Photo Credit: Jeff Roberson/AP

We’ve written quite often on MMN about how we believe Jeurys Familia can develop into a powerful weapon in the Mets bullpen beginning as soon as this season.

The hard-throwing righty completed a dominating performance in Winter Ball that had more than one scout raving about his 100+ MPH fastball.

During his press conference on Thursday, Terry Collins had high praise for Familia, telling reporters that he had closer’s stuff.

“When he’s in the strike zone, his stuff is at times unhittable. He had a great Fall League. He had a great winter ball. He’s got his elbow cleaned out now. That certainly shouldn’t be an issue. We’re hoping that he comes into camp with a fresh attitude. I think the addition of Bartolo [Colon] and Jose [Valverde] will help him — certainly Jose, with his background in that role.”

Collins has stated that Familia will have a good chance to win a spot in the Mets bullpen. But of course he’s said that for about a dozen players already in the first week of camp. Take my word for it though, Familia is a lock.

“He could close. He’s got that kind of a sinker that’s a swing-and-miss sinker. He’s got a swing-and-a-miss slider. We’ve just got to get him to get it around the plate. And if he does that, he’s going to be dangerous. You can’t find guys that throw 96 to 98 [mph] with that kind of movement. And you can’t give up on those guys,” Collins said.

Familia, only 24, is big and strong at 6-foot-4, 230 pounds which makes his presence on the mound even more intimidating. He’s one of the young Mets we are very high on.