Heilman’s future?
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- April
- 1
Willie Randolph just said he could see Aaron Heilman’s future as a closer. “I don’t see why not,’’ Randolph said. “He looks a lot stronger and has a good fastball. I would say that’s a possibility. A good possibility.’’
However, with Billy Wagner in that role and the rotation set, Randolph said the Mets will keep him in his present role. “I don’t think anything will change,’’ Randolph said. “I like him the way he is.’’
Of course, things could change by the end of the 2009 season, which is the last year of Wagner’s contract.
PHOTO: MLB
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on Tuesday, April 1st, 2008 at 5:41 pm by John Delcos.
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Wagner’s contract goes thru ‘09; Yuch. Another one that’s too long. If he falters he won’t go to the 8th inning like a gentleman, like John Franco did. I’m sure he’s bitching already because Willie mentioned someone else could close. I remember in ‘06 he had a fit because Randolph had Bradford get a cheap 3 run lead save.
Well, the big change for after Wagners contract runs out is that Heilmann will have become a FA, and will likely be pitching (either as a SP or a closer) elsewhere.
Is he a FA after 2008 or 2009 though, I can’t remember?
In any case, they will need to lock him up soon with an extension, but are they willing to pay him like a 4th/5th starter or closer (10million per year), even if he is still now a set up guy?
Maybe if Wagner went down and he stepped into (and liked/excelled at) the role they would work out a deal, but I don’t see it happening now.
Wagner was quoted earlier today as saying Heilmann could take over as closer. Of course, he meant after he retired, and was darn good and ready to give up the job!
And no, I doubt Wags would take too kinkly to being demoted to 8th inning duty.
like I said above, Heilmann only gets the job if Wags gets hurt, and that probably isn’t in the best interest of the team! Although probably better than sucking so bad he pitches himself out of the job…
Wagner is behaving as though he really wants to get out. The other day he was hanging around with Bobby Knight instead of working out. I’ve never liked his attitude, but, that’s me. Lastings Milledge was better behaved than Wagner.
For those who say I “hate” Minaya because I am critical of him all the time, I am going to give him a small tip of the hat now: so sit down all yea who think I can only be mean to their pied piper: Minaya did real good keeping FMart in Binghamton which for 2 reasons:
It lets him develop without the Mets wrold wanting him brought to Shea after every good day, and it allows me to see him close up when the B-Mets come to the home of the Curve.
Sloppy I beg to differ on Franco going to the eighth inning role like a gentleman. Did you forget that he got hurt and Benitez was lights out when he replaced him. Franco had no choice but to behave nicely when he returned. Down deep he was never happy.
Also when the Mets signed Wagner he only wanted a three year deal. He has mentioned many times he may retire after three years. I think he full of …. I will say this if the Mets could possibly win the World Series I think Wagner might actually retire otherwise not a chance.
Scott: You may beg to differ if it pleases. However, I do remember, and say that happened to Wagner. He wouldn’t behave. I beleive the only way the Mets win a WS is if Wagner has retired or has been hurt. He sucks in the clutch, just like Benitez (almost).
Wagner would not be effective in any other role. A lot of his success is due to adrenaline. He would not do well in an 8th inning role.
Billie has his flaws but he is still one of the best closers in the game.
yes he’s effective allright. that is, until the most critical games of the season….. To compare him to hitters. Reggie was Mr October and Winfield was Mr May. Well, Billie is Winfield’s brother.
heilman will never close for the mets. obviously management’s plan is to torch his arm to a cinder and cut him lose. 3 innings in the first 2 games? hello…
heilman will be a 35 year old junk ball starter for the red sux someday..