Tagged: mike pelfrey
Pelfrey struggles, Mets begin Subway Series part II
The Mets lost to the Detroit Tigers yesterday afternoon by a score of 5 – 2. While the Mets didn’t sweep the Tigers, they did win the series. The Mets have won their last three interleague series versus Oakland, Texas, and Detroit. These last three series have put the Mets above the .500 mark, and 5.5 games back in the wild card race.
I’ve been super impressed with the Mets the last week, week and a half. They’ve shown that they have what it takes to stay in the hunt for the playoffs. All the Mets need to do is keep playing well pitched, solid baseball. If they can do that, they can make the playoffs. They can’t worry about what the other teams are doing, just what they are doing.
The Mets’ offense lately has been super, scoring loads of runs over the last four of five. Yes, the Mets only scored two runs yesterday, but they still were in the game and had opportunities. No, you won’t score double digit runs every night. There will be days where you just can’t get that run in. Its incouraging though, because they have had opportunities and were in the game the whole way. Unfortunately, Pelf wasn’t on his game last night and wasn’t effective.
That’s been the problem. Pelfrey just cannot remain consistant over an extended period of time. He has shown time and time again that he has the stuff to be a top of the line pitcher, but he cannot remain on task mentally and he then falls behind hitters and let’s the game get away.
If only Mike had the mental toughness of someone like Dillon Gee. If Mike could get that mentally tough, he would be a dominant pitcher.
Mike was that pitcher the first half of the 2010 season. If he can find a way to get back there, that would change the Mets’ rotation completely. But unfortunately, I don’t see that happening. He is just too much of a head case. Maybe not like A.J. Burnett, but he is a head case.
And for that reason, when or if Johan Santana comes back, Mike Pelfrey has to be the odd man out. Of the five current starters in the rotation: Mike, Chris Capuano, R.A. Dickey, Dillon Gee, and Jon Niese, Mike has been the least effective. It’s obivous that R.A., Jon, and Johan will be in the rotation. The three that would be competeing for two spots would be Mike, Dillon, and Chris. Chris has been very effective this season and because he’s a lefty, he’s a valuable option to have in the rotation. in regards to Dillon, he has been way to effective to take out, so he’s almost sure to remain.
So, it’s not between Chris Capuano and Mike Pelfrey. I would pick Mike to be out, but some people may make the case to take out Capuano because he’s a lefty and could be vaubale in the ‘pen.
Whatever is done, the Mets need to do what’s best for the team to win. Maybe that’s cutting ties and trading Pelf in season or in the offseason. I don’t know, but whatever happens, the Mets can’t afford to risk ruining this potentially positive season.
Speaking of pitching, Jon Niese was cleared by doctors regarding his rapid heartbeat and will start tonight versus that Yankees. The will be toe-ing the rubber against Ivan Nova for the Yankees.
It’s my time to vent…
The Mets just lost their second straight game tonight by a score of 10-3. The Mets lost a tough game last night, but tonight’s game gives most fans heart burn. Mike Pelfrey was once again comepletely ineffective and had no idea what he was doing (or it appeared that way).
Mike lasted only 4.1 innigs tonight, throwing 71 pitches, but most of those pitches from the second inning on were melons coming toward the plate.
Mike doesn’t appear to understand how to pitch. He NEEDS to bust Howard inside. Someone needs to do it. Brush him back, hit him with a fastball (not the 80 mph slider Pelf hit him with) to send a message. When you do not brush someone off the plate, your bound to leave one out and he can extend and reach pitches on the outside corner. Mike left a pitch out over the plate and Ryan drove it into the upper tank. That’s what happens when you don’t brush someone back, Pelf!
First of all, there is no way Mike should have started the game. He lost around eleven pounds due to the flu during this week. He probably didn’t have the best strength. Dillon Gee needed to get the start. He was effective from the rotation and there is absolutely no way he should have been placed in the ‘pen.
Gee walked some guys tonight and was pitching well against Howard, until he left one on the inner half of the plate, but it had enough, and he went yard and collected 4 RBI off of his grand salami.
