NYP: Pelfrey didn’t like Mets chances heading into 2011
“It’s unrealistic for anybody at the end of last year to come in and say, ‘The Mets, this is a one-year thing, next year we’re going to win it all…It’s unrealistic.”
~ Mike Pelfrey, as quoted by Mike Puma of the New York Post
According to Puma, one Met responded to Pelfrey’s comment about the team’s chances this season, saying:
“He’s cutting his own throat…What’s his record, six and nine? He’s supposed to be the ace of the [bleeping] staff. Why don’t you go and win 12 or 13 games?”
To me, part of winning, and part of being a winning player is believing it can be done on any given night. I think while talent is important, part of a player’s performance can be attributed to mental and emotional preparedness in that context. If Pelfrey has truly thought that from the beginning of camp in February, it’s difficult for me to believe he has been prepared to do his job to the best of his abilities on a consistent basis this season.
While Pelfrey doesn’t think the fans want him back next season, he hopes the Mets do, as he believes the organization is headed in the right direction and thinks the team is setting itself up to be a postseason contender every year.
Earlier this week, David Lennon of Newsday said the Mets intend to keep Pelfrey this winter despite his struggles, but based on these remarks and the potential fallout they can cause with his teammates and management, I wonder if that position will change.
One of the things which needed to change after last season was the general attitude and feeling around the team, and I think Terry Collins has done a phenomenal job in doing so this season. He regularly speaks about his players believing in themselves and it being his job to ensure that continues regardless of the results on the field. Pelfrey’s comments don’t exactly fit into his model and as a fan, it’s disappointing to hear a player say things like this.
Pelfrey is 6-9 with a 4.53 ERA in 24 starts this season. He’s allowed 155 hits, 73 earned runs, 44 walks, and 19 home runs in 145 innings.
