The Mets 5th Starter Will Be....Nelson Figueroa?
I was checking out a few different mets blogs today to see if I could get any info of who might be the Mets 5th Starter. Omar and Willie have decided that they will use a 5th starter at the beginning of the season, slated to pitch on April 5th against the Braves. They have not gave any indication who that might be though. The candidates are of course, Pelfrey, El Duque, and possibly Nelson Figueroa.
Omar Minaya was on WFAN the other day and he didn't rule out Nelson Figueroa for the fifth starter's spot...In six games this spring, spanning 14 innings, Figueroa has let up just five runs, 12 hits, with seven walks and 7 k's.
I don't care to check out El Duque stats this spring, but I watched him pitch on Sunday and just take my word for it that he blew. He gave up 3 runs in the first inning and was dripping sweat. He couldn't locate his mid 80's fastball, let alone any breaking pitch. This guy is not ready now.
Mike Pelfrey has been less than stellar. Posting a 7.56 ERA in 3 Games with 8.1 IP giving up 7 ER and 4walks. His attitude has also been an issue so far according to some different sources.
Nelson has put up respectable numbers so far and is being considered as the Mets 5th starter to begin the season. The right-handed starting pitcher and occasional long reliever stands at 6'1, 155 pounds. He features a fastball, slider, curveball and breaking ball and will turn 32 in May. He has a career 4.65 ERA with a 1.4 WHIP and a 5.23 k/9 ratio. Not amazing stats but with considerably better defense behind him along with a few tricks and hints from Rick Peterson, it is possible those numbers could be slightly above his career average.
To me, it doesn't matter if you are an crusty old veteran, a high-potential prospect, or a journeyman. Spring training is for people to establish their role on a team and impress the coaching staff. Whoever does that the best, should be considered for an open roster spot.
Omar Minaya was on WFAN the other day and he didn't rule out Nelson Figueroa for the fifth starter's spot...In six games this spring, spanning 14 innings, Figueroa has let up just five runs, 12 hits, with seven walks and 7 k's.
I don't care to check out El Duque stats this spring, but I watched him pitch on Sunday and just take my word for it that he blew. He gave up 3 runs in the first inning and was dripping sweat. He couldn't locate his mid 80's fastball, let alone any breaking pitch. This guy is not ready now.
Mike Pelfrey has been less than stellar. Posting a 7.56 ERA in 3 Games with 8.1 IP giving up 7 ER and 4walks. His attitude has also been an issue so far according to some different sources.
Nelson has put up respectable numbers so far and is being considered as the Mets 5th starter to begin the season. The right-handed starting pitcher and occasional long reliever stands at 6'1, 155 pounds. He features a fastball, slider, curveball and breaking ball and will turn 32 in May. He has a career 4.65 ERA with a 1.4 WHIP and a 5.23 k/9 ratio. Not amazing stats but with considerably better defense behind him along with a few tricks and hints from Rick Peterson, it is possible those numbers could be slightly above his career average.
To me, it doesn't matter if you are an crusty old veteran, a high-potential prospect, or a journeyman. Spring training is for people to establish their role on a team and impress the coaching staff. Whoever does that the best, should be considered for an open roster spot.
Comments
i would give it to Figueroa. El Duque to the pen, Pelfrey to the minors!
Posted by: Tommy V | March 25, 2008 09:55 AM
Curious why Sosa is not being mentioned as a candidate. He was very solid for a while as a starter last year.
Posted by: Eric | March 25, 2008 09:59 AM
key word there for awhile he was amazing 4 the mets 4 5 games and that was it i stilly say we should sign freddy gracia
Posted by: john | March 25, 2008 01:14 PM
what about Jonathon Niese his doing good so far in the game
Posted by: john | March 25, 2008 01:28 PM
I'd rather see Niese get a full year in the minors and perhaps a September call-up. No need to rush him, he's only 21 years old.
I'd still like to see Pelfrey # 5 in the rotation and Figs the long man.
Posted by: Milo | March 25, 2008 01:40 PM
I'm with milo 100%. Niese needs his time in the minors. we don't want the same thing that happened to pelfrey to happen to him. I can deal with pelfrey as the 5 guy, and Nelson as the Long relief. Duque's....not fit to pitch. Period.
Posted by: Satish Ram | March 25, 2008 04:09 PM
i also heard on the fan that the mets may possibly have some kind of deal with detroit and sosa was a name they were discussing for bullpen help - maybe that's why he isn't being considered.
Nelson is an old friend of mine from Brooklyn - junior high and high school. He has pitched well and definitely needs to make the club - and as far as the 5th spot goes, he definitely has the best numbers at this point.
Posted by: dan | March 26, 2008 10:22 AM