The Mets didn’t do too much to their roster this off-season, bringing back the same team mostly, but they did change the look of their bullpen.
They didn’t necessarily make the moves to improve the bullpen, instead letting go of a major piece and a surprisingly efficient reliever.
Pedro Feliciano was not re-signed, as he went to the crosstown Yankees after spending the last five seasons in the Mets bullpen. The surprising Hisanori Takahashi was not re-signed either, heading to the Los Angeles Angels.
Those are two big pieces that are no longer with the team, and by losing Takahashi, the Mets lose out on a lot of flexibility. Takahashi was the type of pitcher who could pitch in any role. He would start games and relieve in all situations, including as a closer.
So with these two pitchers not returning, how does the 2011 Mets bullpen look? Here’s a breakdown of the role each reliever will be taking.