was not a good pitcher before arriving in New York, rather it is the fact that Hawkins was 40 years old when he wore a Mets uniform, and yet had one of the best seasons of his career.

Not only was Hawkins 40-years old when he signed with the Mets, but he was only signed to a minor league deal, so making the roster wasn't even a guarantee. However, after Parnell went down with an injury, Hawkins stepped into the closer role, and impressed when called upon.

According to Baseball-Reference, Hawkins went 3-2 in a Mets uniform, while tallying 70.2 innings pitched, 13 saves, and a 1.146 WHIP. Hawkins served as a bright spot for the Mets that year along with Matt Harvey, David Wright, and hosting the All-Star Game. Aside from that, Mets fans didn't have an awful lot to cheer for, as the team missed the playoffs and went 74-88.

Hawkins' success in a Mets uniform is very rarely talked about, but it should be as he was a highly effective member of their bullpen, despite being 40-years old. His successful year in New York also prolonged his career, as he was able to sign a contract with the Rockies to be their closer, and played two more seasons after leaving Flushing,

4. New York Mets Pitcher, Vic Black

Unlike the other options on this list, Vic Black only gave Mets fans a glimpse of his potential. Vic Black was acquired by the Mets, along with Dilson Herrera, when the team traded Marlon Byrd and John Buck to the Pittsburgh Pirates. While Mets fans had high hopes for Herrera, he never amounted to much, and it was actually Vic Black who was the better piece that came out of the trade.

According to Baseball Reference, Black only pitched in two seasons with the Mets, while tallying 47.2 innings pitched, with a 2.83 ERA, a 5-3 record and 44 strikeouts. While that may not be lengthy track record, the numbers were impressive over the short period of time, and Mets fans had high hopes for him to be an integral piece of the bullpen.

However, in 2014 he suffered a pinched nerve in his neck, herniated a disc in his neck, and strained his shoulder. The combination of injuries was enough for the Mets to shut him down for the season, in hopes of getting him back the next season. However, when he was healthy the next season he never made it past AAA, as he was a shell of his former self, and was not the same pitcher he was prior to the injury.

Black serves as a what could have been story for Mets fans as he was a young, talented right hander who could've served as an integral part of the teams bullpen for the next several years. Instead, the injury robbed him of velocity and movement, thus essentially ending Black's career

Clearly, while the Mets bullpen has featured some big names over the last decade, they also have several players who made key contributions that don't receive the credit they deserve. These are just a few of the Mets who had some huge moments in their time with the Mets over the past decade.