- Photo Credit: Jeff Roberson/AP
Anthony DiComo of MLB.com writes that Jeff Walters, in his first big league camp at age 26, sits among the inner circle of favorites to make the Mets’ Opening Day bullpen.
Walters may not have the star power of a Matt Harvey or a Noah Syndergaard, but he did put together an amazing record setting 2013 season at Binghamton (AA) when he saved 38 games in 42 chances with a 2.09 ERA.
“It was awesome, man,” Walters shared with DiComo. “Pretty much from Day 1 they told me that I was going to be a back-end guy. I didn’t know it was going to be every save opportunity, but I’m just thankful to be put in that situation and to capitalize on it.”
DiComo reports that now the Mets are talking about shipping Walters all the way from Binghamton to the big leagues.
DiComo adds: Assuming veterans Kyle Farnsworth, Jose Valverde and Scott Rice all make the Opening Day bullpen alongside closer Bobby Parnell, that leaves three open spots for a group including Walters,Vic Black, Jeurys Familia, Gonzalez Germen, Josh Edgin and others. Ever the optimist, manager Terry Collins has spoken highly of all those pitchers. But he did single out Walters over the winter, pointing to the Binghamton closer’s track record of success.
“Once you get to a certain point, it’s just a matter of confidence,” Frank Viola tells DiComo, “and then taking that confidence and riding it out.”
DiComo writes that Walters is capable of slinging a mid-90’s heat as part of a four-pitch mix, that includes a sinker, slider and changeup.
Not pitching above AA last season, the big test for Walters will be how he performs against big league hitters and if he will rely on his rare mix of pitches for a closer and attack the strike zone.
“Thirty-eight saves in Double-A? Thirty-eight saves anywhere is impressive, and that shows him that he’s capable of doing it,” Viola shares with DiComo. “He’s very confident in himself now, and that’s the way he needs to be to get to the next level.”
Walter’s impressive 2013 season may reward him with a ticket to the big leagues. Should be a fun spring for the flame throwing righty.
