Mets Merized Online

Pretty soon, all the pre-season bantering will end and the regular season will be underway.

There are 19 days left between now and opening day on Sun, April 4th. The Amazins play 20 games, including two split squad, and most notably, a fitting test for them are the 4 games against the Cards, which will certainly feature near full regular season lineups.

The real talk for now is what’s happening on the field in PSL with the competition for roster spots, specifically, the starting rotation (the #5 spot presumably), first base, center field (until Beltran returns from injury), and the bench. Perhaps, even some discussion on who holds down the SS position, with the absence of Jose Reyes, should be considered. Of course, the “losers” head down to Buffalo and the “winners” get an all expense paid trip to Flushing and Citi Field. Let’s take a look at the progress so far.

#5 Starter

• Nelson Figueroa: 1-0, 0.00 ERA in 8.0 IP, 0 R’s, 4 H’s, 3 BB’s, 9 SO’s
• Jon Niese: 0-0, 7.04 ERA in 7.2 IP, 7 R’s, 10 H’s, 4 BB’s, and 7 SO’s
• Fernando Nieve: 0-0, 6.00 ERA in 9.0 IP, 6 R’s, 12 H’s, 5 BB’s, and 2 SO’s.
• Hisanori Takahashi: 2-0, 0.00 ERA in 6.0 IP, 0 R’s, 2 H’s, 0 BB’s, and 9 SO’s.

Takahashi has been mentioned in some circles, and from Jerry Manuel, as a possible option at 5th spot and not the bullpen as previously thought. Surprising. I know that Niese is the front runner according to recent speculation. Being the third lefty in the rotation is a definite advantage against certain lefty heavy lineups/matchups in the NL East.

My pick: I think if we’re looking at numbers only, Figgy has distinguished himself as someone worth one last shot at a rotation spot. I would personally hate to see him get sent down again and perhaps never seen again in a Mets uniform. Nieve may see bullpen time if any of the other two get spots on the staff.

Your pick: Who do you like and why?  

Center Field

• Angel Pagan: 8 gms, 21 ABs, .238 AVG/.429 SLG/.304 OBP
• Fernando Martinez: 8 gms, 22 ABs, .591 AVG/1.136 SLG/.542 OBP.
• Gary Matthews Jr: 7 gms, 21 ABs, .333 AVG /.762 SLG /.417 OBP.

Nobody believes that Matthews will take the starting spot in Beltran’s absence. F-Mart has been discussed but questions about his baseball IQ and rookie mistakes may keep him in AAA a little longer before call-up. So the consensus pick is Pagan, who suffers, at times, from some of the same IQ and rookie issues.

My pick: I’m thinking about who can maintain the field without making game costing mistakes until Beltran returns. I am going to go with the one with the most professional experience and baseball know-how. You guessed it. I am picking Gary Matthews, Jr. This also gives F-Mart and Pagan the time they sorely need.

Your pick: If you had to choose a competent replacement for Beltran to start, who would you prefer and why?

Shortstop

• Alex Cora:  7 gms, 17 AB’s, .353 AVG/.412 SLG/.389 OBP
• Ruben Tejada: 9 gms, 28 AB’s, .357 AVG/.393 SLG/.419 OBP

We can’t do anything about the fact that Reyes is out but the important part is the production, speed on the bags, and competent play in the field. Tejada has great upside and although considered for the spot by some, perhaps not ready for an every day role in the majors. With Cora, you may expect good defense, which is a plus but he’s projecting to bat 7th or 8th in the lineup so his ability to put the ball in play is all that’s needed. He won’t be leading off.

My pick: I like Russ Adams but he’s not one of the choices so I will go with the professional and the veteran Cora. We simply need competency at the position until our speedster returns. Adams or Tejada may not be bad as late game backups if the Mets have a comfortable lead to ensure them some playing experience.

Your pick: Who do you like?

First Base

• Ike Davis: 10 gms, 22 AB’s, .500 AVG/.909 SLG/.560 OBP
• Chris Carter: 6 gms, 11 AB’s, .455 AVG/.1.364 SLG/.500 OBP
• Mike Jacobs: 7 gms, 16 AB’s, .250 AVG/.625 SLG/.429 OBP
• Daniel Murphy: 8 gms, 24 AB’s, .167 AVG/.292 SLG/.222 OBP

Numbers-wise, this may not say much for half of these guys but the competition seems to still be Murphy’s to lose. I suppose his working with Mex makes him a front runner. You typically don’t want to look at numbers this time of year as determining factors but it’s hard to ignore some of these. What do they mean? I don’t know yet but it’s something to watch.