It’s not even Gee’s fault, atleast I don’t believe so. He shouldn’t have been brought in in a tight situation like that.
Jason Bay didn;t help things by grounding into an un-timely double play. Also, the home plate umpire was absolutely awful. He missed calls (balls and strikes) and he had a very inconsistent strike zone.
Also…Mike just said in an interview that he needed to tip his cap to Howard for hitting the pitch? Tip your cap? In high school if you get a ball there you’re expected to drive it. Come on Pelf, it’s his job to hit the junk you throw up to the plate.
The two positives: Jason Pridie and Ike Davis’ home runs. Good jobs guys, for what it’s worth.
Another bad taste left in the Mets fans’ mouth. It makes it even more painful when yet again it is Philadelphia who does it. Now the Mets can expect two more losses when they face Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee…Gulp!
Break out the pepto, it’s gonna be a long two days in Philly.
Problems with the pitching
The Mets were rained out today in Atlanta, and this will result in them playing a double header tomorrow, starting at 4:10pm. D.J. Carrasco is set to pitch against Derek Lowe in the first game, while Big Pelf is gonna pitch against Jair Jurrjens in the second of the two.
This has disaster written all over it. Why? Because the Mets are going to play their second double header in three days. The bullpen is spent as it is, and with two games tomorrow, they’re destined to have more trouble. The Mets’ bullpen has been the worst in baseball so far, and their starters haven’t been much better.
It seems as though every time the Mets’ offense get the pitchers a lead, they give it right back in the following half inning, or later on. The Mets average five runs a game, which has to be good enough to win games. Frankly, I’m surprised the ‘pen and starters have been so bad. During the spring, they looked really promising. I guess they spent all of their out then. The only positives have been Pedro Beato and Jason Isringhausen.
Isringhausen was called up to the majors a few days ago, making his first Mets appearance since 1999. And, he has pitched well, though his time here has been brief to say the least. He has closed close to 300 games, so it appears as though he will be able to withstand pressure packed situations. The real question is, can he stay healthy?
Pedro Beato has been lights out every time he has come in, and I think, though it may be premature, Terry needs to take advantage of his talent and effectiveness lately.
I think it’s likely the Mets will call up Dillon Gee to pitch, which I’m happy about, considering Chris Young’s rib cage. They need to call up Pat Misch, to provide bullpen help and to get some outs, something the Mets’ bullpen can’t do as of now.
Mets’ pitching struggles
As I’m sitting here, watching the Mets getting creamed by the Phils and Roy Halladay in the 6th innings, I’m not very happy. Yes, it may be because the starting pitching has sucked the last two days.
The Mets starting pitching has been rotten the last two days, especially Mike Pelfrey. Mike gave up seven runs last night, six of which were earned, and he couldn’t get out of the third. Mike Pelfrey capped off his forgettable performance with a bloop that he let drop in front of the mound. That was the correct play. Throw to second and then to first for the double play. Or, at least get the lead runner and then Blanton would be running the bases. But Pelfrey threw to first, which you cannot do, and he threw it away!
Pelfrey seems to get up tight and lose his confidence and concentration. That cannot happen. I mean, when you have been in the league since 2006, you need to get your head together. I have been hard on Pelfrey, but come on. He needs to find it quickly.
One positive from yesterday’s game was the offense. They came back, which was a great sign. Just as long as the Mets fight hard and do the little things, they will be o.k. I believe this is more important than wins in the first couple weeks.
But, speaking of the little things, the Mets committed two errors today (so far) and Niese failed to get a bunt down, and in pro baseball, that is not excusable and that cannot happen. Niese must be more prepared next time.
Jon Niese gave up six runs today, and looked ‘not a so good.’ Jon had a little problem with his pitches, but he didn’t man up today. He needed to buck up and get the guys out he needed to. That’s the main difference between Halladay and Niese. When Roy doesn’t have good stuff, he gets people out.
I think the Mets need to look seriously into acquiring another arm for the rotation. Maybe to put some pressure on them. Yes, I’m overreacting. Once the Mets get on another streak and they start pitching well, things will be fine and I’ll be calm. That’s what’s good about baseball. There are games everyday.
