John Maine threw a bullpen session yesterday and told reporters he expects to pitch in a simulated game tomorrow.
Prior to yesterday’s game, Jerry Manuel said, if all goes well, Maine will likely pitch in the first game of a double-header in Philadelphia on Sunday.
…from what i can gather, he’ll probably be allowed to throw around 65 pitches, so newly-promoted Tobi Stoner will be ready to pitch in long relief… stoner will wear No. 29… it’s too bad they don’t make three-digit jerseys…
Maine said he ‘feels good,’ and, though he is still not 100 percent in terms of arm strength, he hopes to get three or four starts before the end of the season.
That said, he explained, with some rest and hard work this winter, while sticking to his rehab program, he expects to be ‘just fine’ for spring training.
…there has been a lot of online talk about whether the Mets will tender maine a contract next season… i believe he’ll be back… and i hope he is i don’t know how the contract will shake out, but, from what i can gather, the Mets have no interest in cutting him loose – and they have every intention of having him around through at least spring training… they still love his arm, and talk about his effortless delivery… if he can adjust his workouts, and stay healthy, they still think he can be a major factor in the rotation… as do i… he’s eligible for arbitration, and will likely get around $2.5 million… he is not able to be a free agent until after the 2011 season…
When asked if he returned to prove his value, in advance of such off-season questions, Maine said, “I just wanted to pitch.”
what’s going on with that picture there? Is that Duaner?
It is… It’s from some candid, goofing-around photos from the team’s spring training photo session.
I have more I will post at the end of the season.
Actually it would be cool if Stoner’s Jersey was tie-dyed, or made from hemp…
Hey AC!!! What is Matt getting at with the 3-digits? 420?
Maybe. If he is, that is well played indeed.
Tobi’s song has to be “Truckin’”
“Truckin’ — up to Buffalo
Been thinkin – you got to mellow slow
Takes time – you pick a place to go
and just keep Truckin on”
good call, Buffalo reference and all…
With the arms that the Mets are sending out there right now how is there any though of setting Maine free before spring training? If the offseason doesn’t cure his arm then maybe waiving him becomes an option, but I see him fitting in a variety of ways.
1) 5th starter candidate (obvious)
2) set up man candidate. I would like to see him pitching in relief after Sunday to see how he adapts.
3) AAA starting depth. He has an option year left though he would be on a very expensive AAA contract.
4) trade chip should he show health this Sept.
cutting him loose would be option five, imo
I don’t know how anyone can advocate a rotation that includes all 3 of Maine, Perez and Pelfrey at this point. And by saying Maine should be back is basically saying that b/c the other 2 aren’t going anywhere.
Big, big mistake if this team relies on Maine going into next season. Even if he’s healthy he’s a headcase.
I here where you’re coming from. Maine has 3-4 starts to prove he belongs in 2010.
If Maine is healthy, would you trade Pelfrey? I don’t see much difference between the two. Pelfrey gets you more in return because he is under control longer.
We need two pitchers in the rotation better than the Killer P’s
As I pointed out there is a lot of middle ground between relying on him, and getting rid of him.
I definitely think they should keep him in the discussion, but he is a peripheral part of the pitching staff.
I’d be lying to you if I said I wouldn’t go out and buy a “Stoner #420″ jersey right now if it existed.