Five Long-term Solutions for Closers

A few days ago, I posted here about five options the Mets need to consider to fill their hole at closer. They are all free agent options, but the Mets only need a short-term answer for this void. They have several key options for a longer-term.

Of the dozen or so players throughout the farm system that could develop into something special at the back end of the Mets bullpen, here are five names you may not know that have a good chance at this point. As before, this is in no particular order.

Dale Thayer: Thayer was called up twice this season to the Mets. While there, he under-performed. He posted a 3.48 ERA in 10.1 innings. He was much more dominant in Buffalo,

however. In AAA, he had a 2.66 ERA with 21 saves in 54 games overall. He had 66 strikeouts to just 15 walks or a four to one clip.

That ratio was certainly good enough to earn him a spot in the Mets bullpen for next year. If he is like Nick Evans and just needs playing time to warm up, he could solidify that position for

the next few years.

Rhiner Cruz: In just 38 games at Binghamton, Cruz posted seven saves. His 4.14 ERA is not an indication of a lack of talent in the role, but rather simply a period of adjustment to a higher level of competition. He had a 2.77 ERA in St Lucie.

If he continues to show improvement and adjust to better hitters, he could develop into that 9th inning option in Queens for years to come. At just 25, he's still young and he's still in need of time to mature as a pitcher. Cruz could be on pace for a 2013 siting at Citi Field. It all depends on how he develops.

Josh Edgin: Edgin was promoted during the season from Savannah to St Lucie. Between both teams, he totaled 27 saves (16 in Savannah and 11 in St Lucie). He posted a 1.50 ERA bet-

ween both stops. He posted 76 strikeouts to 23 walks in 66 innings.

That three to one ratio is exactly what teams look for in a dominant closer. As he continues to hone his skills, he could develop into what the Mets have needed for so long. He has the potential to be in Queens by 2013 if he continues his current pace.

Jack Leathersich: This man is young (21) and raw. He has pitched nine games at Brooklyn and has one save to show for it. His 0.71 ERA was a good start for a young career. The team sees him as a viable option down the road. He may move up the system quickly and we could see him in 2014 if all goes well for him.

Ryan Fraser: Of all these options, Fraser may have the farthest road to get to the Mets. He pitched in Savannah this season, mostly as a starter. He posted not so great numbers, but in the minors, it's not really about the numbers. His 3.58 ERA is deceiving. As is his 7-9 record and his 90 strikeouts in 138.1 innings.

He does have one save this year. The team has started to learn where he is most useful. As he settles into the role of closer in the minors, he will only get better. He could reach the Mets by 2014 or 2015 at the latest.

Mets Analysis – 2012 Full Season Relievers

Josh Edgin – It’s hard to think that someone could have a better year than Josh had in 2011. Savannah stats were: 24-G, 0.87, 0.77, 2.26-BABIP, 1.85-FIP. He followed this in St. Lucie with: 24-G, 1.57, 1.19, .307, 2.95. I expect him to start off in Binghamton, but this soon to be 25-year old could move quickly up the chain. Looks like a real find.

Brad Holt – First of all, this could be a moot point if the Mets don’t protect Holt in the Rule V… err, okay… FIVE Draft. I’m assuming here that they will. You’re not going to see great 2011 stats here. His relief ERA was 4.09, while he posted 5.04 as a starter. The good news was his K/BB ration as a reliever… 35-K/33.0-IP. My hope is thye protect him and let him try this again at the AA-level. There’s no rush for a reliever.

Nick Carr – Speaking of no rush for a reliever, all the Mets have to do is figure out a way to keep Carr healthy and they have a live one here. Carr has already been in the system for six years, but has only pitched in 120 games. A failed starter, he had outstanding numbers this year at three levels (30-appearances, 3-0, 2.27, 39.2-IP, 41-K, 20-BB). Carr still sits in the high 90s and will play 2012 as a 25-year old. Look for him to be in Binghamton.

Jeff Kaplan – Kaplan spent most of the season in St. Lucie (45-G, 3.45, 44-K, 24-BB, ,57-1-IP), but did appear in Binghamton as well (3-G). He had an incredible April in which he went 0.71, 1-ER, 12.2-IP, in 11 games. Things blew up in May (5.28) and June (9.39), but he finished up the season strong. All Kaplan has to do is be a ittle more consistent and cut down on the walks. Another Binghamton reliever in April.

Jack Leathersich – Leathersich signed late this year and only got into nine games for the Cyclones, but made one hell of an impression: 12.2-IP, 26-K, 0.71-ERA. Jack’s a college boy, so he should be ready for a full schedule team. I’m expecting to see him in Savannah this season.