Release Bobby Parnell NOW!!! Move Izzy To the 8th Inning

    It would more than appear that the time for the experiments are over. It does not matter that it's only 10 games into the regular season. It does not matter what Terry Collins says about Bobby Parnell being his setup man. Let's face it - the fact of the matter is that Parnell is not the man to get the job done, and it's time to quickly turn the page, before this disintegrates into something very ugly. Now is the time to promote Jason Isringhausen, even with only one day on the job for the New York Mets.

    To say the least, Parnell has not distinguished himself at all as a Met, certainly not in a good way. In 2008, Parnell made 68 appearances, to the tune of a 5.30 earned run average. Last year, Parnell was at least able to hold his own, but now this season -- in only 4 appearances, Parnell's ERA has ballooned again, this time to 8.31, and climbing.

    Now is the time for Mets GM Sandy Alderson to show not just the fan base, but himself and Mets ownership that he is serious about turning this team and this franchise into a winner, at least someday, anyway. It can start with the immediate release of Parnell, instead of wasting time by "weighing options". Some people will point to Heath Bell, and the mistake that former GM Omar Minaya made by letting him loose to be a league leader in saves with the Padres. First, I never really looked at it as a bad move, as I was never a fan of Bell's. Second, Bobby Parnell is no Heath Bell, case closed.

    Now is the time to make a statement. Now is the time to make the necessary changes to set a tone for the rest of the 2011 season. Now is the time for action. Now is the time to take out a flyer on Jason Isringhausen, and now is the time to dump Bobby Parnell.

    Korbid Thompson can be found on the New York Mets Audio Minute at Lexy, as well as the Bleacher Report.

Will Chris Young Be a 15-Game Winner For the Mets This Season?

Note: This article can also be found on my page at the Bleacher Report.

    It is a debatable topic, but after Chris Young's first Mets start against the Philadelphia Phillies, some can and will make the case that just maybe, he can win 15 games. Is it possible?

    Just as it is with the team in general, Young was not expected to be a huge part of the Mets' starting rotation, coming into this season. After all, Young has been sidelined with injuries that have depleted the number of starts the last two season(32 starts with San Diego).

    However, with what you saw against the Phils, as Young was able to navigate his way through one of the toughest one through five hitter lineups in the game, just maybe with some consistency and some confidence, a gem could emerge.

    Just as it was with Mike Pelfrey before him, Young has yet to win 15 games in his career. Pelfrey did it last year, and while you can make the argument that the two are at different places in their careers, at the age of 31, perhaps now is the time for Chris Young.

    Now, the biggest key for Young will be in addition to his confidence, is continuing to rebuild his arm strength to where he can maybe get to 200 innings this season – something he has not done - which would be a big key to him achieving that 15-win total.

     I'm not worried about his pitch selection, nor the execution of his pitches. Endurance and health are the big keys here. We'll see where it goes. So far, so good, but some would day, so what?

Korbid Thompson can be found at the aforementioned Bleacher Report, and can also be heard on the New York Mets Audio Minute at Lexy.

Extra Thoughts For Opening Day 2011

    In addition to my post-game comments on the New York Mets Audio Minute at Lexy, I will not push the panic button, by any means, after the Mets 6-2 Opening Day loss at the hands of the Florida Marlins at Sun Life Stadium in Miami. Besdes, a lot of those buttons were pushed before the season ever began.

    I am not thrilled with the fact that the Mets were completely stymied by Josh Johnson for 6 no-hit innings. I wasn't thrilled with the one bad inning that cost Mike Pelfrey - which has burned him more than once. You can't be happy with the offensive output that came from this team.

    Having said all of that, it is only one game. For those brave souls who take the glass half-full approach, the season is far from over. However, you at least got to see some areas where the Mets will surely have to improve, if they are going to even think of contending in the National League East.

    One area that I do have concerns with, is the bullpen. You saw some mixed results there, which cannot continue. Pedro Beato was good, Taylor Buchholz was not. Outside of Francisco Rodriguez, there is no ever-solid presence in the pen. I'll be more convinced about Bobby Parnell, when he's able to consistenly get some outs.

    As Mets fans have probably observed, the Marlins, Phillies, and Braves will not be going away at any point this season. If the Mets want it, they are going to have to fight for it.

    To tell you the truth, it is only one game. If Mets fans want to hear the truth, can they make it through 162?