Daily Archives: August 19, 2008
Yesterday, John Maine let up just two hits and no runs, while walking four and striking out three, during five innings pitched.
In the two starts since returning 
from the disabled list, Maine has not allowed a run, while giving up just three hits, and striking out nine, in 10 innings.
He is 10–7 with a 3.82 ERA in 24 starts this season, during which the Mets are 13–11.
Maine, on his shoulder, and his outing, speaking to reporters following yesterday’s game, said:
“It’s not getting any worse, but it’s not getting any better. It’s a little sore. But, you know, I just think I need to keep doing my stuff between starts – it’s going to get better…It’s better than it was in Miami, but it’s not 100 percent…It’s not getting any worse, and so I’m encouraged by it…This is a playoff race. Either way, you’ve got to suck it up and throw.”
Maine told reporters, regardless of his pitch count, he was only going to pitch five innings today, adding, “I think next start will start to stretch out a bit.”
I feel foolish. I mean, in the end, Maine pitched five scoreless innings – so how bad could he have been.
That said, he had no zip on his fastball, which he admitted to later in the day. His control is good, and so he’s still able to go in-and-out and side-to-side on hitters, but without any zip he’s throwing even more pitches than he normally does.
In short, he needs to find a better way to ‘economize those pitches,’ as Jerry Manuel said following the game, otherwise Maine will only last four or five innings, meaning the bullpen will need to pick up the slack – and you know how that goes.
The SNY, talk-radio echo chamber continues to discuss whether the Mets should make Maine the team’s closer if Billy Wagner is unable to return from the disabled list.
I still do not like this idea – at least not yet. The Mets first need to learn of Wagner’s status, and then see what Luis Ayala brings to the table. If Wagner is gone, Ayala struggles and no other option presents itself, then, yes, Maine is the best option – especially if he’s unable to pitch more than five innings anyway.
However, it’s still too early to make that decision.
Ryan Church played five innings in right field yesterday for Triple-A New Orleans, going hitless in two at bats.
He will play with Triple-A New Orleans again tonight, as will Trot Nixon.
Through a team spokesman, Church said he was happy to be back on the field, though he still has not set a timetable for his return.
Tagged Ryan Church, Trot Nixon |Yesterday, Duaner Sanchez entered the eighth inning with a tie 
score, but let up two singles, a double, and an intentional walk, while getting no outs, which gave the Pirates a three-run lead.
…the problem is that his fastball is clocking in at around 86 mph, which is around 5 percent off from what it usually is…
Sanchez, talking to reporters following yesterday’s loss, said:
“I’m fine, physically, I’m totally fine…My arm feels good. Sometime, the firggin’ monkey has got to get off my back. I don’t know when, but, damn, sometime soon…
“I don’t know, bro, but something’s gotta happen soon. It can’t be like this. This is not me…I’m letting my team down, that’s basically what it is and this is not me. Something’s gotta happen and I’m the one who has to do it…It’s gonna take a lot, but it’s got to happen…My arm is totally fine. I’m not fatigued. I was more fatigued in the beginning, when I first came back. Now, I’m totally fine. It’s just not going my way…
“I’m not down on myself, I’m pissed. I don’t think any one would be happy. I’m not down at all, I’m just a little pissed off – and that’s about it.”
Sanchez has allowed three runs in his last two appearances, prior to which he had an eight-game scoreless streak.
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