Kyle Farnsworth, who had been the Mets' closer, was released by the team on Monday in a cost-cutting move and said his goal would be "to find a team to play against this team."

He added: "I'm very bitter right now."

Well, if the first 38 games of the season have taught us anything, it's that the Phillies need to upgrade the bullpen, and Farnsworth, a free agent after refusing his Triple-A assignment, could help. Cheaply, too.

Here's why the Phillies should place the call:

VETERAN PRESENCE: Behind closer Jonathan Papelbon, the Phillies right-handed relievers are Mike Adams, Jeff Manship and Luis Garcia. Aside from Adams, a 10-year veteran, and this is an inexperienced bunch. Manship and Garcia have appeared in a combined 90 major-league games in their careers. Meanwhile, Farnsworth has the experience to provide some late-inning stability and school the young arms.

A RIGHT-HANDED OPTION: While Farnsworth has struggled against lefty hitters -- who are batting .367 with one home run, three RBIs and three walks against him this season -- he has experience as a set-up man and closer. He could prove dependable against right-handed batters, but also allow the younger arms to appear earlier in games and strengthen the depth of the bullpen overall.

REVENGE: If Farnsworth wants to find a team to help him avenge his release, Philly is the place. The Phillies have 15 games remaining against the Mets.

LOW PRICE = LOW RISK: Unlike some of the other free-agent arms available, such as former Phillies reliever Ryan Madson, Farnsworth comes with an affordable price tag, likely to be $1 million or less. That makes him worth the gamble.

YOU'VE SEEN THE BULLPEN, RIGHT? These guys have a 4.68 ERA, good for 27th in baseball. After jettisoning B.J. Rosenberg and Shawn Camp earlier this season, finding the right mix has been difficult for Sandberg and general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. There is little downside to bringing in a veteran to help steady the situation rather than to continue to shuttle young relievers between Philadelphia and Allentown.

Follow Matt Lombardo on Twitter: @MattLombardo975