Alderson hopes to find Mets bullpen help
Sandy Alderson acknowledged the Mets' bullpen needs work after he tried to make moves to repair it during the offseason.
The Mets general manager also admitted the struggling bullpen had become a "frustrating thing" for manager Terry Collins to deal with during a surprisingly strong start.
"As far as Terry's options, he's a little big hamstrung right now," Alderson said before Thursday's game. "Bullpens are fickle. Relief pitchers are very unpredictable, in part because the sample size is so small."
So, Alderson is exploring options on improving the relief corps, which did come through Thursday with three scoreless innings in the Mets' 9-4 comeback victory over the Cincinnati Reds.
The options just don't sound that appealing for now.
Alderson said he did not think the Mets have many prospects who can help right away. He did bring up lefty Robert Carson, who arrived Thursday, a day after D.J. Carrasco was designated for assignment.
The Mets will give the rookie, who was converted to a reliever this year at Class AA Binghamton (N.Y.) a long look, Collins said.
Alderson also said he was always looking for outside help, but added that he faced heavy competition from teams in similar situations.
And, despite saying he didn't think he had a lot of prospects ready to help immediately, Alderson said he still preferred to find some homegrown help.
"We always look outside, but so are about 25 other teams," Alderson said. "I think I'm more excited to create opportunities for guys within the organization."
