Vic Black, RHP

Height: 6’4”
Weight: 215 lbs.
Age: 25
Bats/Throws: Right/Right

Vic Black was acquired as the ‘player to be named later’ in the deal that sent Marlon Byrd to the Pittsburgh Pirates last season. He was a former 1st round pick by the Pirates in 2009 out of Dallas Baptist and he could end up being a steal in the trade because of his plus arm strength and ability to help the Mets right away. With a borderline plus fastball that hits the mid 90’s with consistency and an average power slider, he should survive just fine as a reliever and potential closer. In 15 appearances (13 IP) for the Mets last season, Black posted a 3.46 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with a 12:4 K:BB ratio. Although it does not show much in his 15 appearances with the Mets, Black has struggled with control in both the minors and majors. For example, in the 46.2 IP before he was called up to the Pirates in 2013, Black walked 21 batters. However, he did have a promising 63 strikeouts along with those walks.

Outlook: Bobby Parnell is the Mets closer for now, but you can bet that if he falters or goes down with another injury, Vic Black is next in line to take over the closing chores. In fact, when Parnell was out last year, Black got a chance to show off his skills in the closer role and impressed. If Parnell was as good this season as he was last, Black will likely slot into the set-up role and backup closer. Black tends to leave the ball up in the zone a little too often which could cause some trouble in the home run department, but he has the chance to be a dominant reliever if he can cut down on his walks and command his pitches more effectively. Look for him to show off his arm strength and help Bobby Parnell lead the ever so young bullpen the Mets will be advertising in 2014.

(Photo Credit: Jeff Roberson/AP)