Pelfrey

It is nice when your pitcher does not have his best stuff, maybe struggling with himself, and he still gives you a decent performance. I think that can be said of Mike Pelfrey’s latest performance. He did not have his best stuff. Still he kept the Mets in the (Spring training) game.

Pelfrey pitched four and two-thirds of an inning. In that time he gave up six hits and two runs. One of those runs was not earned. When Pelfrey left, the Mets were winning.

Okay, I know it is just spring training. Still, Pelfrey knows he is battling for a starting job (and if he does not make it as a starter, he will begin the season in the minor leagues) and he is producing. I know Pelfrey did not get off to a great start last year. Still, that was then, this is now. Pelfrey has a year more experience under his belt and you have to believe that having Johan Santana is going to help all the other pitchers (plus Pedro starting the season with the team). I know El Duque wants to start and is working towards that goal. Still, El Duque is far from reliable for the year and the Mets have to do what is best for them.

From what I have heard (and it is difficult following spring training games), I think Pelfrey should make the team. He has shown a lot this spring and I believe he is ready to step out on his own. If he is, and if Pedro is healthy and back to form, and if Johan comes through the way everyone expects and if Ollie and Maine have years at least as good as last year, then the Mets will be a major force.

It is a lot of “If’s,” but it seems to have a very good chance of coming True!