Target: Kyle Farnsworth, RHP
2014 stats: 19 appearances, 3.18 ERA, 0-3 record, 3 saves 10 strikeouts, 6 walks, 17 innings
In a somewhat puzzling move, the New York Mets released Farnsworth a day after demoting him from the closer's role after he recorded a save against the Yankees on Monday night. The save was Farnsworth's third in four chances, as the Mets have gone by a committee closer this year and are said to be going more toward the youth movement, kicking the 38-year-old veteran to the curb.
But guess what? The Texas Rangers sure could use some bullpen help, and Farnsworth would be a nice addition at a low price. He was set to make $1 million this year, but the Mets saved $750,000 by letting him go this week, which could be a big reason for the move.
Farnsworth certainly wasn't happy, immediately saying he hopes he goes somewhere that gets to play the Mets this year. And guess what? The Rangers travel to Citi Field over July 4th weekend. With the Rangers' bullpen woes that have included incredibly shaky outings from Alexi Ogando and even Neal Cotts, the only reliable end-game options this year have been Jason Frasor and closer Joakim Soria. Tanner Scheppers is set to return to the pen, where he was a great setup man last year, when he gets healthy and Neftali Feliz is back in Triple-A trying to get his velocity up consistently instead of occasionally hitting the high 90s and then being tired and sore after doing so.
It certainly couldn't hurt for the Rangers to take a chance on Farnsworth, a proven vet in his 16th MLB season, who had seen his fastball velocity dip into the low 90s in spring training but stay consistently in the mid-90s this season.
Make it happen, JD.
