Feb
22
2011

Spring Update: Pelfrey Rediscovers Sinker, Don’t Count Out Izzy, Beltran News

An article by Hojo's Mojo

Andy McCullough of the Star-Ledger, says right-hander Mike Pelfrey is trying to rediscover his sinker (two-seam fastball) which he abandoned last season. He still produced a groundball 47.8 percent of the time. Pelfrey said that he thought the split-finger fastball Dan Warthen taught him in 2009 caught people off guard early last year and helped account for his quick start. Warthen also advised him to throw more high four-seam fastballs inside to hitters and trust his 92-mph heat.

Warthen is very impressed with Chris Young and Chris Capuano who both had solid workouts for the Mets yesterday. ”These guys have thrown more pitches probably than anybody since they’ve been down here,” Warthen said, referring to Young and Capuano. “They have shown no ill-effects whatsoever. They both seem to be throwing free and easy and voicing no complaints whatsoever. So, it’s very encouraging.”

According to Newsday, Carlos Beltran will be kept out of the first week of Grapefruit League games to give him time to complete his running program which will determine whether or not, he will play center field this season. Beltran says he feels great.

Don’t count out Jason Isringhausen says a team source, according to the Daily News. “Throw in the cutter he leaned on heavily his last few years as the Cardinals’ closer, and Isringhausen may still have the weapons to be effective. One Mets person Monday even speculated that the old pro would be a better bet as the primary set-up man for Francisco Rodriguez than flame-throwing Bobby Parnell. “The only question,” the person said, “is if he can stay healthy.”

David Waldstein of the NY Times says Jason Bay gladly would give up No. 44 to Jason Isringhausen. “I’ve tried to hit against him and I know how good he is,” Bay tells Waldstein. “I hope he makes it because he’s a great pitcher and he’ll make our team better. And if he does, I’m giving him the shirt. It’s his. I want him to have it.” Bay said he would not ask for anything in return.

Check out this cool video from ESPN New York of yesterdays workout.

About the Author: Rob Johnson

8 Comments + Add Comment

Metsie February 22, 2011 at 9:46 am

My god! Not one mention of the Wilpons!!!

Thank you Hojo!
lol
Kranepool7 February 22, 2011 at 11:00 am

Pelfrey going back to sinker? The one that sucked in 2009? Wonderful!
- Nester February 22, 2011 at 11:16 am
  
  The pitch has served him well his entire career. The more looks and pitches he can attack hitters with, the better he becomes.
Metstheory22 February 22, 2011 at 11:25 am

ROOTING FOR IZZY
- Gina February 22, 2011 at 6:55 pm
  
  I’m rooting for him too, hope he pitches hi way onto the team this spring.
86mets February 22, 2011 at 12:14 pm

If Pelfrey can re-discover the sinker and use it effectively AND continue to use the 4 seamer and splitter he could finally turn the corner into becoming a front line starter like the Mets envisioned back in 2005 when they drafted him. I hope the pressure of being the “Ace” doesn’t get to him until Santana is back. And even when Johan returns Pelfrey is likely to still be the #1 until Santana comes all the way back from his surgery. And even that is no sure thing at this point. Best wishes and luck to Big Mike. Hope he has a big year!
Mr North Jersey February 22, 2011 at 1:05 pm

(Off Topic)

If your interested in watching a mlb team working out in Spring Training. The SF Giants are streaming theirs workouts live for the nest few hours.

Here is the link.
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?topic_id=16570032

It is pretty cool in my opinion. Can someone petition the Mets to do the same? I know I would love to be able to see the guys take BP and pitch.
alwaysnextyear February 22, 2011 at 4:07 pm

Izzy still has to be a long shot though. Unless he is finally healthy after a couple of years injuried, or he learned some special new pitch over the winter, he is still likely shot.

still, if he does prove to be effective, between him and Buckholz they could have some interesting experienced set up options.

parnell can also be a guy brought in whenever they need some rh heat, anywhere from the 6th-8th.

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