Feb
23
2013

Wheeler, Tejada, Cowgill Impress In Mets 5-3 Win, News Not Good On Feliciano

An article by John Delcos

ruben tejada

THE GAME:

Ruben Tejada hit a two-run homer and Collin Cowgill drove in a run with double as the Mets won their exhibition opener, 5-3, over Washington. One game does not a spring training make, but if you’re going to play the games it is better to win them.

WHEELER IMPRESSIVE:

Zack Wheeler wowed them in his first appearance of the spring, giving up a walk and hit in two scoreless innings. Wheeler threw mostly fastballs and sliders, the two easiest pitches to throw at the start, and will work more on his secondary pitches later in the spring. Even so, manager Terry Collins – despite Johan Santana’s condition – said Wheeler would likely open the season for Triple-A Las Vegas. The Mets believe they have a keeper in Wheeler, who threw 30 pitches with 19 of them strikes and working in the 94-96 mph., range and need to move him along slowly. He’ll continue to get work, but as spring training progresses and more innings go to the starters, he could get time in minor league or split squad games. Said Wheeler: “There wasn’t really nerves. I was just a little pumped up going out there. After I got settled down, after the first couple of batters, I think everything went well.’’ Translation: Yes, there were nerves.

PARNELL GETS TOUGH SAVE:

With Frank Francisco down with elbow soreness, Bobby Parnellbecomes the closer. Parnell worked the ninth and got out of trouble caused by an infield hit and error. I’d much rather see Parnell get in and out of trouble than blow hitters away. The more acclimated he becomes to working out of pressure situations the better. The word on Francisco is he might pick up a baseball Monday, but it would be several weeks before he’s throwing in games. The chances are very good he’ll open the season on the DL and Parnell will be the closer. Jeurys Familia will get a chance to close in a split-squad game Sunday against Houston in Kissimmee.

FELICIANO SIDELINED:

Lefty reliever Pedro Feliciano was diagnosed with a heart condition and will be required to wear a monitor to measure an irregular heartbeat. Collins told reporters: “My understanding is he has a heart condition that could possibly be very serious. So that’s why we’re being very, very careful with him. Until we get further results on some of the tests he took in New York, he’s not to be on the field.’’ There remains the distinct possibility this could be the end of Felicano’s career.

“It’s scary, I don’t know,” Feliciano said. “I am waiting for the doctors and for them to bring the monitor down here and then more tests.”

METS NOTES:

Shaun Marcum had a rough outing, giving up three runs on four hits, including a two-run homer to Chris Snyder. Marcum said he was having mechanical problems and pushing his change-up.

Somehow, the Mets still think they can get four starts for Santana and have him ready for the Opening Day. What’s the big rush?

Good day for the young pitchers as Darin Gorski and Cory Mazzoni each threw two scoreless innings and also impressed

Jenrry Mejia will start Tuesday against St. Louis, while Daniel Murphy is working out, but hasn’t been cleared to hit.

About the Author: John Delcos

I am an active member of the BBWAA and have covered Major League Baseball in several capacities for over 20 years, including ten in New York working the Mets' and Yankees' beat. I covered the Baltimore Orioles for eight years and the Cleveland Indians before that. I currently serve as an editor and senior staff writer for Mets Merized Online. Follow me on Twitter @jdelcos.

15 Comments + Add Comment

XtreemIcon February 23, 2013 at 7:37 pm

Know who else made a good first impression?

http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130223&content_id=41928616&vkey=news_sea&c_id=sea
- Frankie Says February 23, 2013 at 8:00 pm
  
  It figures. Anybody see Brown butcher that ball in left field today?
- Matt Balasis February 23, 2013 at 8:01 pm
  
  Some people just aren’t meant for NY.
- Joe February 23, 2013 at 10:59 pm
  
  Word in the yard is that Jason was seen visiting Madoff in prison shortly after his incarceration.
  Bay was later seen leaving the prison grounds with two duffel bags filled with money and a big grin. It seems that Mr. Madoff wanted a little payback for all the mudslinging slander that the Wilpons leaked to the press.
  Apparently Bernie gave Mr. Bay $20,000,000 to sign with the Mets, gain the fans sympathy, and then fake it as though he had ” lost his stroke” in the batter’s box.
  Bernie may be serving life in jail but he made sure he had the last laugh on the Mets.
  As for Jason, he did make out too badly either.
srt February 23, 2013 at 7:41 pm

That’s some bad luck for Pedro. Here’s hoping the tests reveal nothing too serious or can be fixed with minor surgery.
Matt Mosher February 23, 2013 at 10:04 pm

Bay can hit 40 bombs this year. Rest assured, if he was still a Met, that wouldn’t happen. Just not a NY player.
- Metties and Beer February 23, 2013 at 10:49 pm
  
  It is too early to be wasted. Bay will not hit 40 homers the rest of his career.
Markcomic1 February 23, 2013 at 10:21 pm

one other thing..
Head Case Duda is not going to make this team out of spring training. If he does, it will be because of someones ego and not his ability to hit.
“QUIET DAY: Lucas Duda, who has attempted to “quiet” his stance, went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and four men left on base. Collins said Duda looks uncomfortable with the new look, which includes an elimination of a toe-tap, so he needs more repetitions. The manager plans to have Duda get four ABs as a DH on Sunday against the Astros.”
Just-Da-Damaja February 23, 2013 at 10:38 pm

…side note:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P34WZr2FLw0

saw this interview with Kevin Mitchell…

this is the guy that Straw and Doc said would watch over them and make sure they stayed in line…
hotstreak February 23, 2013 at 11:39 pm

WHEELER IMPRESSIVE: I need input:

Please give me more feedback:.

Yes I saw Wheeler throw hard sliders (great) and straight fast balls all straight over the plate (no control problems but no corners either. The fast balls looked like Parnell. Yes I know it was only his first start in ST. Also Wheeler seemed to fall back after his release. On the come backer he was laughing as he got it after falling back in an awkward position. I only saw the third inning about two outs only as I had go out someplace.

Red Flags:
straight fastball
awkward fallback on release which could lead to back problems and defensive readiness

Pluses: His hard slider and confidence enjoying what he does

Please give me your input.
Markcomic1 February 24, 2013 at 1:31 am

Ugh just saw this and forgive my language but, F**K this guy!
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130223&content_id=41928616&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

yeah you found your swing, you big panzy! I am so mad right now..All that money wasted! Just admit playing in NYC overwhelmed you! You’re the Ed Whitson of left Fielders! I never disliked Bay, till right now!
Padilla February 24, 2013 at 7:56 am

Really pathetic… Posters blasting players, posters decreeing players to be HoFers, all based on a Feb game. Proves that the vast majority of posters are clueless. It Is February. Most years they don’t even play a game until 1 March.
- Just-Da-Damaja February 24, 2013 at 8:48 am
  
  LOL
- Kay February 24, 2013 at 1:16 pm
  
  Here I think it pathetic that none of what you just said actually happened, yeah, what a shocker that is, yet you still pop in to talk about, only, what people post, and nothing to actually do about the game. Enjoy Spring Training, watch a game, you may enjoy it.
Just-Da-Damaja February 24, 2013 at 8:51 am

after reading that article on Bay…Fred Wilpon will never release anyone from a contract ever again LOL

NL East Standings

Team	W	L	Pct.	GB
Braves	42	30	.583	-
Phillies	35	37	.486	7.0
Nationals	34	36	.486	7.0
Mets	27	40	.403	12.5
Marlins	22	48	.314	19.0

Last updated: 06/19/2013

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