One of the few brighter spots in the Mets rotation this April has been Mike Pelfrey. Okay, so he’s not Johan Santana but he is 2-1 with a 4.43 ERA (and that’s only because of his last start against Atlanta, he let off 5 runs in 5.1 innings for those keeping score at home).
We knew Pelfrey’s time had come but Willie was probably gonna use El Duque had he been healthy. After a dismal start to last year’s season, Pelfrey has continued to work to improve his battery of pitches, his delivery, and his control. Overall, I think Pelfrey has improved immensely from last year and I think Willie should seriously consider putting El Duque in the ‘pen. Pelfrey is 24 and only going to get better. He has been a pleasant surprise to me anyway.
Now I’m going to take you Mets fans on a little trip. Today, we are going to the Bronx to visit Joe Girardi and Brian Cashman at Yankee Stadium. Afterwards, maybe we’ll go bury a Mets jersey in New Yankee Stadium. Girardi and Cashman have put their top pitching prospect Philip Hughes on the 15-day DL because of a fractured rib. Hughes currently holds a 0-4 record with a 9.00 ERA. This is a pitcher who was supposed to fuel the Yankees youth movement. Along with Ian Kennedy and Joba Chamberlain, these pitchers were hailed like Generation K was for the Mets. Instead, Hughes has turned into the 2007 Mike Pelfrey; you could almost count on them to lose. Okay, so Hughes, barring any career-ending injury, will also get better but Mike Pelfrey is definitely making the Yankees look pretty stupid right now.
New York is a big city. However, this city still isn’t big enough for two young pitchers ready to hit their stride. So far, New York is Mike Pelfrey’s city.
