The other way to deal with starters who don't go long is to have relievers who throw multiple innings, which is why Butto and Hauser are in the pen. Neither is very good (Hauser too many hits, Butto too many walks), but they are both better than Diekman, Garrett, Ottavion (and Orze who will soon go down to AAA)
Butto has looked good in limited relief opportunities. Use him more! The starter and finisher model (the second pitcher is a 'starter' who can go 3-4 and finish), has not been tried enough in MLB and Mets baseball. The St. Louis model of using Triple AAA starters who are running close to innings limits and having him pitch 1-2 innings 2-3 x per week in Majors is also a great option.
Lindor and Nimmo have been amazing and really carrying the offense with JD slumping and Pete having a mediocre season. I like what I’ve seen from Nunez and Butto. Hopefully Maton can be another reliable arm. DFA Otto and Diekman.
The other way to deal with starters who don't go long is to have relievers who throw multiple innings, which is why Butto and Hauser are in the pen. Neither is very good (Hauser too many hits, Butto too many walks), but they are both better than Diekman, Garrett, Ottavion (and Orze who will soon go down to AAA)
The mantra that the bullpen is over-worked is not supported by empirical evidence.
Met relievers have pitched the 17th most innings in MLB;
on a per game basis Mets relievers are 15th at 3.60 innings per game.
They are not over-worked - they are just not very good for one simple reason:
they walk too many batters.
Reed Garrett is not over-worked. He has thrown the 31st most innings among relievers in MLB
He has walked 22 in 42 innings
Diekman has walked 22 in 26 innings
This is not due to over-work - this is in line with their prior years, as they are simply not any good
The over-worked narrative needs to go
Drew Smith was not overworked - he was never any good.
Brooks Raley was not over-worked - just what happens to 37-year olds.
The startes could go longer, and they have recently and they will when 6-man takes hold
They need better relievers;
there is no way Ottavion, Garrett, or Diekman should be on the Mets if we hope to contend.
Butto has looked good in limited relief opportunities. Use him more! The starter and finisher model (the second pitcher is a 'starter' who can go 3-4 and finish), has not been tried enough in MLB and Mets baseball. The St. Louis model of using Triple AAA starters who are running close to innings limits and having him pitch 1-2 innings 2-3 x per week in Majors is also a great option.
Lindor and Nimmo have been amazing and really carrying the offense with JD slumping and Pete having a mediocre season. I like what I’ve seen from Nunez and Butto. Hopefully Maton can be another reliable arm. DFA Otto and Diekman.
Bader has been outstanding...no matter that little flub in the field last night.