Yesterday a collection of sources, including Metsblog, reported that the Mets signed relief pitcher Tankersley to a minor league contract and at 213 we couldn't be happier about it. Here's a crash course on Tankersley. He was 27 last season as he was rebounding from elbow injury (catching a theme so far this winter?) anyway, last season he struggled with a 7.50 ERA over 27 appearances and 12 innings of work, which sounds fairly terrible. However in his first two seasons, 2006 and 2007, he made 116 appearances over 88.1 innings and had a 3.46 ERA while walking 55 and striking out 95 (Thats a K/9 of 9.7)
If he can return to that K/9 from a few seasons ago, he will be really valuable. Also, this is indicative of a good move. Here's a bargain bin pitcher, who doesn't have to be on our 40 man, that we are seeing if he can make a come back. Very low risk, very high reward.
All of these compliments and stats aside, that is not why we are so happy to welcome him. Check out this photo of him from last year, first posted at Ted Quarters:
Yeah, check out that facial hair. When Facial Hair Friday returns during baseball season, here's hoping he is still sporting that classy stache.
