Pelfrey Battles El Duque For Final Rotation Spot On Sunday
In what has become a long battle between two pitchers who have failed to take a convincing lead, Mike Pelfrey and Orlando Hernandez now face their last chance to make a lasting impression.
In one corner you have youth, and in the other corner you have experience. The problem is that Pelfrey's youth seems a little too raw for a team who has their eyes on a division title, while El Duque's experience seems to be a little long in the tooth.
Given the fact Mike Pelfrey will most likely end up in New Orleans should he fail to make the rotation, you can't help rooting for the kid to succeed. On the other hand, El Duque is already on record as saying he will refuse to pitch in relief, so what's a manager to do?
In his last outing, El Duque looked absolutely horrid in a simulated game in which his fastball was virtually non-existent. Not only was he extremely hittable, but his new delivery was nowhere near deceptive as his old delivery. Hitters could tell what was coming and it seemed like they had oodles of time to wait and pound the ball out of the park.
Pelfrey has shown some flashes but clearly is not ready for a major league gig. In his defense, his confidence and pitch selection has improved a great deal from last years version.
In my opinion, the Mets may ultimately fill that five spot via a trade or signing. I think both will get a shot to prove they belong in the rotation, but by the time June rolls along, don't be surprised if Omar rolls the dice and makes a move...
Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if he isn't already looking for a signal on his Nokia so that he can get the Angels or even the Rays on the phone.
Game time is at 1:05 PM. Mets versus Cubs AKA Pelfrey versus El Duque... It's the final countdown! Stay tuned...
Comments
Neither one will really be needed until May anyway, but my guess is it will be El Duque.Worse comes to worse we still have Sosa and Armas Jr. to be a mediocre/serviceable #5 guy...;)
Posted by: Adam Baker | March 22, 2008 10:08 PM
Armas Jr.? You're kidding? What did the guy do last year? How did the Mets get him?
Posted by: Old Timer | March 22, 2008 10:15 PM
Pelfrey. He is our top pitching prospect. He has to face major league hitters sometime. And why the hell not???? He looked pretty good down the stretch last year. Whats the worst thing that could happen? He gets hit, and they Mets send him down? I think that exactly what happended to start the season last year. Give him a shot. How do any of us know we dont have the next Justin Verlander sittin there waiting for his shot?
Posted by: Sean | March 22, 2008 11:30 PM
Pelfrey. It's go time for him. Plain and simple.
Posted by: Johnny | March 23, 2008 12:15 AM
forget about all those guys. If not pelfrey whom i really want to win that spot, why not figueroa? He is really the best option and has been proving himself in spring training. He was only hit in that game in against boston but you guys have to notice one thing: he is pitching from the stretch and not from the windup and there is a big difference when it comes to velocity,deceptions and hitting the corners. I watched Figueroa all winter and his curveball is that of the likes of Barry Zito when pitching from the windup and He's also A WORKHORSE.think about it. If not Pelfrey, Figueroa Should get the nod and believe me He'll surprise you
Posted by: Danny Sour | March 23, 2008 01:09 AM
Pelfrey sucks! He has shown nothing except that he doesnt have the stomach to pitch in the majors!
Posted by: nick | March 23, 2008 02:18 AM
I believe the Mets signed Armas Jr. to a minor league deal and invited him to Spring Training, Old Timer. I don't actually think the Mets will use him as the #5 guy. They probably signed him for extreme emergency and for more competition this spring...
I think Pelfrey should be given another chance.Not every pitcher comes in and wins consistently right off the bat...
If El Duque wants to whine about pitching in relief, I say exile him to Minnesota with Livan so they can finally be together. If the Mets want another over the hill Cuban defector, I'm sure Contreras will be available when the Sox tank in June/July...LOL;)
Posted by: Adam Baker | March 23, 2008 08:25 AM
Hey Nick - Yeah Pelfry sucks, so much so, that during the historical collapse while every other pitcher was stinking up the joint he was the only one winning. Yeah, that sucks....his time is now. I say give him a chance.
PS - I LOVE it when non professionals those getting paid to play say this one and that one "Sucks", while you sit in your easy chair and eat cheesy poofs. Nick is NOT the only one that does this, I hear guys getting paid on the radio say it too, drives me NUTS, almost as much as so called FANS booing their team.
Happy Easter
Posted by: Kate | March 23, 2008 11:04 AM
Adam..,you are so right!
"This guy sucks" comes straight out of the mouths of those who can only sit and watch. The only solace you will ever have is that these people will always be stupid!
Posted by: Alan | March 23, 2008 11:22 AM
I just like Duque refusing to pitch in relief... uhh he didn't have a problem with the White Sox, right? And last I checked, he's not in a position to make demands. Pelfrey belongs in the rotation and Duque can be a long/middle guy with Sosa.
Posted by: Fred | March 23, 2008 12:03 PM
well it looks like Pelfrey shot himself in the foot by imploding in his innings of work today and its not like El Duque did any better
Posted by: Mike | March 23, 2008 03:50 PM
Nice implosion by Pelfrey today... good god that was ugly.
Posted by: Fred | March 23, 2008 03:54 PM
El Duque only pitched in relief twice for the White Sox.
Posted by: Christian (MetsMan) | March 23, 2008 04:12 PM
It seems moot after today's game. I can't see Pelfrey heading north.
Posted by: Fred | March 23, 2008 04:17 PM
Man we got our a$$ handed to us today wow lol!
Posted by: Greg | March 23, 2008 04:41 PM
i got one name for you all freddy gracia
Posted by: john | March 23, 2008 06:22 PM