Venerable 40-year-old LaTroy Hawkins started spring training on a minor league contract just trying to make the Mets’ roster. He’s finishing the season red-hot; the Amazin’s grand old man proving he’s still more grand than old.
Riding a nine-inning scoreless streak into Tuesday’s game versus San Francisco, Hawkins has been consistent on the mound and a positive influence in the clubhouse. The Mets want the reliever back for next season, and he reportedly wants to return as well.
“I certainly hope,’’ manager Terry Collins said. “We haven’t talked about next year with [general manager] Sandy [Alderson]. But when you’re talking about the future of the organization, 2014 and all the young guys, to have a quality guy like LaTroy amongst those young guys I think would be a real benefit.
“I don’t have any idea contract-wise or what his plans are, if he wants to continue to pitch. I don’t know yet. But certainly, if he wants to come back, and they’re talking about all those young relief pitchers coming up, it’d be nice to have him around.’’
Hawkins reportedly wants to continue. After coming into his 19th season fighting for a roster spot, he reached the 10-save plateau, his most since 2009. Now he hopes to come back for season No. 20.
“I figured just come in and do my job; if I don’t get a roster spot on this team I’ll get one somewhere else,’’ Hawkins said. “Baseball’s a crazy game. Things happen during the season, crazy things. We’ve definitely seen that this year on our team. We’ve had a lot of injuries.’’
It was the injury to Bobby Parnell in August that thrust Hawkins into the closer’s role. Now he’s 3-2 with a 3.15 ERA in 67 appearances, 20 of the last 22 appearances scoreless.
“I’ve been around a long time. It’s cool to have 10 saves. But in my heart, I wish [David] Aardsma could have those 10 saves, or Gonzalez Germen. Those guys have a lot of pitching ahead of them. I’m toward the end.’’
But not yet, underscored by Hawkins’ fastball hitting 95 mph in recent weeks.
“It’s certainly a tribute to the way he takes care of himself, prepares, gets ready. He’s kept himself in great shape. His offseason program keeps him in great shape. I’m truly amazed,’’ Collins said. “Who would’ve predicted it? The guy came to spring training trying to make the club, and he’s become a huge part of the bullpen.’’
As much for his leadership as for his pitching.
“He’s had several conversations with the likes of Robert Carson and other guys about how to approach a hitter, things they’ve got to get better at,’’ Collins said. “I’ve heard a lot of guys say Hawk talked to me about this or Hawk talked to me about that.’’
Hawkins, 62 appearances shy of 1,000, feels a responsibility to provide leadership on a young Mets team that has 11 rookies and is apt to get more next year.
“I always tried to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. That’s the key, especially in the clubhouse. … It’s important, because I had somebody to mentor me,’’ Hawkins said. “I always tell young guys, ‘Get the guys out you’re supposed to. … Throw strikes, don’t walk guys and don’t price yourself out of the game.’ ’’
From his frank displeasure with Jordany Valdespin’s immature antics to subtly suggesting Jeurys Familia rise from his chair and turn around to conduct an interview to working with Vic Black on scouting reports, Hawkins’ impact is understated but shouldn’t be underrated.
“He’s been a big part of helping me out. He’s my throwing partner,’’ Black said. “I’ve taken on so much of what he does. I try to mimic what he does because of the consistency he has. I think I’d be dumb not to.’’