First, I think we can all admit Adkins has not pitched well this spring, and that was before today’s first inning. However, he’s a veteran and has had success, and there exists the chance he can work his problems out.
Second, I think we can all admit the Mets have some pitching problems, both in the rotation and in the bullpen.
Based on performance, Adkins shouldn’t be here and Joe Smith should. However, Adkins is out of options and with the way pitching is these days, he probably won’t clear.
If they option Smith and keep Adkins both will be in the organization. If they release Adkins and keep Smith, then they probably will keep one.
One or two? I don’t think there’s much of a decision.
5 Comments
Considering that Burgos, Udaneta & Sosa are in the minors waiting for a chance and that Mota will be back after 50 games, I just don’t see the big need for keeping Adkins, out of optons or no. Smith, as a right handed specialist, fills a need created by the departure of ChadBrad; Adkins doesn’t offer any specific situational advantage beyond his average major league experience. Big deal if another team may claim him; he has the least upside out of any reliever left in camp.
And by success you mean a 3.98 ERA which is nice but it was the only time he’s ever had an ERA even close to being under 4, and that’s just barely.
I just don’t think he’s been impressive at all. You know how there are some guys that might get knocked around but you “see” something in them, pitchers that look better than the box scores make them appear, guys that throw the ball well and look impressive, well, Jon Adkins is NOT one of those guys.
Nothing I’ve seen in Spring Training, and the very few times I’ve managed to see him when he was in Chicago and San Diego, he just doesn’t seem impressive.
It seems like some sort of unreasonable loyalty is given to this guy. Oh well, if they wanna bring him up north that’s cool but no offense, I don’t think he’d last too long…
Is Adkins really that likely not to clear waivers? Just like the Mets, whoever would claim him would have to put him on the major league roster. Would that really happen?
Adkins has given up 17 runs—15 earned—in 13 innings.
He may make it through waivers….
i gonna take the unpopular point and say they should keep adkins over smith. 1st off, whichever 1 is kept will most likely be pitching in mopup duty or when the other team is just plain hot. do you want a rookie to take the beating and ruin his confidense or the vet whos used to it? smith has looked good, but he has hit a lot of batters this spring as well. with the spot in the pen he would have if he stayed, id say it would do more good to give him some more seasoning than subject him to mop up duty.