Note: Nelson Figueroa is ready to Compete
Mets RHP Nelson Figueroa allowed one run and three hits, while striking out eight, in nine innings yesterday for the Dominican Republic in the team’s win against Puerto Rico.
In a report for MLB.com, Jesse Sanchez profiles Figueroa, who is quoted as saying:
“I can only hope that the Mets are watching this and they are happy with the work I am doing… I started early and I got the competitive juices flowing in December. I’m hoping that carries over to Spring Training so we can all get on the same plane and look forward to October… I think the Mets have confidence in me and I’m ready to compete for a job… I just want the opportunity. I’ve been in this game for 15 years, and there’s no reason why I can’t go five or six more.”
The 35–year-old Figueroa was 2–8 with a 4.19 ERA in 10 starts for the Mets last season; he had a 3.65 ERA in six relief appearances.
…it was really a tale of two seasons for figueroa… he was a mess early on, but he was sensational in his final four starts, in which, though he lost three of those games, he had a 3.33 ERA, while striking out 21 batters in 27 innings… i don’t understand why the Mets are constantly jerking him around… he’s a good, sound, smart pitcher, who is very versatile, and he loves the Mets, and wants to be here… he knows how to maximize his potential… he needs a strong defense, though, as he tends to put the ball in play… but, he has always seemed to me to be the perfect spot-starter, long-reliever…
…you know the drill with nelson, he’s out of options, but under contract, so he must clear waivers in order to be sent to the minor leagues…
