In his last 3 years with the mets, Heilman’s ERAs are 3.17*, 3.62, 3.04. The bad in pressure sitatuions line is just stupid idiotic talk because you REMEMBER the failures far more than the successes.

Now this year, Im not saying heilman has been to that level. His ERA is 5.67, and more importnatly, he has more walks already than last year, a WHIP of 1.49, a huge jump. And he’s giving up home runs at a greater clip. On the other hand, his BABIP is abnormally high (Career its 296, and now its 339) showing the increased hit total is a large part due to luck. Which suggests at least some normalization down to career stats is likely (he’s projected to have an ERA of 4.57 this year, which is still higher than any of the last 3 years, but far better than he’s gotten this year).

In other words, Heilmans’ likely to at least come down to close to his career stats (or at least in the 4 ERA range) if given the time. And of course, he’s been overworked to hell again this year, which may take its toll and result in the walks.

All evidence suggests the mets should rest him a bit if they can, and then use him as normal, and that he will become effective again. I’m not saying he’s closing material right now, but he’s certainly far from as awful as you and other stupid met fans make him sound. And he’s way worth holding onto for this year and beyond.

*The 05 stats include 7 starts.