Daily Archives: July 9, 2008
Mike Pelfrey allowed just three hits, while striking out five over seven scoreless innings in last night’s win versus the Giants.
He didn’t walk a batter for the first time in his 34 career starts.
Manuel, on what may have clicked for Pelfrey in his last few starts…
“I think what did it for Mike was having some success breeding confidence. To come to the major leagues, there is always a question or a doubt on whether or not you can do this or accomplish this. And, there was a period where he struggled and I think that was a bigger factor in terms of what he brought to the mound as far as he stuff goes. Then all of sudden, when he had some success, you could see the man became a bit bigger than what he was before that. So, i think the success has had more to do with him than anything because it breeded a level of confidence that he feels good even if he gets in trouble in that he’s one pitch away from getting in to trouble.”
Manuel told reporters that he did not consider sending Pelfrey out to pitch the eighth inning last night because he had already thrown 110 pitches. In fact, Manuel added, “We’re probably gonna be careful in his last outing on Sunday and keep him real, real close to 100 pitches.”
Pelfrey, on when things started to click…
“I think in the Dodger game…I found out that location is a lot more important than velocity. That proved to me that, hey, I can go out and if I execute pitches and hit my spots I don’t need to throw 95.”
Pelfrey, who has allowed two runs or less in six of his last eight starts, is 5–0 with a 3.44 ERA during that span, during which the Mets are 7–1.
He is 7–6 on the year, with a 3.93 ERA.
…in the past two years pelfrey has taken a lot of criticism from fans and the media for not developing as quickly as other pitching prospects around the league, especially with the Mets being in their current “win now” state, but it’s important to remember that pelfrey has only made 62 starts in his professional career since being drafted by the Mets in 2005…
…however, over his last eight starts we are beginning to see pelfrey’s potential coming to fruition as he has learned how to pitch at the major league level, which has given him confidence that he can complete at this level…
…also, i’m beginning to think Rick Peterson was more of a hindrance than help in pelfrey’s development…i’ve folllowed pelfrey’s professional career since he was drafted and i never understood why he was told to abandon his curve ball, which was one of the reasons he had so much success at the college level…with Dan Warthen allowing pelfrey to throw his curve ball, it will give pelfrey another weapon to get hitters off balance when he throws his fastball..
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Tagged Mike Nichols, Mike Pelfrey |
Carlos Ruiz ground into his second bases loaded double play of the season Tuesday night for the Phillies. In 70 plate appearances with a man on first and less than two out, Ruiz hit into eleven GDPs this season, 15.7%.
Today’s Marlins starter, Scott Olsen, is one of a trio of Florida starters with road ERAs over 5.00. Mark Hendrickson sports a 6.18 ERA away from Dolphin Stadium, Olsen comes in at 5.66, and Andrew Miller sits at 5.13.
Tom Glavine threw without pain Tuesday, but still doesn’t know if he can avoid surgery.
Dr. Benjamin Shaffer discusses Chad Cordero’s surgery. The pitcher will be in a sling for three weeks then start rehabilitation, with the goal of being ready for spring training in 2009.
For more real-time information, news, links and stats from around MLB, check out Baseball Musings.
Tagged Tom Glavine |
According to TR Sullivan from MLB.com, teams are expressing interest in trading for Rangers OF Nelson Cruz.
Cruz, 28, is hitting .343 with 26 HR and 73 RBI in 80 at bats in Triple-A this season.
…within reason, i am always a fan of trying to acquire these type of players, i.e., guys who were once highly-touted prospects, but who fizzled and just could not get it together early in their career…
In Sullivan’s opinion, “Cruz could be of help to a team looking for an outfielder but not willing to give up big-time prospects for a big-name player.”
The right-handed hitting Cruz has played mostly right field in his three major-league seasons, while batting .231 in 442 at bats.
Carlos Beltran is batting .269, and is on pace to hit roughly 25 HR with 115 RBI and 25 or so stolen bases, while playing a Gold Glove-caliber defense.
He hit .276 with 33 HR and 112 RBI last season, and .275 with 41 HR and 116 RBI in 2006 when he finished fourth in the National League MVP voting.
Beltran hit just .200 in April this season, while averaging one home run every 40 at bats. Since, he’s batting .290 while averaging one home run every 22 at bats.
He is hitting .286 with runners in scoring position, however just .158 with men on base and two outs.
For more statistical information on Beltran, click here.
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The Mets and ARAMARK have announced a partnership with Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG), ‘to transport its culinary talent and expertise to Citi Field.’
According to a team press release:
“Among the dining choices USHG will offer at Citi Field are the enormously popular Blue Smoke and Shake Shack, as well as two new food concepts – a taquería and a Belgian fries stand.”
Additionally, the Sterling Club will feature several different dining options, including a casual cafe and market, in-seat service, a dining lounge, and a beer and win bar featuring specialty brews and an extensive selection of wines from around the world.
…this is great, but i will truly be impressed when i see Double Simcoe on tap…right, Johnny G…
In a rehab start for Double-A Binghamton last night, Moises Alou had one hit in three at bats while playing five innings in the outfield.
According to the Norwich Bulletin, Alou said: “There’s a pretty good chance I might be up there Friday. There’s a chance I may wait until after the All-Star break, but my goal is to be back in New York this weekend.”
…i’ll believe when i see it, moises…
…as i said yesterday, i’ll be interested to see how Jerry Manuel manages alou’s health on a daily basis…
…perhaps alou should become a part-time player, splitting time with Endy Chavez, and become the team’s go-to pinch hitter when not in the starting lineup…
Tagged Mike Nichols, Moises Alou |
Yesterday, I asked, “Would you sign Barry Bonds to play for the Mets?”
I’m happy to note that 68 percent of the 4,200 voters said they would not sign Bonds, while 32 percent said they would.
…sorry, frank…it appears you are in the minority…
Toby Hyde, from MetsMinorLeagueBlog.com, will spend the 
next few weeks traveling to and from each of the team’s minor-league affiliates, while blogging about his experience.
Today, Hyde posts audio, images and notes from his day at Grayson Stadium, home of the Savannah Sand Gnats.
As noted yesterday on MetsBlog, David Wright continues to trail Brewers OF Corey Hart in fan voting for the final spot on the National League All Star Team.
David Wright, as quoted by Newsday:
“Hopefully the New York fans understand I want to be there, and come out in full force.”
To vote for Wright, click here, or follow the link in the side bar.
Voting ends at 5 p.m. EDT on Thursday.
Tagged Mike Nichols |
Last night, Carlos Beltran quickly set the tone as he hit a three-run homer off of the Giants’ Tim Lincecum in the first inning.
Beltran was 3-for-4 on the night with four RBI and a run scored
Jerry Manuel, on Beltran’s offensive performance:
“If Carlos Beltran swings that bat the way we feel he’s capable of swinging the bat, in the position of the order that he’s in, it could be very, very damaging for the opposition. Like tonight, he got a big hit but then also got a base hit after hitting a three-run homer. Those things are important.”
…i don’t want to jinx anything, but is it possible that the team is finally firing on all cylinders…
…it has been much more fun watching them in the last week or so, but then again, winning is always more fun…
Tagged Regis Courtemanche | ← Older postsNewer posts →
