Mets on mend as closer has MRI

Mets on mend as closer has MRI

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Frank Francisco is slated to have an MRI on his ailing knee.

PORT ST. LUCIE David Wrights side feels better, as does Tim Byrdaks knee. Andres Torres and his calf muscle took seven at-bats in a minor league game Monday, and Scott Hairstons oblique strain was so last month.

On Monday morning, it seemed that Terry Collins could exhale and begin the season with a roster far healthier than it was for most of spring training and then his new closer announced he would spend quality time Monday afternoon in an MRI tube.

Frank Francisco, the righthander who signed a two-year, $ 12 million contract with the Mets last December, said he had fluid drained from his left knee on Sunday, and planned to have an MRI Monday.

Although Francisco said he was not concerned about a possible stint on the disabled list, his knee issue is real and it came just days before Thursdays season opener.

Early in camp, I felt a little sore in there, and it went away, Francisco said. The last three days, I feel soreness in there again, and thats it.

Francisco said the is sue arose again during a recent appearance.

The last game I pitched, the first inning was fine, he said. But then, when I sat on the bench, resting for the next inning, I felt like my knee got cold a little bit. I didnt feel like it was right. I didnt feel pain or anything. I just felt like swelling, I guess. I had some fluid.

Even before the injury recurred, Franciscos spring performance had worried Collins. The manager understood that a 5.54 Grapefruit League ERA did not necessarily indicate trouble for the season, but would have preferred to see more from his new closer.

Aside from Bobby Parnell, who threw 12-1/3 scoreless innings this spring, the bullpen has been a greater source of stress for Collins than relief. Jon Rauch, another free agent signed last December, would be lined up to close if Francisco is not ready to start the season but Rauch has a 7.94 ERA.

Ramon Ramirez, acquired with Torres from San Francisco last winter for Angel P agan, has a 5.25 ERA.

Based on spring performance, Parnell is the obvious candidate to fill in as closer, but that move would be fraught with the memories of Parnells failed audition for that role last summer, when he failed to convert six of 12 save opportunities. The Mets are not eager to place Parnall back into a job that appeared to spook him so recently, especially when he appears to have discovered restored confidence and success.

According to one high-ranking team insider, the Mets view Parnell as the top candidate to serve as a spot starter, if Johan Santana is forced to miss a turn as he continues to recover from major shoulder surgery.

That leaves Francisco as an important cog in the bullpen a pitcher needed by the team to be healthier, and more effective, than he has been so far.