A Future Mets Closer?

Ben Shpigel at The New York Times writes about Eddie Kuntz and his ability as a closer:

“When I step on the mound, there isn’t a thing in the world that scares me,” Kunz said. “There’s no one better. No one’s going to touch me.”

The Mets look into the future and see the contract of Billy Wagner expiring after next season (there is an option for 2010), with two primary internal candidates to replace him: Duaner Sánchez and Kunz.

Pitchers rarely, if ever, move right from the minors to the closer role. Almost always, there is a natural progression to be followed, from reliever to setup man to closer, and Kunz will be placed on that track. He is expected to open the season as the closer for Class AA Binghamton. If all goes well, he will compete for a bullpen job next spring.

“He’ll let us know,” said Tony Bernazard, the Mets’ vice president for development. “The situation will let us know, and his performance will let us know.”