My pick: I’m inclined to give D Murph a legit shot at the position with Chris Carter as the backup. I’m going against the grain again. Based on recent history, having good defense AND a good bat in the lineup serves us better. I know Jake is the one everyone thinks is the best fit but I prefer to give C.C. the shot.

Your pick: You got a better idea than Murph at first? Who’s the best backup in your mind?

Relief Pitching

Pick ‘em: Kiko Calero, Pat Misch, Jenrry Mejia, Ryota Igarashi, Elmer Dessens, Bobby Parnell, and Sean Green. (not counting Kelvim Escobar)

We need a second lefty which has Misch in the conversation somewhat. Projections say Igarashi has a great shot at commanding the 8th inning. Bobby Livingston, although pitching pretty well, will probably be in Buffalo for a bit as will Tobi Stoner and Eric Neisen, whom I believe has some real potential. Calero is working on his slider as he recovers from injury and looking pretty good so far.

My pick: (8th inning) Ryota Igarashi, (LOOGY) Pat Misch, (ROOGY) Kiko Calero, (7th inning) Bobby Parnell. Tentatively, I offer Sean Green and/or Elmer Dessens backend middle relief situations. I left out Mejia because he could easily be considered for the 5th spot or another bullpen spot if he stays with the club. I’m undecided on where I think he will go to be honest.

Your pick: So what’s your take on these?

As we get closer to opening day, every game played from here on out will decide the composition of what I believe is a contending club in 2010. LGM!

My, my, my… It appears that we got a real wakeup call from John Maine the other day…

Ol’ Johnny Boy pitched in relief after a pretty neat showing by Johan Santana on Sunday, and here’s what he brought to the table: eight batters, five runs, three walks and three hits in less than an inning pitched as he was only able to retire  two batters.

Spring Training is supposed to be where you work the kinks out and get into physical and mental conditioning for the regular season. Maine’s response to this “aberration”?

“My mechanics felt fine.  I just wasn’t into it,” Maine told reporters.  “The feeling that it wasn’t my game as a starter - that was the hardest thing… It’s a waste of a day… I was up, down, I can’t put my finger on exactly what was wrong.  My delivery was fine.  I was rushing a little.  But that’s normal when you haven’t pitched in a while.”

Maine has had excuses before and to be honest, a few injury issues that made me anxious to ship him out over the past two years. When that Corey Hart deal with Milwaukee was being discussed, I have to admit I got giddy. It’s my contention that he needed to be moved while he still had some value, after very surprising 2007 and 2008 seasons. On August 4, 2008, Maine was put on the disabled list with a strained rotator cuff, then had shoulder surgery to remove a bone spur, then in 2009, he dealt with arm fatigue and multiple setbacks that limited our rotation. He went more than 5 innings once that year.

Pelfrey is growing up and recognizes the need to solidify secondary pitches instead of being the guy that threw fastballs 80% of the time on the mound. Astounding stat! Ollie is learning how to trust his stuff and be the pitcher we think he can be. Maine? Well, let’s hope he stays healthy. I just didn’t know that we had more than one headcase in the rotation. He just wasn’t into pitching that day. Really, John? Really?

With all the talk about #2 through #4 of the rotation for the Amazins, the 5th spot is as up in the air as an Ike Davis homerun. There are arguably about three or four pitchers contending for the spot. After a tenuous 2009, a clear message is being sent to everyone not named Santana or Rodriguez on the pitching staff: The best pitchers get the spots. Pure and simple. Let’s take a look at the prospective back-enders. We need solidification in the rotation and the #5 spot is no exception. here are the top three contenders along with their updated spring stats.

Jon Niese - 7.71 ERA, 4.2 IP, 6 H, 4 BB, 4 ER, 5 K  

Considered by many including Jerry Manuel to be the #5 starter and will have to pitch himself out of the job to lose it to anyone else on this list. It may take a big collapse to push him out of this spot. His big league experience is slim, but he did pitch admirably for the big league team when called up. He pitched 6 games in 2 years. He’s healthy and has shown no ill effects from the leg injury that derailed his season. All he needs to do now is pitch his tail off. The consensus pick.

