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New York Mets Trade For LHP Alex Torres From San Diego Padres

By Kenneth Teape

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New York Mets Trade: Mets Acquire LHP They Have Been Seeking For Bullpen

The New York Mets were able to fill one of the voids on their roster Monday afternoon, as they acquired Alex Torres from the San Diego Padres in exchange for Cory Mazzoni and a player to be named later. Torres is a good get for the Mets, as he will fill the left-handed pitching void in the bullpen.

Torres acquisition is a strong one for the Mets, as he will be replacing Josh Edgin, who was lost for the season because of Tommy John surgery. Torres isn’t just a quick fix either, as he will be under team control for the next five seasons, and is not even arbitration eligible until after the 2016 season.

Torres had his worst season in the majors last season, but it was still a season many managers would be extremely happy to have coming out of their bullpen. Last season with the Padres, Torres appeared in 70 games, throwing 54 innings and compiling a 2-1 record with a 3.33 ERA and 1.46 WHIP. He also struck out 51 batters, and allowed only two home runs. His walk numbers are a little higher than you would like, as he averages 4.5 walks per nine innings, but he has been able to work around it thus far as his career ERA is 2.55.

Oddly enough, Torres will not be a lefty-specialist for the Mets, His numbers are actually better against right-handed batters than left-handed ones. Last season, Torres allowed a slash line of .256/.415/.322 against left-handed batters, compared to dominant .209/.275/.282 against right handed ones. A reason for the discrepancy is in his walks, as Torres walked 25 right handed batters with 90 at-bats, while walking only eight with 111 at-bats against righties.

It will be interesting to see how manager Terry Collins uses him, as it is evident he will not be a useful left-handed specialist. There are some righties on the team that actually fare better against left-handed batters better than Torres does, but having a lefty in the bullpen definitely will make a manager more comfortable than not having one.

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Some people may question who Torres is, but when you put a search into Google he will become recognizable. He is not yet known for his feats on the field, but more so for what he looks like. Torres was the first player in the MLB to wear the protective cap from isoBlox last season. It is an oversized hat that gives pitchers more protection from balls being hit back at them.

The acquisition of Torres will definitely settle things down in the Mets bullpen has they finally have the southpaw they were seeking. There is a strong chance Torres will not be the only option in the pen from the left side, as Rule 5 pick Sean Gilmartin should also make the team out of spring training. Torres should be higher on the totem pole of the two though for appearances, at least out of the gate.

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