NewsVeteran Dessens files for free agency
Right-hander pitched in 28 games for Mets last seasonBy Marty Noble / MLB.com
11/10/09 8:39 PM EST
NEW YORK -- Elmer Dessens, the veteran right-handed pitcher who evolved into a serviceable reliever for the Mets last season, has filed for free agency. Dessens became the seventh Mets players to file Tuesday on the sixth day of the 15-day filing period. Fernando Tatis is the only player among eight Mets who are eligible for free agency who has not filed.Dessens, who turns 39 in January, pitched 32 2/3 innings in 28 appearances with the Mets after the club promoted him from its Triple-A Buffalo affiliate. His pitching produced no decisions and a 3.31 ERA. He allowed 24 hits -- five of them home runs -- and 10 walks, striking out 17. Manager Jerry Manuel said he was confident in Dessen's pitching, but he used the veteran pitcher in only four victories.
The first six Mets to file include Alex Cora, Carlos Delgado, Ramon Martinez, J.J. Putz, Brian Schneider and Gary Sheffield.
Marty Noble is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
