We all know the closer situation on the Mets is dicey. They Francisco for the next two seasons, but most likely it will be closer by committee. The last closer to come through the system didn’t really pan out (Parnell). There was talk about turning Mejia to a closer, but that has been (rightfully) tossed out. So what is next for the Mets?
Some people think it will be the 25 year old Josh Edgin in the Mets farm system. Edgin was drafted in the 30th round of the 2010 draft by the Mets (and in the 50th round of the 2009 draft by the Braves). So Josh is unusual in that he is such a late draft pick for turning heads in the system. Josh is a left handed pitcher who has pitched in three levels in the Mets system in the last two seasons (Kingsport, Savannah, St. Lucie). Here are his statistical numbers, by season and by team:
2010:
– Kingsport: 31.2 IP, 18 G, 2.84 ERA, 3 SV, 3.1 BB/9, 11.9 K/9
– Savannah: 3.0 IP, 2 G, 0.00 ERA, 3.4 BB/9, 11.7 K/9
2011:
– Savannah: 31.0 IP, 24 G, 0.87 ERA, 16 SV, 2.9 BB/9, 11.9 K/9
– St. Lucie: 35.0 IP, 25 G, 2.06 ERA, 11 SV, 3.3 BB/9, 9.0 K/9
The impressive thing about his numbers is that he keeps his ERA down, he doesn’t walk much, and he strikeouts a good amount. Those K/9 numbers are what you expect and what you from a closer and his inning total from last year is also what you would expect and want. Most likely this year, barring a spring invite and a great spring, he will probably start in St. Lucie and work his way up to AA. On MiLB.com, they don’t talk about his fastball, which is 93-96 mph, as his greatest asset, rather they talk about he goes right after hitters, which is another quality you want in a closing pitcher.
In my personal opinion, this is the last time we’ll see Edgin as an under the radar type of player. If those peripheral stats continue for another season, he will continue to rise up through the system.
