After a solid start against the Miami Marlins on Sunday in which Bartolo Colon pitched seven strong innings, allowing three runs on six hits (and hitting an RBI double!), the 42 year old righty improved his record to 8-3 on the season.
Those eight wins are tied with Felix Hernandez for the major league lead.
After the win, Colon stated, “I give all credit to the hitters and the team because they are playing well and the offense is scoring runs when I pitch. I’ve been able to have better command of my pitches, put the ball where I want to and be able to concentrate in-and-out and make the hitters uncomfortable.”
Since his two rough outings against the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals where he let up thirteen earned runs and four home runs in 9.1 innings, Bartolo has bounced back nicely, tossing back-to-back quality starts his last two times out.
Colon is making me eat crow for bad mouthing the two year, $20 million contract he signed before last season.
After going 15-13 for the Mets last year and pitching 202.1 innings, Colon is on his way to having another solid season for New York.
Terry Collins praised Colon after yesterday’s win: “In the clubhouse? Just pay attention. He doesn’t have to say a word. If you’re just a guy, a pitcher especially, pay attention. There’s a reason this guy has pitched for eighteen years.” Collins said.
“And if you could do nothing else, learn about how he goes about things mentally. You don’t have to copy him […] just how he gets ready to pitch every night, I think it’s going to help your career.”
I think many people, including myself, thought Colon would probably be gone this year, but I’m sure glad that didn’t happen, as he has a presence on the mound, in the clubhouse….and at the plate. 🙂
By the way, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports had a small blurb this weekend that read:
Dillon Gee could still be had, but a continuing injury history limits his value. Rivals prefer Bartolo Colon. “He takes the ball every fifth day and throws strikes,” says an admiring rival executive.
