The best news I heard this off season was when Bobby Parnell decided not to go pitch in Venezuela this winter. It was never a good idea. Parnell appeared in 68 games last season, including 8 starts toward the end. It was his first 7 month season. Anything beyond that just was not prudent for one of the few players who represents young talent. If it was Parnell who actually made the decision as reported. it was he whom was thinking most clearly.

Another bad idea is to not have a plan for Parnell for next season. Start? Or relieve? The Joba Chamberlain model is a good one for the Mets to use.

A downward spiral began for Chambelain when Hank Steinbrenner popped off about him being in the rotation. The Yankees baseball professionals had a very good blueprint for Chamberlain that included a limited number of innings. Just the thing for a set-up role. Chamberlain went from an untouchable to potential trade bait.

Say what you will about the Wilpons, but neither goes off half cocked and discredits their baseball people in the media. They’ve been around long enough and know how to follow the progress of young pitching talent.

So does the import of a talented, but untried Japanese fireballer in Igarashi give the Mets the leverage to move Parnell to the rotation?

Please say no.

Ryota Igarashi cannot be counted on to get big outs in the 8th inning this year. Not yet. And not at the beginning anyway. Parnell probably can. Hardened by enduring an embarrassing season as last year, Parnell will be ready to get the ball facing go ahead runs. Especially if they tell him he’s going to be doing it right now.

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