Hisanori Takahashi was one of the bright spots for the Mets in 2010. He was very inexpensive, did not spend extended time on the DL, pitched well however he was used, and wants to return.
The Mets should not waste time in making this happen.
Takahashi started, pitched out of the pen, and ended the season as closer. He did have some success in all roles, especially as closer, going 8-for-8 in save opportunities.
He clearly showed what a wily veteran is. Not a fireballer, he still strikes out many, and never seemed the slightest bit intimidated by the move to MLB.
When 2011 begins, the Met rotation, as of now, will be Dickey, Pelfrey, Niese, maybe Gee, and who knows who else. Takahashi could definitely be a starter should KRod return or Parnell finally steps up with another pitch and maybe claims the closer role.
However, if the team does acquire another starter, if Gee does well in Florida, if KRod is locked up or jettisoned, and if Parnell continues on his career path to nowhere, Taka could also potentially close.
Yes, he was 8-for-8 at the end of the year long after Met contention had become a memory, but several of those saves came against the Phils and Braves, and a close look at some of Taka’s numbers do seem to show a potential inclination toward a closer’s profile.
His numbers were better the less rest he had; pitching with 0-1 days off as a reliever was when he posted his best stats. He also—across the board—did his best in his first 15 pitches of an outing. Now, this is not a scientific, esoteric study, but, along with his tenacity, poise, and fearlessness, all of this sure would seem to suggest a pitcher who could potentially thrive as a closer.
Stories in the press have said that he wants a 2-year deal, but might be very affordable, relatively. Others have said that he very much enjoyed NY, and wants to return. It has also been stated that he wants to start.
This is a valuable pitcher, especially if he can be had for something like the 2/5 contract being bandied about.
He has seen success in basically all roles as a pitcher, on the big stage of NY, and on a team that was clearly under pressure and in the crosshairs of media and fans all year long. This is not a man who rattles easily.
The feeling here is that Taka would be a huge asset for this team going forward, as 4th or 5th starter, or potentially as closer; indeed in either role he can succeed, and he might really take off if given a chance to close.
He is worth giving a few extra dollars due to his proven versatility. He wants to pitch in NY. The Mets’ little success in 2010 was clearly due to pitching, and along with Johan, Dickey, Pelf, and Niese, Taka was one of the keys to the pitching staff’s good performance.
A large reason for the team not following up on the success of 2006 can be traced to allowing Bradford and Oliver to get away. In other words, not properly valuing pitching depth.
Let’s hope the Mets don’t repeat these sins and let another good one get away. Sign Taka and make it happen quickly.
21 comments
stickguy
10/14/2010-10:30pm at 10:30 pm (UTC -4)
not very nice to Mr. Parnell in there Knog.
but, I agree that bringing Taka back on a modest deal (if the 2/5 rumor is “top dollar”) seems like a smart idea. Not much of an investment, and very little risk, for a guy that can do it all.
and, the flexibility is big, since even if K rod comes back, there is still the set up role to fill (assuming the new manager doesn’t go nuts and have a free form BP!). And really, the only difference in profile of the 8th inning guy and closer is which inning they pitch in!
so, if he is good for the 9th, should be just as good for the 8th.
But, and this is a big but, they should not be making major decisions until the new GM is in place, but somehow 2/ on Taka probably isn’t going to upset any GMs grand plans.
GravediggerHebner
10/14/2010-10:59pm at 10:59 pm (UTC -4)
Oh neat we both had big buts.
GravediggerHebner
10/14/2010-10:57pm at 10:57 pm (UTC -4)
I agree except that I have, as Pee Wee Herman might say, a big but.
I agree but I don’t think the Mets should do anything right now because they have no GM. I think the next GM, once hired, should decide to either sign Taka or not. Whoever that next GM might be already has a bunch of contracts he had nothing to do with, as all new GMs do when they take over. It seems inappropriate to me to have a limbo administration foist another contract on the new guy whether the player is universally admired or not.