I’m also concerned about Lucas Duda. He’s only got one hit and he has a tendency to slump. I think he needs to find a way to avoid a major slump if he wants Beltran’s job next year. Maybe the Mets should recall Evans, who I personally believed should have made it. Scott Hairston has also been a concern. I really thought that he would be strong, but he hasn’t so far. It is still really though, and the Mets open at home with the Nats manana.
It’s a new team
The Mets put their new, revamped team to the test tonight versus the Phillies in Philadelphia. The Mets ended up taking it to the Phillies and their fans, running the score to seven to one, and knocking out Cole Hamels in the third inning.
Chris Young was good, really good tonight, completing 5.2 innings and allowing only one run. He did get into a little trouble with the bases loaded, but besides that I’m impressed. This is what the Mets wanted, and definitely needed. Not to mention, Young had three base knocks, tying a Mets record. He even had two hits in the same inning! You know your having a good day as a pitcher when you get three hits, and two of the three in one inning.
David Wright was locked in at the plate, collecting four hits with a double and two RBI. It had been nearly two years since David had four hits in one game. David’s only at bat without a hit was in the first, striking out with runners on second and third with no one out. But, heck, I would take this game anyday. This is a really good sign for Dave and Mets fans. It is obvious he has worked hard this winter on reducing his strikeouts and being more productive with two strikes. Although he did K in the first, it was on pitch that had late break outside.
The Mets will face Joe Blanton and the Phillies tomorrow with Mike Pelfrey pitching for the good guys.
Bye the way, Cole Hamels is now 2-9 versus the Mets in his career. Cole was 0-4 last year against us and he isn’t off to a good start this year.
First win and today’s game
Yesterday
The Mets won their first game last night of the 2011 season at the Marlins’ Sun Life Stadium. The final score was 6-4 and the game lasted into the tenth inning.
Jon Niese was stellar yesterday, throwing 87 pitches over seven innings, and only allowing one hit after the 2nd inning. Jon had a blip on the radar in the first, but settled down nicely after. The Mets needed this from Niese, considering Pelf’s poor start Friday.
David Wright had three hits last night, including the go ahead RBI single in the tenth inning after the Marlin’s outfielder Cousins let a fly ball in foul territory drop. David also hit his first homer of the 2011 season, and the first for the Mets. He hit the Mets’ first homer last season as well.
Josh Thole had an RBI single to put the Mets ahead in the 9th last night, only to have Francisco Rodriguez give up a single to former Phillie Greg Dobbs to tie the game. The positive I can take from this is that Frankie’s appearence didn’t count as a game finished, which helps the Mets’ cause for preventing his 17.5 million dollar option to vest. Blaine Boyer ended the game, although giving up one run.
Beltran played all ten innings last night, and looked great in the field and hit well, too. It’s good to see him healthy.
Today
The Mets are going to take on the Marlins again, with R.A. Dickey on the mound. Pitching in the rubber game for Florida will be Javier Vazquez. The lineup will be…Reyes, Harris, Wright, Ike, Angel, Lucas Duda, Daniel Murphy, and Thole with R.A. batting ninth.
Following today’s game the Mets will travel to Philly.
Standings
Here are the early N.L. East standings.
Phillies 2-0 — GB
Mets 1-1 1.0 GB
Braves 1-1 1.0 GB
Marlins 1-1 1.0 GB
Nationals 1-1 1.0 GB
Mets lose opener
The Mets lost their first game of 2011 last night at Sun Life Stadium in Florida against the Marlins. The final score ended up being 6-2 with the Mets only collecting 4 hits.
To be honest, I was pissed last night at the team. They could only must four hits in the entire game and two runs. But, now that I slept on it, Josh Johnson was dominant last night, and that was expected by many. I was just disappointed that we looked so flat.
