Terry Collins wants Bobby Parnell to be prepared to be the closer in 2015, but isn't against staying with the hot hand.
During Saturday's first full team workout, Terry Collins was very candid about his plans for the upcoming campaign.
One of the important issues on Collins's plate is who the Mets will have closing ballgames in 2015. Bobby Parnell, who is coming off of Tommy John surgery, will miss the first two or three weeks of the regular season. In Parnell's last season, 2013, he saved 22 of 26 games in 50 innings of work with a 2.16 ERA.
Collins has told Parnell to prepare to be the closer when he returns from injury, according to Jared Diamond. But Collins didn't shy away from the idea of another pitcher having that role, saying that he would stick with the hot hand if that turned out to be the case.
Last season, the Mets saw the emergence of Jenrry Mejia as a closing option. Mejia, in a season in which he transitioned from starter to closer, had a 3.65 ERA in 93.2 innings pitched with 28 saves.
Jeurys Familia also took a giant step forward, adding another option to close in case Parnell isn't in top shape right away.