Mets add Another Candidate for Fifth Spot

Reported on Saturday, the Mets have agreed to a minor league contract with veteran pitcher Livan Hernandez. If added to the 40 man roster Hernandez will earn a salary of 1 million dollars, with the opportunity to make an additional 1 million in performance bonuses.

Can someone please explain this to me? While Hernandez was once a very capable starter, a three time 15 game winner and always someone you could count on for 200+ innings a season, his last 3 season have been progressively worse. Since 2003 his ERA has increased every year going from 3.20 to 6.05 last season. Also his strikeout rate has declined steadily since the 2004 season going from 186 strikeouts to just 67 last year. This signing makes absolutely no sense. I don’t want to hear that bringing in Hernandez gives the Mets extra depth or the veteran presence. I don’t want to hear he’s been throwing good in the offseason and he could revert to his old self. 

I’ll buy those justifications for the Mets recent signing of Freddy Garcia but not Livan Hernandez. Garcia’s been fighting to overcome various injuries, Hernandez has been on the field. He’s just been fighting to overcome all the hits he’s given up. This is a pitcher who’s given up more hits than innings pitched in 4 straight seasons with a declining strikeout rate. Simply put this should have been a huge sign to Omar Minaya to stay away. It’s really not even a money issue either. I wouldn’t touch Hernandez for the league minimum if I were the Mets. This is not a rebuilding team looking to put in a stopgap while they groom their youth. This is the big budget New York Mets, who need to win now especially after ‘07 and ‘08. The Mets have a ton of possibilities for the #5 spot /long man out of the pen. They include former Expo Tony Armas Jr. Brandon Knight, Jon Niese, Bobby Parnell, and Brian Stokes. 

Everyone of them will cost the Mets less money and most likely less runs allowed. This isn’t even counting Tim Redding who they signed for 2.25 million dollars or Freddy Garcia who should push all of these players back to the minors or to mop up work in the pen.

I understand Hernandez signing the deal because I don’t imagine he got any other offers. As for the Mets explanation to this, Minaya stated “Livan can give you innings, he can pitch in different roles.” Maybe I just don’t get it?

-Robb Lennahan