Bobby Parnell pitched a perfect inning against the Cardinals on Friday and has yet to allow a run in 8 1/3 innings this spring.

Frank Francisco has been shaky all spring. If it carries over into the regular season, perhaps Parnell will get another look in the closer's role. He has the best stuff in the Mets bullpen.

General manager Sandy Alderson indicated that Bobby Parnell could begin the season in Triple-A and that his status with the team is contingent on whether the Mets carry a second left-hander such as Daniel Herrera or Miguel Batista.

"I think Bobby has got an outstanding future, and it's just a question of where he'll pitch and to what extent it clicks this year," Alderson said. "But, at the same time, we've got fewer spots available than we have quality arms at this point." Parnell, 27, posted a 3.64 ERA and 64/27 K/BB ratio over 59 1/3 innings in 60 games with the Mets this past season. The fact he has an option remaining could put his spot on the 25-man roster in jeopardy.

The Mets were debating whether to trade Bobby Parnell to an unspecified team for a starting position player, reports Adam Rubin of ESPN New York.

The Mets have strengthened their bullpen this week with the additions of Jon Rauch, Frank Francisco and Ramon Ramirez, so they have the proper depth if they find the right deal. However, Parnell is also valuable to the Mets because he is under team control for four more years. The hard-throwing right-hander posted a 64/27 K/BB ratio over 59 1/3 innings this past season.

Bobby Parnell tossed a perfect ninth in an 8-6 game to earn a save against the Cardinals on Thursday.

Parnell had picked up two blown saves since his last save on Sept. 4. He'll probably be the primary choice for save chances in the Mets pen in the final six games, but he may get Friday off now that he's worked two days in a row.

Mets manager Terry Collins said that if a save situation arises Saturday, he will likely go with Bobby Parnell.

The Mets have pulled back Parnell from the closer role a bit after he blew two of his last three chances, but he's still at the head of what could be a committee down the stretch. With Jason Isringhausen injured, Manny Acosta and Josh Stinson have received save opportunities behind Parnell.

Mets manager Terry Collins indicated that Bobby Parnell might get a rest from the closer role.

Parnell gave up two runs against the Marlins on Tuesday night, blowing his second save in his last three appearances. "Well, we're going to talk to Bobby tomorrow," said Collins. "I mean, there's a couple things (pitching coach) Dan (Warthen) had talked about with him, a couple of little pitch-location stuff that he's just got to be able to make. He's got to make some pitches." We doubt Parnell will be yanked from the role for good, but if he gets a rest, Josh Stinson, Manny Acosta, Pedro Beato and Jason Isringhausen are all candidates for ninth-inning duty. Not fun for fantasy owners.

Bobby Parnell blew his fourth save Tuesday by allowing two runs against Florida in the ninth inning.

He gave up a hit and a walk before allowing a two-out, two-run double to Mike Cameron to tie the game. The Mets eventually won in 12 innings. Since taking over as closer on August 24, Parnell has allowed five runs in 5 2/3 innings, watching his ERA raise from 3.92 to 4.38, while going 5-for-7 on save conversions. He'll likely still keep the job the rest of the way.

Bobby Parnell will likely be unavailable Tuesday night after pitching both ends of Monday's doubleheader against the Marlins.

Look for Jason Isringhausen to get the ball in a potential save situation Tuesday night. Parnell remains the clear favorite for saves the rest of the way, though.

Bobby Parnell recorded his second save Monday despite giving up a solo homer to Florida's Gaby Sanchez in the ninth.

Fortunately, it was a 2-0 game at the time. Parnell retired the other three batters he faced. The homer was just the fourth he's given up all year, and it was the first he's allowed in his last five appearances. He's the clear favorite for saves in the Mets pen.

Bobby Parnell picked up his first save of the year with a scoreless ninth Wednesday against the Phillies.

Parnell loaded the bases before finishing the 7-4 game without a run scoring. It looked like he might not get the call today, as the Mets originally had Jason Isringhausen warming up. Parnell, though, did start the ninth and turned in a scoreless innings for the fourth straight appearance. He should be the favorite for saves in the Mets pen the rest of the way.

Bobby Parnell will begin the transition to closer.

The Mets gave most of their save opportunities to Jason Isringhausen over the past month so that Izzy could climb to 300 career saves. Now that the milestone has been met, it's Parnell's turn to take over. The 26-year-old has registered a 49/17 K/BB ratio in 39 2/3 innings this season and needs to be owned in mixed fantasy leagues.

Mets manager Terry Collins said Thursday that Bobby Parnell, Jason Isringhausen and Pedro Beato will share save opportunities with Francisco Rodriguez now traded.

They've all had quality seasons to this point, but Parnell remains the guy to own in fantasy leagues. The 26-year-old has registered a sparkling 30/9 K/BB ratio through 24 2/3 innings this season and represents the future at the position for the Mets.

Bobby Parnell is likely to close for the Mets in the wake of the Francisco Rodriguez deal.

Parnell has a 2.92 ERA and a 30/9 K/BB ratio in 24 2/3 innings this season. How he'll handle the pressure of the ninth inning remains to be seen, but he has the stuff to be a capable closer for the Mets. If he fails, then Jason Isringhausen might get a shot.

ESPN New York's Adam Rubin suspects Bobby Parnell will act as closer if Francisco Rodriguez departs.

The Mets are likely to shop K-Rod heavily this month. If they find a trade partner willing to take on his lofty salary, then Parnell may step into ninth inning duties immediately. The 26-year-old right-hander has registered a 2.78 ERA and 27/9 K/BB ratio in 22 2/3 innings this season.

Bobby Parnell isn't totally over the circulatory issue in his right middle finger and thinks it might be something he'll have to deal with the rest of his career.

Parnell just returned from the DL and says that the numbness in his finger has subsided, but he thinks that mainly has to do with the weather warming up. He's been taking asprin to thin his blood and help the circulation in his finger. "It's possible I'll have to live with this the rest of my life," Parnell said. "But now, I can deal with it."

Mets activated RHP Bobby Parnell from the 15-day disabled list.

He'll take the place of Jose Reyes on the active roster. Parnell really struggled before going on the disabled list with a blood clot in his finger, but posted a 3.38 ERA and 11/2 K/BB ratio over eight innings with the Bisons. The Mets will likely start him out in low-pressure situations, but he could find himself in a more prominent role before long.

Mets manager Terry Collins said Bobby Parnell's (finger) return to the team's bullpen isn't imminent.

It's not because of his health, but rather Collins wants to see Parnell gain more command of his fastball. The right-hander has allowed all five inherited runners to score during his last two rehab outings for Triple-A Buffalo. "You've got to command it," Collins said. "You've got to command it to both sides of the plate. And I think when he gets that back, he'll be here."

Bobby Parnell (finger) is not expected to be activated from the disabled list Friday.

The Mets want him to get in some more rehab appearances for Triple-A Buffalo after Parnell served up a three-run homer to Jesus Montero with two inherited runners aboard Thursday. It's not clear what day the Mets plan to activate him, but it shouldn't be long.

Bobby Parnell (blood clot in finger) has begun throwing off flat ground.

He still must be cleared to pitch by a cardiologist, which the Mets think will occur soon. Once that happens, he'll probably go on a short rehab assignment. There's currently no timetable for Parnell's return.

Bobby Parnell (finger) has not been cleared yet to begin a throwing program.

Parnell still has a blood clot in his right middle finger. He has been prescribed medication to help take care of it, but the process is moving a bit slower than expected. The right-hander is at least two weeks away from returning to the bigs.