Right now, duct tape is holding the New York Mets’ starting rotation together. So, what should the Mets do? Perhaps look to independent baseball for reinforcements.
The Somerset Patriots’ Mark Leiter has pitched well in the SOMERSET Professional Baseball Series. The former major league righty has posted a 1-1 record with a 1.88 ERA and .172 batting against in five-game starts in 24 innings of work. Yes, I know, Leiter’s impressive numbers are a world away from doing it on a major league mound.
But would they have to lose by adding Leiter–son of former MLB pitcher Mark Leiter Sr. and nephew of ex-MLB hurler and notable Met and Yankee southpaw Al Leiter–as rotation depth?
With Noah Syndergaard out for the season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, and Marcus Stroman opting out due to Coronvirus concerns, the Mets could not afford to lose any starters.
Add in injury uncertainties to Jacob deGrom, Michael Wacha, and David Peterson, and things are not looking bright for New York’s staff.
The Mets have not committed to starting pitcher beyond Robert Gsellman–a recent rotation convert who is only built to last 3-4 innings right now– who climbs the bump tonight against the Miami Marlins.
Bare with me. I am just spitballing. The Mets have added right-handed pitcher Matthew Allen, their No. 5 prospect, to their 60-man player pool. But he is only 19 years old, so that’s not a viable option at the moment.
Therefore, New York needs to do something and fast.
— Jerry Del Priore
NY NJ Sports World/Brooklyn Sports World 