Fernando Nieve – 6.00 ERA, 6 IP, 7 H, 4 BB, 4 ER, 2 K

The dark horse in the race for the 5th spot. He sported a 3-3 record in 7 games (2.95 ERA) last year at a time when the team really needed him desperately due to pitching woes. Now that he’s over the leg injury that put him down last year, he could very well upend Niese for the final spot. The only true difference between them is that one is a lefty and the other is a righty. Sounds trivial? That may make a huge difference as the Mets could use competent lefties in their rotations to offset the lefty heavy lineup in Philly, for one. Plus, Nieve is out of options and Niese is not.

Nelson Figueroa – 0.00 ERA, 8 IP, 4 H, 3 BB, 0 ER, 9 K

What’s to say? Figgy has been up and down and all around and rumor has it that the Buffalo to La Guardia Shuttle will be named after him, Figgy helps his cause this spring by pitching eight scoreless innings in his three appearances this spring. Figgy (and the Mets) know that if he is sent down once more, he may have seen his last opportunity in a Mets uniform. He clearly has been verbal about playing in Flushing and wants to remain with the team. He’s pitching, not only like he wants to stay as a Met, but like someone who intends to make it really hard for the powers-that-be to choose anyone else for the 5th spot.

Who do you like for the 5th spot? I’m going to say Figgy should be given the spot, allow Nieve to be the long man, and bring Niese along slowly. This gives the Mets room to move if Niese has to be sent back down since he has options left. Figgy and Nieve can be interchanged at the 5th and the long relief spot but I think Figgy deserves one last chance to make an impact. That’s my perspective. What’s yours?

The Grapefruit League afforded the 6-3 Mets fans the opportunity to see some of our rotation’s hopefuls at work and get a glimpse of what we will be expecting to see in less than a month. There were a lot of things to be happy about if you’re a Met fan… and quite a few things that were the topic of some discussions.

Johan Santana made his Grapefruit League debut today against the Houston Astros. Johan gave up 4 runs in 1 and 2/3 innings. He threw his slider effectively, which showed that his elbow is much better as that pitch is very difficult to throw if the elbow is not right.

The final line was six hits, one walk, and a homer to Kaz Matsui, for our ace.

After a trying year of health issues, it’s good to know that Santana can throw his signature pitches effectively and is in good health. Not great numbers, I hear the skeptics saying in the background, but nothing to be concerned about. Besides, it’s Spring Training and the games don’t mean that much.

This was huge step forward for our ace.  Johan just needed to show he was healthy and he did that. These kind of results aren’t important right now. Chillax, Mets fans.

Oliver Perez made his debut against the Nationals and under the mandate of pitching coach Dan Warthen, he just needed to throw strikes. If nothing else, Ollie accomplished that throwing 33 of 49 pitches for strikes. His line was 3 IP, 5 R, 7 H, and 1 BB. He felt good and looked comfortable (for Ollie) on the mound. So why the opposing reactions from fans on Perez as compared to Johan’s performance today? That’s one to ponder, I suppose.

One point of note is RBIs. A lot more of them this Spring than anyone expected as compared to last spring.

David Wright (with his 2nd home run this Spring) and the hot hand of Ike Davis have been very hot and productive. That’s good news if it can translate over to the regular season.

The Mets left far too many runners on base last season, and I believe the approximate number was about 9 players LOB per game last year. You do the math… My head hurts!

That could have easily and without much argument, equated to, at least, two dozen wins going the other way. Maybe more. I think we have a stud on our hands with Ike. We just need to take our time and let him develop.

Seeing D-Wright pounding the ball instead of obsessing about pulling the ball to right field makes this a very interesting development for our on-field product.

Even Johnny Maine, although also being dealt with cautiously due to recent arm issues, pitched very well with a win this week. He threw 39 pitches (21 for strikes) in 1.2 innings and allowed just one run, two hits and on walk.

We will definitely see more from all three including Big Pelf as we get through March. I’m very encouraged about the overall health of the arms. That was a crucial sticking point for us last year and it appears to be a non-issue so far this year.

Additional notes

Chris Carter, chomping at the bit for a roster spot, hit two home runs in the same inning against the Marlins on Monday, which is a very rare feat and distinction even for a spring exhibition. Jenrry Mejia, who has been lobbying to start for the Mets as opposed to the expected bullpen assignment, had a great outing on Monday, and now has allowed two hits and no walks and struck out five in 5 1/3 innings pitched. I believe Mejia is being stretched out. Time will tell, though. And how about Hisanori Takahashi who showed why he should be considered a lock for the team with three shutout innings and only one baserunner allowed on Sunday afternoon.

