Note: Misch, Figgy, Iggy, Niese and Nieve
In yesterday’s win against the Cardinals, Fernando Nieve allowed two runs and five hits in three innings, while Jon Niese allowed three runs and four hits with two strikeouts.
Following the game, Jerry Manuel told reporters the fifth starter’s job is still an open competition.
Niese and Nieve are competing for the job against Nelson Figueroa, Pat Misch and Hisanori Takahashi, all three of whom have yet to allow a run this spring.
“I think I’ve put up the numbers to deserve it,” Figueroa recently said, according to the New York Times. “I don’t think I pitch like a 35-year-old on the way out.”
That said, according to the New York Post, Rob Barajas thinks Niese is ready for the big leagues, as his stuff resembles that of Cliff Lee and Jon Lester.
…there is still a lot of time in Spring Training, so i think it would be premature to say definitely what the Mets should or shouldn’t do in the rotation, and bullpen… but, right now, i am impressed with almost everyone competing for these open spots… in any case, i hope figgy is on the roster… he’s too versatile and too effective to ignore, and he’s a Mets fan, and he’s earned a break and the benefit of the doubt… at the same time, right now, it’s difficult to ignore the potential of niese and the precision of takahashi… so, there will be difficult decisions, no question…
By the way, to hear more from Figueroa, check out this excellent interview he did with Mets 360.
