An idea so "Sexy" it just might work...

I just read the first of two headlines I've hoped for since the season began: Bartolo Colón is about to be available. As just appeared on my MLB At Bat ticker, "Big Sexy" has been designated for assignment by the Atlanta Braves. Now, to be clear, I have never wished inefficiency or other struggles on Colón, but I have wished for the day when a reunion with the Mets would be possible.

Based on the numbers, it would appear that the Mets were actually fortuitous in not resigning him this season. After all, as of this blog post, he holds an 8.14 ERA and has allowed six or more earned runs in three of his four most recent starts (in the one start where he let up only two earned runs, he allowed nine total runs).

What is most alarming from a Mets-centric view is that he has failed to go deep into games: he has not gone further than five and two thirds innings since April 28th, and his innings pitched for the past three games reads 2.1, 3.2, 4.0. Each reads more like an ERA that the Mets might find enticing...

Which brings me to the second of two headlines I have been hoping for... "Bartolo Colón resigned by the Mets." In my fantasy world, this is followed shortly by headlines such as: "Big Sexy is 'Amazin' again" and "Colón's grand slam wins it for New York," and others of that nature...

I understand that this is beginning to sound like a wild array of delusions driven by a dreadful season for my favorite team and simply no cause for such a roster decision. Still, speaking more rationally, Colón has long represented more than the sum of his stats for New York fans. He provides experience and energy which is in only moderate supply, and I find it difficult to believe that there are many Mets fans out there who could not think of at least one pitcher they would prefer to see replaced by Bartolo Colón, even considering his struggles thus far this season.

Here's another consideration, albeit a narrow one: facing Washington on May 20th, Colón struck out six and allowed only two runs -- one unearned -- across four and a third innings. The result was a win for the Braves, if not for Bartolo. Meanwhile, the Mets have struggled mightily against the Nationals this season. In their April series, the Mets were swept with Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, and Zack Wheeler taking the mound respectively. Harvey fared the best, lasting seven innings while allowing three runs, but he is not currently available for the Mets. For his part, deGrom has mastered the Nats twice since his loss to them in April, but he could use some help and perhaps Colón could be the right man for the job. Finally, Wheeler's April 29th matchup resulted in a win for the Mets and a very similar stat line to the aforementioned Colón line from May 20th.

Really, anything would be better than the Nats vs. Mets game that must not be mentioned. (Let's just say "23-5" and forget the particulars, as well as the aftermath.)

I'll leave you with one final argument: Bartolo Colón's season is shaping up just like the Mets' season, with plenty of promise but what feels like only disappointment to show for it. For Mets management, perhaps taking a chance on him would be like taking a chance on themselves, doubling down and stating, yes, we can turn this all around.

Have I convinced you yet? Perhaps I haven't even convinced myself, but it's certainly fun to imagine.


SOURCES:
- "Bartolo Colón." Baseball Reference. Accessed: 29 June 2017. Available: http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/colonba01.shtml.