The Mets designated left-hander Mike O'Connor for assignment, according to Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com (on Twitter). The move cleared a 40-man roster spot for September call-ups.
The 31-year-old appeared in nine games for the Mets and 39 games for their Triple-A affiliate this year. He posted a 5.22 ERA with 9.8 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9 in 60 1/3 innings at Buffalo, where he also spent the 2010 season. A year ago, he posted similar strikeout and walk numbers (8.9 K/9, 2.2 BB/9) with an ERA of just 2.67.
O’Connor is a lefty reliever who wasn’t that great. One of Omar’s greatest hits, I believe.
It was a gamble worth taking in the off season and as predicted didnt work out. He did show some signs in a few middle season call-ups but nothing that will earn him a 2012 mets contract but my guess is another team will take a minor league flyer on the kid.