Pelfrey’s performence was the most gut-wrenching thing for me last night. He allowed 5 runs and four walks last night, and had little to no command of his fastball. Mike left his ball up on a few pitches but he was constantly down. Too down. He would either miss in the dirt or he would never changed the hitters eye level. I was really expecting Pelf to go out their and pitch well, his being so excited for this game. It was deflating for Mets fans.
Beltran played well, and ran well, which was great. I was really happy to see that. Willie Harris played well, and I’m impressed with him.
Terry Collins remained very positive last night, which makes the loss a little less hurtful. But, David Wright’s at bats last night really made me ********** and feel like we were still in 2010. He can’t catch up to the ball. He needs to drop all of the b.s. and get rid of the leg kick, as he did in 2006, 07, and 08.
The Mets and Jon Niese are going to be taking on the Marlins tonight at 7:10pm.
Today’s game and Beltran’s on the move
Today, Carlos Beltran announced that he will move to right field so that Angel Pagan can play center field. Beltran has been in Center field his entire career and has only played a handfull of games in right and left.
He said today that he doesn’t want the team to have to wait and he understands that Pagan should play and he deserves it. He said that he isn’t a selfish player and wants to do what’s right for the entire team.
Beltran although is still not ready to play, and according to many reports he is hobbling and won’t be ready to DH until next week. This is concerning because he was supposed to be ready at the start of the spring and that will leave a big offensive hole at the start of the season if he cannot start the season healthy.
I think that this is good and shows me a lot about Beltran. Honestly, I wasn’t the biggest fan of Beltran. By no means was I Beltran hater, as many Mets fans are, but that 2006 NLCS Game 7 still lingers. But, after this, I have new respect for him.
The Mets lost their first game of their spring schedule today to the Nationals. Pelfrey went a couple of strong innings, although giving up a few runs, he was pitching well and threw under 40 pitches. Bryce Harper had two at bats versus the Mets today and struckout in both. I will post the box score later today.
Baseball is around the corner…
With baseball right around the corner, I thought that I should update my blog, as I dont post very often in the offseason. First, I will start off with the Mets signing starting pitcher Chris Young to a one year, incentive based deal worth $1.1 million. Young does have the opportunity to get up to $4.5 million if all of the incentives have been reached. Young, who only pitched in four games last season, is 48-34 with an ERA of 3.80 in 135 games started.
I think this is a low risk-high reward deal for the Mets. The Mets arent expected to go anywhere this year, so if he blows apart, it wont be a major deal. He is only making slightly over one million. But, if he is good and stays healthy, he could really help this team.
The Mets also signed Scott Hairston to a one year deal worth reportedly $2 million. This will be good for the Mets’ bench and second base. To make room for these new additions, the Mets are reportedly close to releasing Luis Castillo from the 40-man roster. Yes!!! Thats better than any acquisition.
Many sports stations have been making a large deal over the Mets naming Mike Pelfrey as their opening day starter. I mean, how much harm could it do? The Mets are giving him the cushion and confidence knowing that going into spring, he will be on the team and play an important role. And, that may be important for Big Pelf’s mind.
And, one more thing. My brother and I were debating Pujols. All I can hope is that the Mets can open roster space to pay for him. He is a future Hall of Famer all ready and would provide power, stability, professionalism to the team.
Mets snake-bit again
The Mets fell to the Diamondbacks for the fourth consecutive time this evening, losing by a score of nine to six, pushing themselves back to one game over .500 and 7.5 games back of the Atlanta Braves.
David Wright had a breakout night against former Yankee great, Ian Kennedy. He went yard twice, collecting three RBI along the way. His first home run was a low and in changeup that David parked over the “great wall of flushing”, putting the score back to a tie. His second gave the team a short lead by one. That homer was a two-run bomb to dead center field, just left of the apple’s home. He also collected a base hit for a total of three hits.
Mike Pelfrey didn’t have it again tonight, giving up five runs in just over five innings pitched. He was better than he was last week in Arizona, but no by much. He just cant seem to be able to put the guys away he needs to. He hasn’t been pitching inside like he has needed to to be successful. He also seems to be taking more time in between pitches, possibly losing more focus.
Put it in the Books! 