Help for the Mets bullpen woes?
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by Seanmcsean
The Mets have an All-Star reliever hidden in their farm system. No, Billy Wagner didn't just get optioned to New Orleans after blowing another save against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Meet Willie Collazo, a Pacific Coast League All-Star and most recently the PCL pitcher of the week. In 80 innings of relief this season, Collazo has a 1.90 ERA and is 6-2. After starting the season slow for AAA New Orleans, Collazo was moved to the bullpen and has been lights out ever since. More importantly, in 24.0 innings pitched this August, Willie hasn't given up a single run. That's right. In the heart of a playoff race, his ERA is 0.00.
Rated as more of a finesse pitcher, Willie's fastball tops out at 88mph, and is complimented by a changeup and slider, both with a lot of movement. Coming out of the 3/4 slot on the mound, Willie relies on movement to get batters out. He has the potential to eat a lot of innings as a former starter. Admittedly, Collazo seems to do his best work in mid relief.
Collazo has had various success after leading Florida International to the College World series. He thrived early after being drafted by the Braves, but floundered with the Angels minor league system. His career seems to have had new life breathed into it after being signed by the Mets organization a year ago.
With the Mets bullpen currently in a free fall, a fresh arm is needed. Maybe Omar should give another Willie a spot in the Mets clubhouse. September callups are a crapshoot at best, but you never know when the next great callup is on the way.
