Feb
27
2012

Mike Pelfrey: Sink Or Be Sunk

An article by 72MetsFan

David Lennon of Newsday profiles Mike Pelfrey who came to camp with a big chip on his shoulder. Pelfrey is angry at himself, Lennon says, and as the big right-hander gets ready to begin his fifth season as as a full-time starter for the Mets, Pelfrey knows all to well that unless he rediscovers that sink in his fastball, this could be his last season in Flushing.

His 2011 season was a huge letdown for the team and he knows it.

“I’m more determined not to let that happen again. Obviously, I need to have a good year or . . . I might not be back.”

That’s going to result in some changes. For one, Pelfrey doesn’t find things so funny anymore — the palm-licking, the balks, being part of whatever joke is circulating around the clubhouse.

There’s nothing humorous about getting torched for 21 homers last season, or watching opponents steal with abandon (29 in 31 attempts) behind him. Or having your first-year manager name you the ace and then pitch like anything but, finishing 7-13 with a 4.74 ERA.

Pelfrey wont be the Opening Day starter in 2012, nor will you see him slotted No. 2 or No. 3. He’s cemented himself in the No. 4 spot just ahead of Dillon Gee and he’ll have a lot of work to do before he gets back imto the good graces of Terry Collins who grew very frustrated with Pelfrey at times last season.

Pitching coach Dan Warthen said that “Pelfrey has finally decided to be a major-league pitcher.”

I guess we’ll all soon find out if that’s the truth or just another one of those Spring Training sound bites.

About the Author: Drew Staley

On June 1, 2012 Johan Santana officially became my favorite current Met! I'm a Queens native who grew up in the shadows of Big Shea. I was a huge Ron Darling, Dave Magadan and John Olerud fan. Honored to be a part of such a great site for Mets fans. Ya Gotta Believe!

9 Comments + Add Comment

NJstuckinTX February 27, 2012 at 7:13 am

Pitching coach Dan Warthen said that “Pelfrey has finally decided to be a major-league pitcher.”

Perfect timing Pelf… in your walk year, no less. Hope you pitch well and are gone at the trade deadline.
Alex68 February 27, 2012 at 8:08 am

This guy is a POS, buit giving the financial issues of the mets, he’d not be back either way next year, if he pitches poorly he’s done, if he pitches decent the mets won’t be able to afford him..
- Hodges14 February 27, 2012 at 8:47 am
  
  I’d have to agree with you on that. Pelfrey’s last year no matter how good or bad he is this season. A good season would guarantee his exodus.
oldtimer February 27, 2012 at 8:13 am

21 homers? And his home park is Citi Field? And many say the guy has stuff. 29 stolen bases in 31 attempts? That is pretty amazing.
Donal February 27, 2012 at 9:00 am

Now he’s decided to be a major league pitcher? What was he doing before?
stick February 27, 2012 at 10:07 am

doesn’t say much about the pitching coach either. Not that I think Warthen deserves to be here anyway, but isn’t that his job to get these guys to act like ML pitchers?
- Donal February 27, 2012 at 1:34 pm
  
  The farm is supposed to have a big hand in that, too. Pelf’s career was botched from the get go.
Mr North Jersey February 27, 2012 at 2:49 pm

LoL, Here is a funny tweet by Lennon.

Murphy was talking with Pelfrey about how to stay healthy this year. Pelfrey told him, “Jump.”
http://twitter.com/DPLennon/statuses/174217397136392192

Kris Kross will make you “JUMP!!! JUMP!!!”
- Donal February 27, 2012 at 2:57 pm
  
  That is a phase some of us would like to put behind us, thank you very much.

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