Manny Acosta Makes Final Bullpen Spot?

According to The New York Times, the Mets have asked Jason Isringhausen to stay back in Port St. Lucie to further build up his arm strength. Additionally, they have asked Blaine Boyer to consider a minor-league assignment, rather than exercising his option to become a free agent. Earlier in the day, Pat Misch was placed on waivers.

These moves mean that Manny Acosta makes the team, filling the final bullpen spot. This decision should please MetsToday’s occasional guest columnist Matt Himelfarb.

Per The Times, Isringhausen is open to staying in Florida — and why not? His training regimen started when he reported to Port St. Lucie, after tooling around in softball games, so he knows he’s probably not in shape to pitch against MLB hitters on a regular basis. Further, posed with the option of staying in sunny Florida for a few extra weeks to get in shape or hanging out in the bullpen during the cold, wet, winterlike conditions the New York area will experience in early April, and the decision is easy — stay warm!

As for Boyer, it will be interesting to see what he decides to do. The Mets were concerned that the flamethrowing, gopherballing Acosta would be claimed by another team if exposed to waivers. But, Boyer has proven this spring to be healthy and just as effective — plus, he has a history of success prior to his arm problems. If a team would claim Acosta, then one would assume there is a team out there that would pick up Boyer if he made himself available. Time will tell.