...After a few articles to the contrary 2 weeks ago, Newsday is now reporting that Aaron Heilman is more focused and accepting of his 8th inning role than ever before. The article even makes a comparison between Heilman and the Yankees phenom Joba Chamberlain, one based more on progression than ability of course.
In my opinion, Aaron Heilman is one of the most important parts of the Mets bullpen. He has pitched more innings than anyone in the 'pen over the past 2 seasons, and last year had an ERA just slightly above 3.00. The biggest issue with Heilman is that he is susceptible to giving up the big HRs (8 last year in just over 80 innings). Let's just hope with Schneider calling the pitches in most games, we can eliminate that problem with a proper variation in pitches.
The article goes on to say:
"There's a school of thought among pitching coaches that pitchers will not be successful as relievers until they accept that they are relievers, not just starters who are working out of the bullpen.
"There's some truth to that, but the bottom line is we're all pitchers," Heilman said. "But I find it hard to believe that people go out there and say, 'I really want to start, so I'm not going to try my best.'"That doesn't make sense. It's silly. It's like the stockbroker saying you only gave $10,000 to invest, I'm not going to care about that, but if you give me a million dollars, then I'll do a lot with your money."Heilman laughed.
Maybe one day he'll start again, but it doesn't seem to be a topic that's weighing on his mind. If anything, his current role doesn't allow much time to think about it.
"This job," he said, "is all about being ready to compete on a daily basis."
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