Clay Holmes, a successful reliever with a solid career ERA of 2.69, surprised many when he chose to sign with the Mets as a starting pitcher rather than remaining a high-leverage reliever. Initially, Holmes did not foresee transitioning to a starter, but his agent's discussions and the Mets' strong belief in his capabilities persuaded him. Ultimately, the decision was also influenced by his desire to stay in New York, where he was familiar with the surroundings and management, primarily the Mets' new manager Carlos Mendoza.
"I definitely went into the offseason not expecting to be a starter. I mean, it wasn't like the World Series ended and I went out seeking to be a starter. It was nothing I thought about."
"The Mets were the most convincing in their pitch to use him out of the rotation and that Holmes left his conversations with Mets officials knowing the team had a 'real belief' in his ability to be a quality starter."
"In conjunction with the ability to continue living in New York surrounded by familiar faces like Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, that was enough to sell Holmes on the decision to head to Queens as a starting pitcher."
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