This time last year Brian Bannister was the talk of the Mets having won an unlikely roster spot and a place in the starting rotation. This year we have Joe Smith.

He's a guy with 47 innings of pro ball under his belt, yet he could be one of the most important pieces of the Mets' bullpen. He's got a drop down sidearm delivery that could give batters hell in tight spots.

His numbers in spring training were good too. He had a 1.26 ERA in 14 1/3 innings. Joe Smith just might be the guy to take over Chad Bradford's role from last season. Would be great if he could since there is so much uncertainty about the middle pen this year.