JC Romero Released

The Phillies have DFA’d LOOGY J.C. Romero. Would the Mets be interested in picking him up?

While Tim Byrdak has been effective recently, I’m not sure he’ll keep it up. Further, it wouldn’t kill the Mets to have another LOOGY in the ‘pen, particularly when they have to face that team with the red hats and players named Howard and Utley.

Romero’s stats are not that great, and though he’s always had control issues, his walks are way up — 12 in only 16 innings. But there is a major reason for his ineffectiveness: he’s faced 45 righthanded hitters and 28 lefties. The RHs are hitting .297 with an .867 OPS against him; the LHs are at .208 / .530.

I always prefer a pitcher who can get hitters of both sides out, but the Mets have had trouble finding lefties who can get anyone out; Romero has proven he can at least retire lefthanded hitters. Used exclusively in that role, he could be effective.

What do you think? Should the Mets consider Romero?

Joe Janish began MetsToday in 2005 to provide the unique perspective of a high-level player and coach -- he earned NCAA D-1 All-American honors as a catcher and coached several players who went on to play pro ball. As a result his posts often include mechanical evaluations, scout-like analysis, and opinions that go beyond the numbers. Follow Joe's baseball tips on Twitter at @onbaseball and at the On Baseball Google Plus page.
  1. jim June 17, 2011 at 11:37 am
    Well, he can be had cheap, and Byrdak is not a sure thing. But who to get rid of?
    • FrankTaveras June 17, 2011 at 12:41 pm
      I nominate Carrasco and Acosta to take a demotion. They both stink.
  2. daxmontana June 17, 2011 at 11:44 am
    i think we have enough intiials-as-first-namers on the staff as it is, thank you very much.

    Also, i’m opposed to picking up intra-divisional trash. the dropping team always seems to get a good chuckle out of the situation. See Luis Castill, Spring Training 2011.

  3. izzy June 17, 2011 at 12:47 pm
    Hey, an Alderson type of guy and his PED suspension is complete unlike Ronny Paulino. JC and Ronny could room together and talk about how they got caught.
  4. Mic June 18, 2011 at 9:41 am
    I say yes. And bye to Acosta.