26
2012
MMO Mailbag: Have We Seen The Last Of Pelfrey?
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Douglas Cook asks: Will Harvey or Wheeler be called up this year or do they need more minor league seasoning?
We spoke to Wally Backman and asked him that question on Tuesday. He said that Harvey will certainly be with the Mets by September at the latest. I happen to think that if the Mets fall far out of it in the standings, and Harvey continues to pitch as he did on Wednesday (7 IP, 0 ER, 5 H, 5 K), that he will be here much sooner than that. As for Wheeler, I wouldn’t expect much more than a promotion to Triple-A Buffalo at some point this season. If he gets past his occasional wildness and gets better command of his secondary stuff, we could see Wheeler in late 2013 or early 2014. It all hinges on his further development.
Hitman asks: With Daniel Muno continuing to perform the way he is in the minors and the lack of depth at 3rd in the system, would it be a good move to shift Muno to 3rd base as he progresses? As far as I know, Muno can play 3rd in addition to 2nd and short.
You are right on the money. Not many scouts expected Muno to stick at shortstop anyway and while he’s been mostly playing second and also logging time as a DH, his final landing spot may very well be at third base where the Mets need to establish some depth beyond Zach Lutz. Muno prefers to play shortstop and his coach at Fresno felt second base was his best position, but the fact of the matter is that Muno can adapt and play any infield position well. He’s a very fluid defender and doesn’t have the greatest range, but will make the routine plays and the occasional jaw-dropper too which comes from his great instincts.
Anthony asks: Have we seen the last of Mike Pelfrey?
Difficult to say right now because his diagnosis and treatment has yet to be determined. If Pelfrey can avoid surgery I’m certain he will be back. But if it’s determined that he will need surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right elbow, then Pelfrey may have pitched his last game for the Mets. Pelf is owed $5.8 million for this season and has one more year of arbitration left. Under the rules of the CBA he cannot be tendered less than 80% of his current salary if the Mets want to bring him back. That would mean paying him $4.6 million without any guarantee that he will be back before August of next season. He would most definitely be non-tendered after this season, making him a free agent that Scott Boras will showcase whenever he is throwing off a mound again.
About the Author: Joe DeCaro
I'm a lifelong Mets fan who loves writing and talking about the Amazins' 24/7. From the Miracle in 1969 to the magic of 1986, and even the near misses in '73 and '00, I've experienced it all - the highs and the lows. I started Mets Merized Online in 2005 to feed my addiction. Follow me on Twitter @metsmerized.
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NL East Standings
| Team | W | L | Pct. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braves | 27 | 18 | .600 | - |
| Nationals | 23 | 23 | .500 | 4.5 |
| Phillies | 22 | 24 | .478 | 5.5 |
| Mets | 17 | 26 | .395 | 9.0 |
| Marlins | 13 | 33 | .283 | 14.5 |
Last updated: 05/22/2013
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I think it would be a shame if this is the last we see of Pelfrey. Alot of people on this sight have tired of his shinanihan’s and rightfully so but I find him to be a very useful #4 or #5 starter the real issue is getting the cost within reason for such a position. I see 1 4.6 million to be a little High. I would love to see a release and resign for 3 plus incentives type of deal. I guess I am guilty of giving to much leeway to homebrewed guys but Pelf has value it’s just not what we expected it to be.
if he has TJ then no chance they arb him. But, possible they work out something after that ( a MiL deal of some sort?) for while he rehabs?
it is good in a sense (for him) that he did this early in the year, since he may actually be pitching at some level next ST, even if not going to be ready for a season, could be relatively early on.
I read that Dr. Andrews did review the MRI and they ‘medical doctors’ had a conference call about it this morning.
Tweets said some thought yes for surgery, others no. Also read Pelf saying he doesn’t have any pain.
Also saw a tweet on Pelfrey’s pre-draft physical where a doctor commented ‘you have the cleanest pitching elbow I’ve ever seen’. Just goes to show lots can happen in 6-7 years.
Also saw that was Pelf’s last MRI. Have to wonder if he does have a tear, how long he’s had it and been pitching with it.
Never thought I’d say this but hopefully Pelf does not require surgery.
I don’t think no pain now always means all is well. If it is a partial tear, it can feel good when resting, and flare up when you pitch. The thing is when it goes, it is catastrophic failure (remember Zambrano running off the field after 1 pitch?)
Yup. And Wagner throwing 2 pitches off the mound starting his rehab that August. Knew it snapped as he walked off shaking his head.
i honestly hope not, i really like our prospects but i would love to see some more from pelf
Pelfrey heading down to Dr. Andrews for the surgery.
Good luck to you, Mike.
Adios Pelf.