Pelfrey and Joe Smith In, El Duque Down But Not Out

Surprise, surprise…

For those of you including myself, who thought Joe Smith and Mike Pelfrey would begin the season in New Orleans… think again! Both Smith and Pelfrey were all smiles today when they were told by Willie Randolph they had made the team.

Pelfrey and his 8.15 Spring ERA will take the mound against the Braves on Saturday!

Smith and his 6.76 Spring ERA will be on hand to bail Pelfrey out if needed.

So if they’re in then who’s out you ask?

Good question. El Duque was placed on the DL and will remain in Florida until he gains more arm strength. Pelfrey will have two starts to prove he deserves the five spot. If he fails, El Duque will get his shot next.

Also, Duaner Sanchez will officially hit the DL as well. As for Nelson Figueroa, Ricardo Rincon and Brian Stokes? Your guess is as good as mine right now. The Mets will try to convince them to accept minor league assignments, but don’t expect Rincon or Stokes to bite. They will fly the coop for greener pastures elsewhere. We will probably get to retain the least desirable of the three in Figueroa. I really liked Stokes, he will have a solid season for somebody… Maybe the Braves or Phillies???

Thanks to WFAN and John Delcos for the hot tips…