A request for our GM
Dear Omar,
I’ve got a request for you... it’s about our starting rotation competition.
Just let the best man win — even if he happens to be 23 years old with just 21.1 big league innings on the back of his 
baseball card.
baseball card. We’ve heard the rumblings about Mike Pelfrey being slated to start the season at Triple-A to get more experience. Guess that would make Chan Ho Park the favorite to get the No. 5 spot. (It’s probably safe to assume John Maine and Oliver Perez are No. 3 and No 4.)
I’m no scout and I don’t have Rick Peterson’s charts, but after what I saw yesterday, Pelfrey is ready to be as good a No. 5 as we can ask for. And he could become much more — in 2007 — once he cuts his teeth.
So far in five spring innings he’s gotten just about every batter he faced to pound the ball into the infield. He’s attacking the bottom of the zone with his sinker and slider. He’s throwing strikes.
He could be a Brandon Webb-type. But with better control and more strikeout capability as he matures.
That’s too much to delay for a retread like Park.
Look, if Chan Ho outpitches him, then fine. He earned it.
But of Pelfrey’s the man for the job, just skip New Orleans.
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Duaner, what are you doing??
Looks like reliever Duaner Sanchez was booted from camp for a day because of a lousy attitude, bad conditioning (15 pounds above target weight??) and perpetual lateness.
Dude... you’d better straighten up!
This bullpen needs you!
(Hopefully, Willie didn't hail him a cab after he tossed him out of the facility yesterday.)
This bullpen needs you!
(Hopefully, Willie didn't hail him a cab after he tossed him out of the facility yesterday.)
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Mets in '07!
Sanchez must really love his food. This guy needs to go out and get some food in the middle of the night and bang taxi accident. His rehab apparently consists of eating, eating and some more eating. I guess he is taking his place on the team for granted. I hope he shapes up in more way than one.
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Eddie, my exact thoughts on both issues. Pelfry is making a believer in me as I never really warmed up to his style but he is working very hard. I was not too thrilled when I read today somewhere that Willie is already saving a potential spot in his heart for Park. It would be a sin to send Pelfry back to Triple A and keep Park as the #5 starter. That is my one complaint about Willie in that he favors the veterans sometimes to a fault.
As for Duaner, I am very disappointed. I did not know this was something he has done in the past either so instead of giving him the "pass" for one or two offenses, I think Willie did the right thing. Not sure what Duaner is thinking but I hope he takes getting back into shape seriously.
Lee Ellen
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Duaner Sanchez sure needs to get his act together.The guy should know not to do that.He should know something was bound to happen as a result like it did!They have camp for a reason so be on time!
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YVaithe... after the taxi accident, a few radio talkies around here floated the idea that Sanchez was somehow at fault because he was out at 2 a.m. I didn't think that was fair then and still don't. (Even though I'm not sure I buy the line he was going to dinner that late.) But Sanchez obviously has no excuse now. This is the second time off-field incidents have setback his career. He's a **** good relief pitcher and an important part of this team and better get his act straight...
Lee Ellen... this Sanchez thing makes you appreciate Aaron Heilman even more. A good relief pitcher (albeit, he'd rather be starting) and no off-field baggage. Kudos to Willie for tossing him out of camp. I bet that will wake him up... I really want nothing to do w/ a retreat like Park. Here's hoping they get this one right!
Kaylee... if you wanna get under Willie's skin, being late is the way to go. Lousy job by Sanchez!
~ Eddie @ Willie Ball
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I'm not all that concerned about Sanchez...yet. It's distressing to see a guy like that take his spot in the bullpen for granted, and I'm glad Willie took a hard line with him. (Willie seems to have a good balance between being laid-back and laying down the law when necessary.) BUT, if guys like Alay Soler and Jorge Sosa keep pitching well, they can minimize the loss of Sanchez if he's still hurt and/or his head isn't in the game.
All things being equal, I definitely want a healthy and dedicated Sanchez, I'm just saying that other worthy pitchers could get a chance to shine--at his expense.
I'd like to see how Pelfrey and Park pitch the duration of the spring before making a decision. I may be an optimist, but I DON'T think Willie will repeat the mistake he made with Kaz Ishii two years ago. If he goes for Park over Pelfrey and Park stinks up the joint, I think we'll see Pelfrey up here real fast. We shall see.
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EC, you are right on. I hope this is just a momentary blip on Sanchez's part. And I agree that Sanchez with a grudge is exactly what this team *does not* need. I was reading before that Omar and Willie are meeting with Sanchez tomorrow morning so I am going to think positive that that will be the end of this matter. After all, I want the Mets to make the news because they are mowing down opponents on the field and not over club house scuttlebutt 'a la Yankees'.
Eddie, my guy Heilman got a little blown out today. I am not able to watch the week day games so I am not sure how bad he pitched or if the Tigers just had exceptional hitting but I am still an avid Heilman supporter.
Dear Mets - please work out all your kinks between now and April!!!
Lee Ellen
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EC... well said. Willie does seem to have the perfect balance when it comes to that. Think Pedro Feliciano last season... when the lefty called one of Willie's moves "stupid" (I believe that's the right word)in the papers. Willie cut him down immediately, but not in a manner that would cause him to drift away from the team. ("I've been around winners, and that's not how they act.")
Lee Ellen... On the bright side, at least we aren't wasting any bullets in spring training lol. The way I figure it, the guys have another week to get comfy, then it's time to get it together a and start winning some games. You don't want to go into the season ice-cold. Nor do you want to get hot the first three weeks of camp, then waste that streak before April.
As for Aaron, yeh he did get roughed up again yesterday. Hopefully these are just come kinks he's working out. Don't forget he had those "bodies" removed from his elbow this winter. Maybe it's taking a little time to get back on track after that.
~ Eddie @ Willie Ball
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