Jeurys Familia surrendered a solo home run to Texas Rangers prospect Brett Nichols in the AFL All-Star Game yesterday. Familia was the representative player from the Mets, but went into the game with a 6.75 ERA in six relief appearances — so it was a headscratcher for sure.

Familia is likely going to be counted on in a big way in 2014 out of the bullpen. The general pitching staff of the Mets should be quite a strength for them, considering Rafael Montero and Noah Syndergaard are likely to make their MLB debuts in ’14 to anchor the rotation and there are a plethora of young arms for the bullpen that I never get tired of talking about.

If Familia can turn it around and get himself ready by the time Spring rolls around, he’ll be competing with a group of guys for a BP spot that includes Vic Black, Josh Edgin, Gonzalez Germen, Jeff Walters, and Jack Leathersich. Bobby Parnell should be able to return as closer. If the talent in the bullpen doesn’t get you hopeful for a return to winning ways, I don’t know what will.