Lots of positives. You just need to open your eyes and look for them. Keep an eye on Bobby Livingston, Fernando Martinez, Ryota Igarashi, Russ Adams, and Shawn Bowman. They’re all playing pretty well too. I hope you’re all as encouraged as I am, as we have plenty of good reasons to be optimistic for a change. Different air, different demeanor, and I am hopeful for a different result on the field. LGM

Much of what dominates Mets talk and is bandied about is whether the Mets will have a successful season in ‘10. Can Big Pelf live up to his “potential”? (Don’t you just love that word?) Will Reyes be his old self or even better? Can the #3 through #5 pitchers keep us in games consistently? So many questions, so much time. I am opting to look outside of these norms and explore another route. Numbers and records suggest that the Mets have done historically better when they do well in their division. Inter-league and NL numbers combined cover approximately half of the games they play in a 162 game season.

We are well acquainted with their troubles last year. No need to regurgitate all that in detail with a new season upon us. They were 28-44 against their East rivals and finished fourth in the division. 40-32 in 2008, 41-40 in 2007 (both with 2nd place finishes), and 44-29 in 2006 when they won the division. This is probably a big “DUH” to many of you but obviously, for a team that had so many challenges last year and questions this off season already, this is a prime place to focus their energies.

You always hear it discussed as crucial parts of the battle plan in the NBA and in the NFL, and especially in NCAA football, for some examples. You have to win those division matchups!

It clearly matters here as well. As much as we can’t help doing so, for the moment lets ignore focusing on Philly because they’re the defending East Champions. A new one game at a time, and “every game matters” approach is going to be the mantra in the clubhouse and in the press publicly this season. But my eyes will be clearly fixed on those division matchups.

If we win those, we can certainly expect to be better than 4th place and near the top again so if a Wild Card is the best possible option, we’d be in better position for it. We can’t lose series against the Bravos, Nats, and the Marlins and expect to contend.

So how do we match up? Our offense, in my mind, is comparable to almost every team on paper. A few things that will help the team take the next logical steps toward success is beating the other teams’ aces.

The Marlins’ Josh Johnson has hurt us much last year. He is is 4-0 with a 1.76 ERA lifetime against the Mets. He’s clearly their best pitcher. When we face him again, beating him will go a long way toward our goal.

The Braves’ Jair Jurrjens is 6-1 in eight career starts against the Mets, including 4-0 in five outings last year. Tommy Hanson also must be considered.

With the Phillies, J.A. Happ, Cole Hamels (his record against us stinks but he called us choke artists and I highly doubt any Met or Met fan will forget this when he’s on the mound, true or not), and now Roy Halladay (whose record I love against us. Halladay is 2-2 with a 5.55 ERA in four career starts against the Mets, the most recent of which came in 2006.) We still need to beat these aces for starters but essentially, a winning record against our NL East-mates puts us back in the driver’s seat and perhaps far past the talk about whether we can compete in a division that is ours by right.

We have given it away many times so now it’s time to take it back….by force if necessary. Don’t ask how…..You Already Know…..

I am trying really hard to focus on Spring Training as we get a chance to see what will eventually develop into our 2010 squad, with a few pluses and minuses. The glutton for punishment that I am, I decided to watch the Mike and Mike simulcast on ESPN 2 this morning to hear them do their “triple play” featuring our Amazins. Guys, please just pretend like we’re unbiased and that you will address this team just like any other team. I watched them include the Brewers and the Athletics and there were stark contrasts between those two and how the Mets were received. Heavy sighs, mumbles, head shaking, and murmurs of doom again but especially from ESPN. At least, MLB insider Keith Law stated the Mets have a chance of competing as long as they stay healthy, which is all anyone can ask for.

To be fair, a large market team like this should be able to bring more excitement and buzz and optimism to the table, especially with a top five payroll. Even expert Bobby Valentine stated his beliefs on where the Mets will end up. He felt that the team has a possible chance at the Wild Card at best only if the team is healthy, but the gloom and doom followed quickly after. The consensus seemed to be that the division will be won with 95 games so the Phillies have that locked with their potent offense. The Wild Card is supposedly in play, but the Mets have to win at least 88 games or more, 90 to be exact. They are not amongst the believers that this can be done by our current crew.

