Mets' new closer Fran-tastic

Mets' new closer Fran-tastic

Robert Sabo/New York Daily News

Frank Francisco saves best moves for last as he closes out Braves to complete sweep.

Frank Francisco has been nothing short of stellar for the Mets, slamming the door on the Braves three times to secure three close wins and capping each with a game-ending strikeout. Its hard to believe that just a week before notching that third save on Sunday, he was in serious doubt to even be in the bullpen to start the season.

It looked bleak for Francisco last Sunday. After posting a 5.54 ERA in spring training, he needed fluid drained from his left knee and a cortisone shot. He got an MRI the following day.

But the righthander put himself back in play with a strong bullpen session last Tuesday and the confidence has been pouring out ever since.

The closer spot wasnt exactly inspiring a year ago, especially after Francisco Rodriguez was dealt to the Brewers. It became a revolving door and the club finished with a bullpen ERA of 4.33 that ranked 28th out of 30 teams to go with 24 blown saves.

Terry Collins said that having a dependable closer ripples positive feelings the same way having a healthy ace like Johan Santana does. It creates an atmosphere . . . that spreads through the clubhouse, the manager said.

If youve got a guy you run out there that were unsure of, it puts you on your heels a little, Jason Bay said. But hes done this before. So he has that spring . . . and then he does this. Every outing, guys are more and more excited to get him the ball for the ninth inning. Thats a good feeling for everyone.
Francisco, who was signed for two years and $ 12 million, isnt just 3-for-3 on saves but also has made them look easy.

It feels great that theyre waiting for me. I am waiting for them to give me the opportunity and give me my chance, Francisco said. Once I threw (that) bullpen, I felt Id figured it out. Now I know I am going to be fine.

He was heavily wrapped after Sundays game but shrugged off the idea the workload could affect his knee, saying, It feels good pitching.

Hes been very impressive, Collins said. Hell be the first guy to tell you his spring wasnt very good and that was my first experience around him. But when you talk to baseball people who have seen him pitch and they tell you to ignore that, youd better.