The newest New York Mets pitcher Jim Henderson is not your typical minor league deal washout, or at least recent history would suggest such.
As recently as 2013, Henderson was 5-5 with a 2.70 ERA and 28 saves for Milwaukee. Two years ago, 2014, was certainly a different story, as the now 33-year-old Henderson struggled mightily, going 2-1 with a 7.15 ERA. Last season, he was banished to the minor leagues, and the Mets hope he can pull a LaTroy Hawkins and be a useful wily veteran that can help in the middle innings out of the bullpen.
Here are some things you need to know about Henderson. His middle name is Duffy, he was a 26th round pick of the Montreal Expos in the 2003 draft and was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 2006 Rule 5 draft. He spent 10 years in the minor leagues before getting the call from the Milwaukee Brewers. During his breakout 2013 season, his fastball his 98 MPH, and he looked like a real find, but the magic only lasted one season.
He has shoulder surgery in August of 2014, and was outrighted off the Brewers roster in May. He spent the majority of last season rehabbing. The Mets are hoping Henderson is not only healthy, but can find some of 2013 magic. If not, no problem. Nobody is going to lose any sleep over taking a small risk, high reward chance on a minor league deal.
Sometimes you may just find magic in a bottle.
Here are some videos of Henderson in action:
