Talk today has several parties mentioning Aaron Heilman, who’s strongest desire has always seemed to be a starter, as the Mets closer of the future.

First, Billy Wagner tells the Star Ledger that Heilman will be the closer once Billy is gone

“Heilman’s the closer of the future. They just don’t know it yet. Heilman will be the closer here in two years.”

Wagner, always known for speaking his mind, further goes on to say Heilman has not just the ability pitch wise to do well in the closer role, but he has the mindset to do well there as well.

But wait…there’s more. John Delcos, over at LoHud, indicates Willie Randolph has expressed similar thoughts, saying that Heilman one day being a closer is a ‘possibility.’

Its an interesting thought, though with Wagner having some time left on his contract there’s plenty of time left to let it play out. Heilman is young, and talented. The only downside has been that he has never seemed to want to be in the bullpen, and he’s been extremely open on that point. There seems to be no indication that the Mets will ever consider him for a starter role, as we’ve seen numerous other young arms get the call from the minors, or older arms get brief contracts (Chan Ho, Lima) over giving Heilman that shot. So realistically, it all boils down to would Heilman be willing to give up a shot to sign elsewhere as a starter and embrace a new role as a closer? Because before we get into a ‘could he do it’ talent wise, the ‘would he do it’ as a personal choice has to be answered. Because saying Heilman is the closer of the future won’t make it happen, just ask Dip N Dots.