It doesn’t surprise me that nobody thinks the Mets can do it. Listening to it regurgitated over and over by the Worldwide Leader is a bit aggravating. It sounds like it’s a lock that Atlanta and Florida are going to keep us from moving up in the standings. Josh Johnson and the incumbent Tommy Hanson not withstanding, are they THAT good and are we THAT bad?

I don’t buy it. I know we got questions from Pelfrey on down in the rotation, but competent defense, good situational hitting and decent outings (decent is all we need from this crew) from our 2-4 pitchers and we have a seriously competitive ball club! And never discount the upcoming trade deadline for additional pieces. By that time, we will all know what we have and what needs to be adjusted. No doubt in my mind, these Mets can compete.

Don’t throw in the towel, Mr. Met… This season is not over yet, Is it? I think true Mets fans know the answer.

It’s that time, Mets fans, to start getting into the groove and rhythm before the season officially starts. After last season’s end and a tepid offseason, what should we be looking for out on the fields of PSL?

I don’t live down there anymore regretfully so those that made the trip, please send me some weekly love and updates. I appreciate it!

The mantra for most is: It’s just the pre-season and the games don’t count. I vote for energy, drive, and determination, a renewed focus if you will. Some of my peers have already noticed a difference in the players’ interviews, on field demeanor, and a “no-nonsense” attitude overall. That’s a plus and hopefully a catalyst for what we expect to see in less than a month or so.

There are a lot of questions to be answered. The correct answers can make our orange and blue clad warriors title contenders and possibly even playoff bound.

• Who will step up in the rotation ito grab the #2 spot? Johan is solid as our ace, but this two-spot in the rotation is still yet to be defined. Someone amongst Big Pelf, Ollie (with the awesome beard and degree from the Institute), J Maine or Escobar (which may be a reach as of late) or someone unmentioned has a shot at doing something crucial to help this team.
• Will the young pitchers respond to the enthusiasm, expertise, and experience of the Barajas/Blanco combo? They better or it could mean their jobs. (That applies to all three of the aforementioned starters. Trust me. They are on a short leash.)
• Will D-Wright do damage at the 4 (possibly) or 5 (more likely) spot in the lineup? With Jay Bay behind him, this should cause much trouble for opposing pitchers. This alone makes the Bay signing very significant.
• Which Jose Reyes will we see? I saw a couple over the past 2 years. I prefer the boisterous, fun-loving, and excited Jose as this one clearly produced more than the tepid version 2.0. Sometimes the sequels are not better than the original. Just sayin’.
• What’s the prognosis for first base? Murphy? Coste? Tatis? DAVIS? Guesswork on my part as some things are yet unclear.  I would offer a supposition that the Mets will probably go with Murphy (Thanks, Mex) and see where it takes them. They will change the oil if the car’s not running well probably by July.

I’m sure there are other questions in your mind ranging from the farm system, the bench, and the relief pitching, such as who will manage the 8th inning. The time for talking is almost over but it’s fun to consider the options. This is where the rubber meets the road. The season certainly depends on it. Speak on this.

From latest reports, it appears that the Mets have signed a competent 2nd baseman to come in at a minor league deal. Baseball America reported that the Mets have signed veteran second baseman Alex Cintron to a Minor League contract.

The signing has not been confirmed by the club. The details of the deal were not immediately known.

A nine-year Major League veteran, Cintron played 21 games for the Nationals in 2009. The 31-year-old sports a career .275 batting average with 33 home runs and 222 RBIs in stints with the D-backs, White Sox, Orioles and Nats.

Cintron batted .285 in Triple-A last season. He was a regular for Arizona from 2003-05, and had his best season in 2003, when he batted .317 with 13 homers and 51 RBIs in 117 games.

The Mets are clearly stockpiling what they believe are competent, flexible players to help them get through the season.

In my humble opinion, this is actually a good signing. Firstly, I don’t think I can breath easy in thinking that Castillo will hold up throughout the course of a full season. And besides that, how often can you find a second baseman that can both hit and play good defense on a minor league deal. If our beleaguered Mets get competent players like this even on the bench, that makes the team better, big names or not. We go into a season with depth and some level of certainty that we can compete. With Cintron, you get a capable utility infielder that the Mets could have used last year and he has a decent OBP. 

