After breathless anticipation, further fanned by the arrival of phenom shortstop Jose Reyes, Aaron Heilman finally makes his major league debut tonight against Florida. And those who know him say the 24-year-old rookie pitcher won’t be overwhelmed by the moment: That’s just not his style.
The 6-foot-5 righthander, the Mets’ 2001 first-round pick, was 6-4 with a 3.24 ERA in 16 starts at Triple-A Norfolk. More than the numbers, his arrival symbolizes a transition for the Mets, from an old broken-down club to one building toward a bright future.
The club began the season with high hopes, a $120 million payroll and the oldest 25-man roster in baseball. Now, with Heilman’s ballyhooed debut tonight against the Marlins and Dontrelle Willis, all eyes will be on the rookie starters. It’s pressure the Mets say Heilman can take.
“It’s great to see some of the guys you grew up with . . . get a chance. It’s nice to see the home-grown talent you know from the trenches come up,” said Jason Phillips, who caught Heilman last year at Norfolk.
“I don’t think it’s going to be too big for Aaron . . . [H]e’s used to the hype and the exposure.”
The club didn’t think Heilman was ready after his spring training battle with roommate Mike Bacsik, Jason Middlebrook and Jae Seo for the fifth starter spot. They didn’t think he was ready on June 14, when they recalled Jason Roach instead for an emergency start. Apparently they think he’s ready now.
“I want to see him not walk people, because he’s got the stuff to get big-league hitters out,” said Art Howe. “I want him to be relaxed and just pitch his game. I’ll sit him down and talk with him a bit, but I think he’s ready for this. He’s paid his dues. I’m excited to see it.”
Heilman’s talents – he has a splitter, a sinker and newly-developed slider – may be exciting, but the Notre Dame product is rarely excited. His laid-back demeanor has often been misread for a lack of fire, leading some to question his passion – but not those who know him.
“I enjoyed playing behind him. He’s aggressive, and he goes right after batters,” said Ty Wigginton, who played with Heilman last year in Norfolk. “He’s a different person when he gets on the mound than he is in here. He gets a whole different look in his eyes. He loves to compete. I could just see it.”
Phillips thinks he’s built for success at Shea.
“He has a sinker and that’s what you need here unless you throw 95 [mph],” Phillips said.
