8/3/08

The Mets need to call up Eddie Kunz

If the Mets were unsure whether or not to call up AA pitching prospect Eddie Kunz before last night's game, they must know what they have to do now.

Short of the bullpen staff making a sign that read "Omar, promote Kunz now! (Hi Mom!)," they could not send a clearer sign to the front office that they need help. They need reinforcements, and they need them now.

I think it's time for the Mets to wise up and send Duaner Sanchez to the DL. His velocity seems to be dropping with every appearance. The newest Met, Daniel Murphy, saved his butt with a beautiful jumping grab at the wall and eventual double play, or the game might not have gotten to Billy Wagner (not that it mattered, because Wagner blew the save anyway).

Sanchez, who spent a year and a half out of baseball rehabbing his injured shoulder, seems to have hit a wall. It makes sense, as he hasn't thrown this much in two years and his stamina just isn't there. It works on the same reasoning that the Mets don't want Mike Pelfrey to top 180 innings.

Pelfrey's arm is young and fresh, but it's not used to throwing this much. Same thing with Sanchez. The promotion of Kunz would give Sanchez precious time off to both rest his arm and strengthen it.

Both games in Houston have seen a bullpen implosion, costing the Mets the game. A move needs to be made, and promoting internally is the only way to do it. The bullpen market is slim and the player would have to pass through waivers as it is.

Promote Kunz now.