If Cintron does what he is capable of, the Mets might have just gotten themselves a nice backup plan and some added depth. Like it? Love it? Want some more of it? Let’s hear it, Mets fans.

Mets fans, you may have gotten your wish. According to Jon Heyman of SI, and coupled with multiple reports over the past few days to verify, it appears that Rod Barajas may accept the low-ball figure from the Mets. It is a minor league deal for about $1MM dollars. Of course, if accepted, Barajas is a near-lock for the starting job with Blanco, Coste, and Santos behind him (probably in that order).

If this deal is indeed accepted by Barajas, the Mets have in effect done two things: 1) They have solidified their catching corps and allowed for the other guys bound in AAA to develop and grow into the position. (Ahem, Coste & Santos) and 2) They have strengthened their rotation situation as well. As I’ve posted in the past, Barajas brings something unique to the table. He will challenge (even physically) his pitchers and I know about 3 pitchers in particular that could benefit from a little “tough love”. Barajas may only care a low to mid .200 BA but he brings something that can only be measured in results in the rotation. That is more valuable than a catcher hitting in the 7th or 8th spot: Confidence from the younger pitchers. And that equals wins.

Here’s a snippet from a game a couple of years back between the Royals and the Rangers:

“Barajas and Drese were involved in a confrontation in the Texas dugout in the middle of the sixth inning, apparently over pitch selection. Teammates and manager Buck Showalter separated the pair, who were on the ground, and Barajas and Drese later shook hands when Drese was pulled from the game after the seventh.”

If you think about this, you will see how significant this could be especially when you look at it against who the Mets have had behind the plate as of late.

So what do you think? Does that give you a renewed excitement for the team’s hopes this season? Do you go into the start of the regular season with a little more confidence? Have we improved pending this deal? Like David Wright said recently, and I’m sure you’ll all agree. The goal is to win the NL East, go into the playoffs, and win the World Series. Bottom Line! Let’s hear your thoughts. I know the Orange and Blue Nation have something to say.

In a season where major and significant moves are few and a regular season here before you know it, I am inclined to be more “open” to any potential move that will help. If the offseason just started, I probably wouldn’t consider it as priority but now, well you know, it’s wise to consider any help. The rotation is always tantamount to a successful season so Mets fans, I give you….drum roll please……Yuniesky Maya.

Now stoic supporters may rather have John Smoltz (stability, experience). Your words, not mines! Or even dare I say, Pedro? (Your suggestions, not mine. Don’t lie. I heard some of them.) I know that 2010 is a defining season where jobs and roles are all on the block so why risk what is a tenuous situation on a pitcher from Cuba with no real major league experience if you count the World Baseball Classic. The answer: IMO The Mets have nothing to lose!

They’ve already taken chances throughout the off-season. Ollie “I feel great. Like my beard?” Perez’s resurgence because of his time at the “Institute” (never gets old!), Igarashi as a possible lefty out of the pen with ”I’m really tired” Pedro Feliciano, Mike “Mr Yips” Pelfrey, Gary “I got your back, Carlos” Matthews, Jr., and so many other minor league invites that may or may not even pan out.

Believers like me always hope for the best so why not take another risk. The Mets love bringing in foreign players who have not played in the States much if at all. If Bobby V was the coach, he would be in full agreement, I’m sure. Maya fits that mold and is a risk worth taking. In a lot of ways, I like him better than Sheets and Pineiro.

Maya, pitching internationally, has all but dominated the competition from 2003 to 2009.

In the 2003 season, he gave up one run in 10 innings and went 2-0. In 2004-2005, he was 5-2 with 7 saves and a 1.61 ERA, leading the league. In the 2005 World Baseball Cup, Maya struck out 11 in 7 1/3 IP and getting a save, allowed 3 runs (1 ER). 

In 2009 Maya was 13-4 with a save and a 2.22 ERA, fanning 119 while allowing only 113 hits in 146 innings pitched.

Last spring in the WBC, he had one start and two relief appearances, allowing one earned run in seven innings, while walking two batters and striking out four.

I can live with all those numbers. Can you?

Maya has a curveball, two-seamer, slider, and changeup, along with a fastball peaking at 92 mph. He has had as much success as almost all of our current pitchers behind Johan,  if that means anything. He’s young and in his prime, has a formidable arsenal, and recently worked out with the Mets this month. SIGN HIM!

There really isn’t any reason not to. LGM!