Do nothing now. Let the remaining staff tell the new guy how much they value Taka when he arrives then let him decide what to do.
darknova306
10/15/2010-7:00am at 7:00 am (UTC -4)
This seems like a no-brainer, especially if K-Rod winds up not being available. I’m really sick of the big contracts for closers nonsense, and would like to see the team go with a relatively cheap (not to mention versatile) option like Taka.
metsfan4decades
10/15/2010-7:54am at 7:54 am (UTC -4)
Does anyone know anything about Taka’s injury history while pitching in Japan? I’ve never heard anything on that. Could be because none exists.
I find it ironic that out of the two Japanese pitchers Omar signed consensus on his part was of the two, Iggy had the more up side. From what I witnessed last year, that turned out to be completely opposite.
I read somewhere recently about a league rule change this year. Can’t remember the details but something like instead of the 15 days after WS ends teams having exclusive rights to resign a FA it’s now only 5? If yes, maybe that has something to do with the fact that the Wilpons gave Ricco & Co. permission to try and work out a deal with Taka even though no GM has been hired yet.
stickguy
10/15/2010-10:03am at 10:03 am (UTC -4)
yes, it was cut down to 5 days. Basically the whole FA process was movedup by the 10 days, to try and avoid having so many guys unsigned going into ST
But Taka I believe is a special case. He is not a “normal” FA, he just had a clause writen into his 1 year contract, so I think that 11/1 is a hard date for him.
metsfan4decades
10/15/2010-7:58am at 7:58 am (UTC -4)
I agree with the premise of allowing the new GM to make all decisions and moves for the team going forward. If they are leaning towards wanting Taka to stay though, they’ll need to be hiring that new GM before the WS starts.
I’d definitely take a flyer on Taka, even for 2 years, if the price was right. Like many Met fans, I see 2011 as a sort of transition year even though I’m not conceding 2011 yet like some are. However, with the money coming off the books at end of ’11, and so many questions marks going into 2011, I can’t see the point in making any long term major deals or big trades, unless an offer came our way that’s too good to refuse.
Given that, and the fact that Taka is apparently very versatile, he’d be a smart addition on team in transition for 1-2 years.
kistics
10/15/2010-8:41am at 8:41 am (UTC -4)
I think this is a no brainer. As I have said earlier, Feliciano got paid $2.9M last season and I believe Taka had a greater value than Feliciano had last season. If Taka can keep this pace, $5M/2 is a pretty good deal IMO.
Having said that, waiting for the new GM is the right protocol and I have no problem with that.
I think one of the bigger issue for the new GM is what to do with Reyes. Okay so you pick up his option at $11M for 2011. But do you try to get him to sign a long term deal this off season? Perhaps signing him to a long term deal now rather than at the end of season will save some money? I don’t think his value is all that high at this point, but if he was to have a very good season like ’06-’08 days, signing him right now would be the right move. But what if he’s injured again or we have seen the best of him already? Personally, I would like to see Reyes retire as a Met, but we shall see.
Prismo
10/15/2010-9:11am at 9:11 am (UTC -4)
Yes, I agree, the Mets should *try* to resign Takahashi.
However, he has stated his demands – 2 years, $5MM+ incentives
And he has stated that he would like to remain with the Mets.
Any capable GM would know that players rarely end up signing for what they originally ask for, especially if it’s with a team they really want to play for!
Personally, $2.5MM/yr + incentives is too much for a middle reliever/spot starter. I’d feel more comfortable with $1.5MM/yr + incentives. I mean, this guy’s got one year experience in MLB. It was a good year, but not a great year, and most importantly – only one year. No need to overpay.
stickguy
10/15/2010-10:08am at 10:08 am (UTC -4)
But, cheap for a closer! And that, right there, probably says all you need to know about the silliness of BP specialization. Pitching the 9th instead of the 8th or the 7th means your salary will be 10x what it otherwise would be.
Anyway, fine, meet in the middle at say 2/4. Still cheap and short enough that the current “regime” could do the deal, and not be saddling the next GM with anything bad. And with players with drop dead dates, ricco and paris might have to be making those calls.
Taka is not like a normal 1 year guy, since he is about to become a full FA. Not sure, but I don’t think they can even offer him arbitration?
