Valverde, Farnsworth not impressing Mets scouts
By Matt Fisher
On Saturday, Bobby Parnell said he was right on track to be the closer for the New York Mets come Opening Day.
Earlier in the off season, the Mets signed veterans Kyle Farnsworth and Jose Valverde as insurance in the event that Parnell suffered any setbacks or was just not ready to go. According to Andy Martino of the New York Daily News, it looks like Terry Collins is going to need to rely on Parnell being as ready as he said he would be.
The early reports from the camp of the Metropolitans is that the two newest bullpen acquisitions aren’t doing much to endear themselves to the staff.
Few VERY early things from #Mets: Scouts unimpressed by Farnsworth, Valverde. Team impressed by Puello, down on Walters' first outing.
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) March 2, 2014
‘Papa Grande’ Jose Valverde is coming off of two astoundingly shaky, on the verge of terrible seasons for the Detroit Tigers. He had actually been signed to a minor league deal for 2013 in the Tigers organization, but the problems in Detroit’s ninth inning resulted in Valverde being called up again. The 35-year old came back to the big league club with a new look, new windup, and new determination, but the results over 20 games resulted in his re-demotion and eventual release from the team. His best season came in 2011, converting 49 of 49 opportunities into saves.
Kyle Farnsworth, 37, saw most of his success with the Tampa Bay Rays. He hasn’t closed a game since 2011, and pitched for the Rays and the Pirates last season, having been released by the Rays in August before signing in Pittsburgh. In 48 games, Farnsworth had a 4.70 ERA in 38.1 innings pitched.