RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Draft Late as a 3rd Closer in Mixed Leagues
ANALYSIS: If post-save celebrations were ranked, The Mejia Stomp would have to be one of the greats. Granted there isn't a huge pool of post-save celebrations but it would still be up there. Jenrry Mejia holds a particularly low ADP at 223 for a player who had a lot of time to celebrate last year. Mejia posted 28 saves, 98 strikeouts, 1.48 WHIP, and a 3.64 ERA. He was a bit unpredictable, sometimes having issues locating the ball and forcing Mets fans into big-time scares. Nevertheless, he converted 28 of 31 save opportunities.
A factor likely lowering his ADP is the return of Bobby Parnell. Parnell is expected to be returning to the bullpen around late April or early May and will likely compete for closing duties. It remains to be seen just how ready and productive Parnell will be around that time, as he is returning from Tommy John surgery and surrendered two hits on a mere 20 pitches in his minor league debut this past Saturday. Tommy John recipients often have questionable transitions back to baseball, so that bodes well for Mejia's fantasy value.
Ultimately, I expect Parnell to be back in the bullpen in early May but the reality is that Mejia was actually pretty valuable to the Mets last year as their closer. Converting over 90% of save opportunities was a gem in an otherwise disappointing season for the Mets.
If Mejia dominates the first Parnell-less month, look for him to hold onto primary closing duties which would make him a full season asset. Savvy late round managers need to keep an eye on Jenrry Mejia. If you need a RP to fill your saves and strikeouts columns, take a shot on Mejia late. Another year of the Mejia Stomp? You bet.
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