I would much rather sign Taka for 2/4-5 than pay Pedro 3+ for 1. Offer the arb, and hope Feliciano walks, and grab the supplemental pick and run.
njstuckintx
10/15/2010-10:11am at 10:11 am (UTC -4)
I endorse this post.
Prismo
10/15/2010-10:13am at 10:13 am (UTC -4)
“But, cheap for a closer! And that, right there, probably says all you need to know about the silliness of BP specialization. Pitching the 9th instead of the 8th or the 7th means your salary will be 10x what it otherwise would be.”
So, what’s your point? That baseball teams should overpay middle relievers too? Should the Mets resign Taka for $10MM/yr because closers and middle relievers make no difference?
And I’m not ready to concede and agree on $2MM per year. It largely depends on the incentives.
kistics
10/15/2010-10:16am at 10:16 am (UTC -4)
But if Feliciano got paid $2.9M last season, $2.5M for Taka is not over paying him.
Prismo
10/15/2010-10:22am at 10:22 am (UTC -4)
Feliciano has been consistently better than Takahashi for years. To me, one season is a small sample size for a pitcher. Feliciano has a large sample size of being an excellent middle reliever.
So if Feliciano is:
A) Better than Takahashi
B) More of a “sure thing” than Takahashi
Why do you think Taka only should make 400,000 less than him?
kistics
10/15/2010-10:28am at 10:28 am (UTC -4)
I agree that Feliciano has shown a lot more than Taka. But if you look at last season alone, I think Taka had more value to the team than Feliciano.
Even though Jerry tried 8th inning role with Feliciano, he is strictly a LOOGY. Taka on the other hand has had success as the setup guy, closer, long man, and spot starter.
IMO his value is little bit more than spot starter/Nelson Figgy type of guy.
njstuckintx
10/15/2010-10:42am at 10:42 am (UTC -4)
+1
kistics
10/15/2010-10:24am at 10:24 am (UTC -4)
Look what other respectful (or not) middle relievers are getting paid in the league. These are what they got paid last season
Saito – $3M
Madson – $4.8M
JC Romero – $4.25M
Baez – $2.5M
Marte – $4M
You get my point. I realize Taka only had 1 season of MLB, but he’s not a 20 yr old rookie either. IMO with his track record in Japan and what I saw in him last season, I think $2.5M is very reasonable. Having said that, I agree with you that incentives should be looked at very carefully.
Prismo
10/15/2010-10:30am at 10:30 am (UTC -4)
But who’s to say these teams are doing the “right” thing in paying their middle relievers (or closers for that matter) this much money?
Romero only ended up pitching 36 innings last season, Madson 53, Saito 54, Baez 47 with an ERA of 5.48, and Marte 17 innings.
So, at best, these guys pitched 1/4 of what a starter would. Multiply Madson’s money by 4 and you get almost $20MM. I mean, come on.
As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path…and leave a trail.”
I believe it to be very possible to build a solid bullpen without spending so much on each reliever. The Mets don’t have to follow in teams like the Phillies’ trail, they can be *better* if run intelligently.
kistics
10/15/2010-10:42am at 10:42 am (UTC -4)
I understand where you are coming from. But I was just looking at small samples of relievers of Mets rivals to determine the ‘market’ for veteran relievers.
Hey if you can find a similar talent as Taka at cheaper price, I’m all for it. But given what we saw last season, I just think $2.5M is not a bad deal.
njstuckintx
10/15/2010-10:41am at 10:41 am (UTC -4)
I would say the point is to pay for quality, regardless of what inning they pitch in. Is Taka worth 2.5? That, I don’t know and can’t answer. I know he was quality and did well in multiple rolls. Based upon that, to me he offers more value than Feliciano did or does. No, he shouldn’t be paid more based only upon that last statement. You always want to be frugal and if he can be had for less, the Mets would be smart to do that.
Given the sorry state of the BP, I think Taka’s value to the Mets is quite high. I hate to see them spend to much (save that money for SP!), but to lose Taka over half a mil, or a mil, would be silly.
saltygary
10/15/2010-10:18am at 10:18 am (UTC -4)
I am fine with that signing, all teams need these flexable type of players. A 2 year 5 million contract will be acceptable anything more then you have to be concerned with being able to sign anyone else. Still have to sign half a team…