In the first of this series that takes a closer look at the newest Mariners, we examine pitcher Aaron Heilman, who came to Seattle from the Mets in the JJ Putz trade.In the trade, the Mariners gave up two relief pitchers, JJ Putz and Sean Green. It would seem logical that the Mariners would look to Heilman, a relief pitcher for the Mets the past three seasons, to help replace Putz and especially Green. However, Heilman has been the subject of much controversy in New York since his relegation to the bullpen after beginning his career as a starter. Now in a new city, he hopes to reclaim the role he has always coveted.
The Mets made him the 18th overall pick in the 2001 amateur draft after three seasons at Notre Dame, during which he was named all-American three times and compiled a 36-4 record as a starter. Heilman first made his major league debut in 2003 as a starter. He went on to compile an 8-13 record in three seasons in that role. In his brief time as a starter, Heilman failed to impress.
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After spending some time in relief in 2005, his role shifted permanently in 2006. With five solid starters on the roster, including Tom Glavine and Pedro Martinez, the Mets shifted Heilman to the bullpen permanently, despite his desire otherwise. At the time, it was viewed as a move to strengthen the bullpen, not necessarily a condemnation of Heilman's abilities.
Known for a wicked splitter and low 90's heat, Heilman thrived in relief, posting a 3.17 ERA in 108 innings in 2005 and a 3.62 ERA in 87 innings in 2006. However, despite his success as the Mets setup man, he would enter New York infamy in the 2006 National League Championship Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Despite being heavy underdogs, the Cardinals battled the Mets to a seventh game and a 1-1 tie into the top of the ninth inning. That was when Heilman gave up a two-run homerun to Jadier Molina sending the Cardinals to the World Series and entering Heilman onto the all-time Mets hate list.
Heilman didn't help his cause last season when he posted his worst ERA in four seasons with a 5.21 ERA. He also lost eight games in relief.
Now, Heilman joins the Mariners, much to the relief of many Mets fans. The question is: can Heilman actually be a productive starter for us?
He asked the Mets this offseason to make him a starter, and instead they traded him. The old thought on Heilman was thought he had just two pitches, but he has since developed a third solid pitch to his arsenal.
You can also never discount desire in all this. Heilman was vocal about his desire to start and unhappiness in coming in relief. Perhaps as a starter he can bring some added fire to his performance lacking these past few seasons. If he can start, the Mariners could certainly use a good one now that it seems Morrow is headed back to the bullpen to replace Putz. Most likely, he'll just be another average to solid player for us, just as he was with the Mets. At age 30, he's likely reached his potential.
