Francisco Rodriguez has probably been the brightest spot for the Mets so far in 2009. (PHOTO BY ICON SMI)

According to Metsblog.com and the Mets website, the Mets are not going to pick up JJ Putz’s $9.1 million option for the 2010 season, opting instead to buy him out for $1 million, and Putz will most likely be a Free Agent.

JJ Putz was brought to the Mets in a mega 3 team 12 player deal last winter, and due to elbow problems that required surgery only had 29 appearances in 2009, he had an 5.22 ERA and a 1-4 record.

During his last three appearances, Putz gave up 7 earned runs and this was the reason his ERA ended higher than anticipated, no doubt this was extremely frustrating to both Putz and the Mets.

The 2009 season began with the hopes of Putz being the setup pitcher for Francisco Rodriguez, but with the injury situation the way it was, once again the bullpen was by committee and Jerry Manuel shuffled his relievers around similar to the way he did in 2008 once Billy Wagner was done for the season.

The setup role is fairly new to the world of baseball, until recently you were either a starter or a reliever, set up man and closer were not defined.  Putz had been a closer for Seattle but was willing to be a setup man when he came to the Mets, he hopes that another team will believe in his ability to return from elbow surgery.

Although the surgery was considered successful, the Mets are not willing to risk Putz’s health and the much hyped acquisition of JJ Putz from the Seattle Mariners proved to be a waste and Omar Minaya would be wise to be more cautious in his dealings this winter.

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